International Association of Book keepers (IAB)

About IAB

The International Association of Book-keepers (IAB) was founded in 1973 and until approximately ten years ago it focussed purely on being a professional and examining body for bookkeepers. Building on this, today the IAB is the leading UK and international professional body for those providing bookkeeping and related accounting services to small businesses. Through its broad range of Ofqual accredited qualifications and its CPD activities, the IAB aims to meet an extensive range of financial skills needs of young people and adults and to provide essential business skills for those starting or developing a small business.

In recent years, IAB has broadened out from its core root of book keeping and at present it is adding appreciably to the education and training of youngsters as well as adults. The range of qualifications proffered by the IAB includes the essential technical knowledge and skills associated with book keeping, payroll, small business financial management, and cost and management accounting. The IAB is now being looked upon as the gateway to a financial career, whether it is to become a qualified and registered book-keeper or entering allied careers in payroll management and accountancy.

Moreover, all the qualifications proffered by the IAB are accredited in England by the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) as well as the regulatory authorities in Wales and Northern Ireland and are also eligible for government funding in these areas of the UK.

IAB is, therefore, unique in that it is a professional body for book-keepers in addition to being an awarding body regulated and recognized by the relevant government authorities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 

What is a Book-keeper?

A book-keeper is an individual who gives financial support role to other professionals. Small to medium sized enterprises might feature book-keepers as the sole financial member of the staff. The tasks of a book keeper are quite difficult to be defined because of numerous and varied duties across differing businesses. However, the main tasks performed by a book-keeper include:

• Sales Accounting & Credit Control
• Purchase accounting
• Accounting for Stock
• Cash & Banking
• Accounting for VAT
• Nominal ledger
• Payroll Accounting
• Data processing – accounting packages

The IAB book keeping qualifications

The IAB (International Association of Book-keepers) qualifications are applicable for those working at the initial levels of financial accountancy as well as for school leavers and individuals in quest of a career change or those returning to work.

The qualifications from IAB can also be used as a stepping stone towards Accounting Technician and Accountancy qualifications of the Institute of Financial Accountants.

The payroll qualifications proffered by the IAB are designed for those involved in the everyday operations of a payroll department. Additionally, this qualification is equally suitable for school leavers and those looking for a career change or resuming work after a break.