British Qualified Accountants - Bookkeepers and Accounting Technicians

Bookkeepers and Accounting Technicians

Various bodies, e.g. the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), offer what used to be considered lower-level qualifications in bookkeeping and related skills. This was until recent years when it was usual for an Accountant to be "articled" to a firm of Accountants when studying, and would learn bookkeeping skills through experience. This has now changed and a large number qualify as Accountants without acquiring what was this specialised "on the job" skill. For this reason a need for professional Book-keepers with speciallist knowledge grew, which in recent years has been supported by recognised qualifications which are offered by both the AAT and IAB. Individuals with such qualifications are referred to as bookkeepers, and are not recognised as professionally qualified accountants.

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) (designatory letters MAAT or FMAAT, standing for "Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians" or "Fellow Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians", respectively) is the UK’s leading body offering a qualification at a level between that of 'bookkeeper' and that of the Recognised Qualifying Bodies. After passing exams and obtaining relevant experience, its members can apply for MIP (Member in Practice) status and are then licensed and regulated by the AAT to provide practice accounting, tax and financial advisory services, although they are not entitled to undertake audit or insolvency work. As in the case of members of the RQBs, AAT MIPs are required to hold adequate insurances and undertake regular CPD activities relevant to the services they offer.

Practising Accounting Technicians are entitled to refer to themselves as 'accountants', as the term is not protected in law (unlike, say, 'solicitors' and 'doctors'). They cannot, however, present themselves as being of Chartered status.

The AAT is sponsored by the professional accounting bodies CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW and ICAS. ACCA withdrew its sponsorship in order to establish its own similar qualification, the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT). CATs are not eligible for practising certificates.

The International Association of Book-keepers (IAB) offer Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) qualification specifically in bookkeeping and Payroll. IAB members are professionally qualified book-keepers. Members use designatory letters AIAB standing for "Associate Member of the IAB", MIAB "Member of the IAB and FIAB "Fellow Member of the IAB". FIAB can also use the designation "Registered Book-keeper". After passing exams and obtaining relevant experience, its members can apply for a Certificates of Supervision, Certificate of Compliance and eventually Certificates in Practice status, depending on membership level and experience, and are then licensed and regulated by the IAB to provide practice book-keeping, accounting, tax and financial advisory services, although they are not entitled to undertake audit or insolvency work. As in the case of members of the RQBs, IAB practicing members are required to hold adequate insurances and undertake regular CPD activities relevant to the services they offer. Although not sponsored by any other professional body, IAB qualifications are recognised by many of the bodies and members may, depending on the qualifications they hold apply for some exemptions to the other professional bodies.

AIA also offers IAT with the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry. IFA offers Financial Accounting Technician (AFT).