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6 171 ICB Information and Highlights Formal Meeting Notice 172 Fellow Nominations 173 ICB Policy and Philosophy 174 Constitution Changes 175 Directors Nominations 177 ICB Management and Framework 178 Meet the Team 180 Membership Benefits 182 Membership Statistics 183 ICB Achievements in 2017 184 Members Survey About Member Benefits 185 Management Report 186 ICB Objectives 2018 189 Your Voice as ICB Bookkeepers 190 How ICB Communicates with You 193 How to Use the ICB Website 195 Get involved in ICB 196 ICB Advisory Board 198 Balance Sheet 199 Revenue and Expenses 200 Financial Budget for 2018 201 Executive Report on 2017 202 Technology Platforms Used by ICB Australia 204

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171

ICB Information and Highlights

� Formal Meeting Notice 172 � Fellow Nominations 173 � ICB Policy and Philosophy 174 � Constitution Changes 175 � Directors Nominations 177 � ICB Management and Framework 178 � Meet the Team 180 � Membership Benefits 182 � Membership Statistics 183 � ICB Achievements in 2017 184 � Members Survey About Member Benefits 185 � Management Report 186 � ICB Objectives 2018 189 � Your Voice as ICB Bookkeepers 190 � How ICB Communicates with You 193 � How to Use the ICB Website 195 � Get involved in ICB 196 � ICB Advisory Board 198 � Balance Sheet 199 � Revenue and Expenses 200 � Financial Budget for 2018 201 � Executive Report on 2017 202 � Technology Platforms Used by ICB Australia 204

172 Institute of Certified Bookkeepers

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Formal Meeting Notice

2018 Members MeetingAll Members of ICB are invited to attend our Annual Members Meetings

� Extended discussion and formal presentation of Matters at Members-exclusive Webinar � Information will be tabled and Highlights only presented at the ICB Conference in 9 locations over March. � Voting on matters for consideration (Electronic Voting will be enabled until 18th April)

The formal ICB members meeting will be an exclusive members webinar session to provide information and allow discussion on matters tabled for voting, including the formal resolutions.

To be held on Wednesday 11th April, 2018 at 2:00pm (AEST) � Register at http://www.icb.org.au/Members-Meeting

The 2018 meeting will include: � Constitution reform including: › Change to the composition of the Board of Directors

› Appointment of Directors

The members annual meeting is also held as a series of information and highlight meetings in conjunction with our annual conference, from 2:30pm (approximately) to 3:30pm in 9 locations.

Due to the substantial nature of decisions to be made in the 2018 meeting, a formal electronic voting system will be enabled to allow members to cast their vote, in conjunction with the opportunity to meet and be informed by the face-to-face meetings and webinar.

Voting will open on 28th February and close at 4:00pm on the 18th April 2018. (This allows for discussion of issues on the 11th and consideration before voting is finalised).

Members Meeting AgendaFace to Face meetings in each of 9 locations include:

� Recognition of recipients of Fellow Membership � Recognition of Members Years of Service � Highlights from reports

� Notification of Agenda Items that will be discussed at the Formal Members Meeting

� Notification of Items requiring Members Voting.

Conference-based meetings will highlight the following items with the detailed discussion at the formal members meeting on the 11th April…

Presentation and Receive Reports � Constitution Changes � Directors appointments � 2017 Financials (Balance Sheet and Profit/Loss) � Operations and Management framework

for acceptance and clarification

� Membership Statistics and other items reported � Policy and Philosophy of ICB � ICB Achievements � Key Activities and Initiatives � Government Involvement

Member requested Agenda ItemsMembers have requested the following items be presented at the Members Meeting and Discussed

� Network Meeting Facilitator financial support

The webinar meeting will allow any time required for members requests or questions.

The meetings held in conjunction with conference will address appropriate member issues raised by prior notice by email to [email protected]. Any topics or questions asked on the day may need to be received and responses provided at the formal webinar meeting on the 11th April.

Membership of ICB is granted in accordance with our corporation documents and membership guides. Explanation is provided:

� In our Constitution � In our membership grade explanation � In our ICB Code of Conduct

Discussion PaperThe concepts being reviewed and drafted into the proposed Constitution changes are available here:

� http://www.icb.org.au/About/Corporate--Legal-Information/2018-Members-Meeting/Constitution-Change

ICB Information and Highlights 173

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Fellow Nominations

Recognition of ICB Members for their extra efforts to support the profession of Bookkeeping.

“Fellow” Membership is awarded to those nominated by their peers and agreed by the admissions board, to be recognised for significant contributions to the bookkeeping community.

Selection Criteria (one or more of the following): � Provided significant contribution into ICB and the membership over a period of time � Contributions to resources and support � Network facilitation � Bookkeepers helping Bookkeepers � Representing ICB � Bookkeeper education � Considered and approved by the Admissions Board

Previous Recipients of the Fellow Membership

2012Perla Soberon-Brittle Rick Freitag Elizabeth Haverfield

Rob Marshall Deborah Thompson Andrew Prescott

Pamela Chilman Matthew Addison John Birse

Cheryl Knight Roslyn Little Jean Stone

Amanda Linton Vanessa West Pauline Walton

Irene Smith

2013Marilyn Amesbury Rhonda Ingrati Rochelle Park

Jillian Wedmaier Chris McComb Carmen Geeves

Jo Threlfo Susan Tayler Melissa Foote

Gabriela Ornig Roslyn Van Welie Leanne Berry

Debra Jeffrey Heather Smith Kirsteen Charge

Veronica Hughes Maria Landrelli

2014Lisa Kennedy-Jones Richard Lowe Vija Platacis

Deborah Hawke David Bowles Kieran May

Rob Boon Carmen Morris

2015Sarah Atkinson Charmene Britton Alison Dowling

Fay Eade Lauretta Finis Jo Voight

2016Dana Byrnes Ian Chait Jennifer Creasey

Debra Fraser John Leask Nicole Parsons

Heather Shaw Rosanna Taylor Fiona Toy

Elizabeth Wilson Lyn Wright

2017Katrina Aarsman Alice Billingham Darren McMahon

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ICB Policy and Philosophy

ICB is…Bookkeepers helping Bookkeepers helping Business

Local Focus � National Accreditation � Global Recognition

Concept StatementsICB promotes and maintains the standards of bookkeeping as a profession, through the establishment of expectations, relevant qualifications and the award of grades of membership that recognise academic attainment, working experience and expertise.

ICB Global ObjectivesICB Global states that the Institute’s objectives are:

� To promote bookkeeping as a profession � To enable bookkeeping to gain recognition as an integral part of the financial profession � To promote training in the principles of bookkeeping � To enable the achievement of a qualification � To improve the career prospects of its members

VisionIn Australia, the ICB provides bookkeepers with the co-operative forum to be the best they can be. It is about bookkeepers – Bookkeepers helping bookkeepers helping business.

� The vision of the ICB is: › To provide bookkeepers › With the co-operative forum › To be the best they can be

� It’s about bookkeepers: › Recognition › Education

In Australia, “Bookkeepers” includes BAS Agents who are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board for the purposes of the Tax Agent Services Act 2009.

The ICB aims to bring certainty to the bookkeeping profession and all involved and affected by it. It answers the questions:

� What does a bookkeeper do? � How skilled is this bookkeeper? � How do I prove my bookkeeping skills? � How do I improve my bookkeeping skills? � How do I do bookkeeping better? � What are the benefits of being part of a professional organisation for bookkeepers?

ICB will accredit, assist and inform bookkeepers and the community thereby increasing the structure and definition of the profession.

ICB will promote Certified Bookkeepers and develop the professionalism of Certified Bookkeepers.

ICB is a member based, not-for-profit, professional association – Bookkeepers helping bookkeepers.

ICB Information and Highlights 175

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The Purposes of ICB AustraliaThe purposes of ICB include:

� To facilitate forums of information, experience and education exchange � To provide resources and guidance for the best practice of bookkeeping � To provide support for Certified Bookkeepers including technical assistance � To promote Certified Bookkeepers � To develop the professionalism of Certified Bookkeepers � To provide commercial benefit from being a member of this network � To embrace, support and promote the BAS Agent regime � To provide opportunities for the gaining of experience under supervision � To ensure government and key stakeholders listen to, consider and promote Certified Bookkeepers and

their reality

The Next 10 Years to 2028 for ICBWith the perspective of “Bookkeepers helping Bookkeepers helping Business”, the benefits of “Global Recognition – National Accreditation – Local Focus”, the vision and purposes as above.

We specifically embark on: � Influencing the educational review � Influencing and collaborating with the ATO and government � Proactive engagement with our Strategic Partners � Enhanced project management and communication � Enhanced digital content and design � Developing further bookkeeper mentoring opportunities � Enhancing the network meetings

Constitution Changes

Summary of the proposed changes to

CONSTITUTION of THE INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED BOOKKEEPERS LTD ACN 115 901 945

A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

Constitution of ICB is proposed to be amended in accordance with � The companies existing constitution � Corporations Act 2001

ICB Directors are proposing the following changes having reviewed � The companies existing constitution � Corporations Act 2001 � Tax Practitioner Board requirements for recognised associations � ITAA requirements for a Not for profit Limited by Guarantee � Contemporary Constitutional requirements that enable current technology � Model Constitutions � Replaceable Rules from ASIC and Corporations Law

January 2018

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THE INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED BOOKKEEPERS LTD CONSTITUTION CHANGE SUMMARYThe following comments highlight the areas of change. To understand the specific changes to the constitution please refer to the “Marked Up” copy which contains the detailed amendments of every Clause.

This document only refers to the items that have been changed and specifically does not refer to those sections of the Constitution that have not changed.

1. Directorsa. Members set the number of Member Appointed Directorsb. Members must appoint Directors by Members resolutionc. Each member appointed Director shall be appointed for a maximum of 3 years and is eligible to be

reappointed.d. Each proposed Director must receive a minimum 50% (of the members participating) positive

indication of confidence in the persons ability to be a Director.e. In the event of an election, the nominees receiving the higher votes will be appointed.f. Proposed Directors commit to perform their role specified in Clause 53 & 59g. The elected Directors can appoint up to 2 “Appointed Directors”h. The Chief Executive Officer (who is appointed by the Board) will be an additional Appointed Director

2. Members Meetingsa. A change so that “The Directors” may call a meeting of members and not just One Director.b. Voting by members to be enabled by electronic voting technology.c. Notice of Meetings to specify the method of voting, including technology enabled voting systemsd. Members meetings may be held in one or more locations and use technology ie webinare. Quorum to be either 2 members or the number determined in advance by the Board of Directors

3. Admissions Processa. The role of admissions is being allocated to a committee, the “Admissions Board” appointed by the

Board of Directors rather than the Admissions role being held by the Board of Directors.b. The role of the Secretary in the admissions process has been allocated to the Admissions Boardc. Specifying that if an application for membership does not proceed that the company may retain the

application fee but would return any part of the membership fee that had been paid in advance of being granted membership.

4. Complaintsa. Will now be handled by a “Complaints and Disciplinary Committee” that is appointed by the Board.b. Previously the constitution only allowed for a member to make a complaint about another member. It is

proposed for the constitution to recognise that complaints from members of the public will be considered by the Committee.

c. If the Member appeals any decision of the committee, it will be considered by the Board of Directors and not a general meeting of members.

5. Electronic Addressa. Specifying email as the Address for Service for membersb. Specifying that ICB can use the electronic address by default.

6. Member recordsa. The Register of members can be maintained using technology

7. Terminologya. Replaced the term “Subscription” with “membership fee”

ICB Information and Highlights 177

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Directors Nominations

31st January 2018

DIRECTORS NOMINATION INFORMATIONThe current Directors of ICB are

� Garry Carter (Founding Director from ICB Global) � Matthew Addison (Founding Executive Director/Joint CEO) � James Carter (previously ICB Global) � John Birse � Amanda Linton (now also joint CEO)

Each year the Members have ratified the appointment of the above.

2018 AGM

James Carter, who is based in UK and has changed his role with ICB Global will step down from the Board.

All other Directors will continue (subject to member ratification) at least until the process for nomination and election of new or additional directors to the Board as proposed in the new constitution.

The proposed constitution changes bring the constitution into line with current expectations including the concepts of the Directors, Members and the requirements of the TPB for Recognised Professional Associations.

The proposed constitution provides for: � The number of Directors to be decided by the Members � That the Members elect the Directors � That each Director is appointed for a maximum of 3 year term. � A director is then eligible for re-election � The Elected Directors may then “Appoint” a further 2 Persons to the Board � The CEO is to be considered a further “Appointed” Director

The constitution in clause 59 requires Directors to perform the purpose:The purpose of the Board of Directors is to include

a. To manage the Vision, Purpose, Policy & Philosophy and By-Lawsb. To make recommendation to members for any Policy & Philosophy changesc. to appoint the Chief Executive Officerd. to ensure the management is meeting the objectivese. to provide input and representation to ICB Globalf. to approve the Budget

The thought is to allow, following the approval of the amendments to the constitution; � the appointment of 6 elected Directors � that Amanda as CEO will then take that “Appointed” Director position � that John will be nominated for a 2 year term � that Matthew will be nominated for a 3 year term � therefore that up to 4 new Directors may be elected into position with two persons filling a 1 year term, one person

a 2 year term and one person a 3 year term. In this way a rotation of 2 directors each year is proposed. � that Garry Carter has Founder and ICB Global representative will be “Appointed” by the Directors.

The Nomination process will be commenced following the approval of the constitution changes.

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ICB Management and Framework

December 2017

ICB corporate, legal and governance is managed by the Board of Directors. � Matthew Addison (Executive Chairman) � John Birse � Amanda Linton (CEO) � Garry Carter (Chair of ICB Global)

ICB Executive and Team manages and operates ICB. � Matthew Addison (Executive Chairman) � Amanda Linton (CEO & Director) � Rick Van Dyk (Chief Development Officer) � Chris McComb (Technical, Resource and Support Manager) � Jan Tacey (Team Leader Member Services) � Toni Ortika (Member Services) � Jessica Mierke (Member Services) � Carmel Wright (Events, Network Meetings) � Sarah Priestly-Hill (Accounts, Support) � Pauline Walton (Support, Resources) � Deborah Thomson (Resources) � Gabriela Ornig (Support) � Wendy Hughes (Support) � Leanne Berry (Support) � Simone Hall (Executive Assistant) *Maternity Leave � Carly Lapthorne (Assistant) � Celina McAlister (Office Manager) � Danny Cohen (Digital Content Manager) � Chloe Frost (Social Media & Marketing)

ICB Advisory Board is consulted to inform and assist the ICB team. Current external members:

� Gillian Rossouw � Leanne Berry � Rick Freitag � Sue Tayler � Vija Platacis � Jo Voight

ICB information and communication is developed through the 80+ network meetings which enable feedback via the regular network meeting reports (and informal dialogue) provided by meeting facilitators.

ICB members have open access to the ICB Directors and Team at any time. Members are encouraged to discuss and raise matters at any time. The ICB Discussion and Support Facebook group (exclusive to ICB members) provides additional communication. The Board of Directors is to be expanded in line with the recommended constitution changes being considered in April 2018.

ICB Australia is part of the ICB Global network. ICB Global provides ICB Australia with; � Rights to the name “The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers” � Website hosting and infrastructure � CRM system, maintenance and development � International resources and direction

ICB Information and Highlights 179

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ICB Operational Teams Structures

Policy, Philosophy and DirectionMatthew Addison looks after ICB on Policy, Philosophy and Direction, including as Chair of the ICB Board of Directors. His major operational focus now is in transitioning into liaison with Government, ATO, Digital Business Council, and other interactions on behalf of ICB.

OperationsAmanda Linton is progressively taking over the role of CEO from Matthew, in line with the growth in the capacity of ICB. This role takes leadership of the operations of ICB Australia, including a streamlining of the process to look after ICB delivery and development of what we do and how we do it. In conjunction with the Office Manager and the respective team leaders and members, Amanda has oversight of the operational management of member services, technical support/resources, production and network meetings.

ManagementThe management team of Matthew, Amanda, Rick, Chris and Celina provide operational oversight and governance. This team is facilitated by Celina as Office Manager, and Chaired by Amanda as CEO.

DevelopmentRick Van Dyk has taken on the role as Chief Development Officer. The expansion of ICB has allowed the allocation of Rick’s expertise and skills into developing the ICB infrastructure (both existing and with new initiatives), specific representation of ICB into the development of the Education sector, assisting the expansion and development of ICB Global. His role is predominantly Strategic development and implementation, including Strategic Partner and Education Provider relationship development.

Technical SupportChris McComb as Technical Resources and Support Manager oversees resource development including webinars, workshops, support team management, systems and development. Pauline Walton and Deb Thompson provide many of the outcomes of this team. Gabriela Ornig, Wendy Hughes, Leanne Berry and Sarah Priestley-Hill form the support team.

Sarah Priestley-Hall has, as part of her role, the responsibility for ICB accounts and internal bookkeeping.

Member ServicesJan Tacey as team leader of Member Services with Toni Ortica and Jessica Mierke, look after all things to do with your membership, and assisting new members in the application process. As the front line of ICB they conduct nearly 35,000 interactions with members in a year!

Carmel Wright managing the Network Meetings and ICB events (Conference & workshops). Assisted by Carly Lapthorne.

Digital Content ManagementThe website and newsletter delivery are provided by Danny Cohen.

Social Media and MarketingOur social media, communications systems, image and marketing initiatives are co-ordinated by Chloe Frost.

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Meet the Team

Chris has over 30 years experience in the accounting industry.Her experience extends from working with accounting firms, accounting program software house in support and training to running her own business in consulting and bookkeeping. Her role at ICB extends from technical support, resources, product training, workshops, reviews and webinars.Chris McComb

Technical Support/ Research Manager

ICB Australia’s founding and continuing Executive Director. Tax Agent, Accountant, CA, FICB.Represents ICB as a member of ABR Board, Australian Tax Office TPSG (Tax Practitioner Stewardship Group, as co-chair), BAS Agents Association Group, Single Touch Payroll Advisory Group (and working groups). Previously an Accountant/Tax Agent in Practice at RSM Bird Cameron to 1993 and then established and developed Addisons Accountants until 2008.Matthew Addison

Executive Director

John has been teaching Accounting for 40 years, first as a Secondary Commerce Teacher, then through his training company Taskforce Training and finally as part of his role as owner of the Jim’s Bookkeeping Franchise. He sees his role as Director of ICB in assisting Bookkeepers in Australia to provide first line support to business in the use of systems and technology and is keen to empower Bookkeepers in believing in their ability and capacity to run profitable and professional bookkeeping practices.

John Birse Director

Amanda owns and manages Freedom Accounting Support, a bookkeeping and accountant support business formed in Hobart in 2005 and expanded to South Australia in 2010. Amanda has represented ICB at Tax Practitioner Board consultative forums, ATO Bookkeepers Advisory Group meetings and consulting into the strategy of ICB. She held the first Network Meeting in Hobart and now runs the Henley Beach Network Meetings in Adelaide.Amanda was announced MYOB Partner of the Year in 2012.

Amanda Linton Chief Executive Officer

Rick joined ICB in April 2010 after working with MYOB for over six years as Account Manager for M-Powered Services, Education Specialist and Marketer for Professional Partners Australia and New Zealand.Prior to working with MYOB, Rick worked for five years for a management firm specialising in the leisure and entertainment industry firstly as a Payroll Manager, then as the IT Manager. Prior to that Rick spent 17 years working in the service based industry.Rick Van Dyk

Chief Development Officer

BAS Agent, Certified Bookkeeper and Trainer. Deborah started bookkeeping before personal computers. Spanning over three decades of technological change and innovation, Deborah has provided personal consultation, mentoring and software integration services to commercial business.

Deborah Thompson Training Facilitator

Pauline is a registered BAS Agent with 22 years in the bookkeeping industry. Pauline was a Network Facilitator in Perth prior to moving to Melbourne in 2013 and joining the ICB team. Pauline currently works in Technical Support, providing support to ICB Members. Pauline is also involved in the development and delivery of webinars and workshops. Pauline still continues to work within her own business.

Pauline Walton Technical Support

Accomplished Business/Finance Manager to small business, with extensive experience as a business owner in the manufacturing and financial services sectors, certified bookkeeper, registered BAS Agent, and currently running her own bookkeeping business.Gabriela enjoys networking with fellow bookkeepers and business owners striving for excellence.Gabriela Ornig

Technical Support

Leanne is a MYOB Certified Consultant and Partner Advisory Board Member, Xero Certified Advisor, ICB Advisory Board Member and Microsoft SMB Brand Ambassador. Leanne is an expert business mentor, trainer and facilitator and in her spare time, develops and writes MYOB training manuals for Software Publications which are used throughout Australia for the Certificate IV in Financial Services.

Leanne Berry Technical Support

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Meet the Team

Wendy works in ICB Technical Support whilst also running her own bookkeeping business, focusing on consulting and supporting Bookkeepers and Business Owners. Prior to running her own bookkeeping business in 2007, Wendy worked in senior Accounting/Office Managerial roles in private industry and lectured Advanced MYOB and Bookkeeping at TAFE and Small Business Centres.Wendy Hughes

Technical Support

Sarah joined the ICB team in July 2015 after returning to work from having her daughter. Sarah has a Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) and has worked in the bookkeeping industry for some 15 years, mainly working within the restaurant industry.Sarah currently works two days a week at ICB, managing the bookkeeping and working in Technical Support. She also has her own bookkeeping business.

Sarah Priestley-Hill Bookkeeper and Technical Support

Celina joined ICB in February 2017 as the Office Manager. She has a Masters in Business Administration and enjoys being involved in all the facets of an organization, especially process and change management improvement. Celina has a diverse background in office management, in various disciplines, which include Construction, Architecture, Allied Health, Property Management and Education. Celina is the ‘go to person’ for the daily office activities at ICB.

Celina McAlister Office Manager

Chloe is new to the ICB team, commencing work in June 2017. Coming from a creative background, Chloe has a bachelor degree in Graphic Design and Photography, and has recently completed her Masters in Marketing with Distinction. Chloe manages ICB’s social media channels and coordinates the design and style of ICB’s collateral and digital publications.Chloe Frost

Social Media/Design Coordinator

Danny joined ICB in March 2017. His multimedia design background has made him a jack-of-all-trades; with experience in graphic design, desktop publishing, web design and development, as well as some IT and technical support.He currently works to publish ICB’s monthly newsletters and website updates, but also lends his skills to producing the manuals for ICB’s big events such as workshops and the annual conference.

Carly is the newest addition to the ICB team, commencing work in December 2017. Carly provides assistance to the Member Services team with various administration tasks. Carly also works closely with ICB’s Event Coordinator to help manage ICB Network Meetings and a range of events such as the 2018 National Conference.

Danny Cohen Digital Content Manager

Carly Lapthorne Administration Assistant

Jan is part of the Administration/Member Services team and has been working at ICB since 2010. Between the implementation of procedures and the general running of administration, Jan also looks after new applications, upgrades, assessments and rejected payments. Jan is the cheerful voice behind the phone and is always up for a chat with our members.Jan Tacey

Member Services Team Leader

Carmel joined the ICB team in 2011, and currently works as the Events Coordinator. Carmel is responsible for organising the March National Conference and all ICB Workshops. Aside from the day-to-day operations, Carmel also facilitates the administration of the Network Meetings, as well as the arrangement of our National Conference.

Carmel Wright Event Coordinator/Network Facilitation

Toni has been part of the Administration/Member Services team at ICB since July 2012. Toni’s key role is looking after members renewals, other administration duties as well as assisting ICB’s bookkeeper.Prior to working at ICB, Toni was a personal assistant to the Registrar of the Optometrists Board of Victoria and was also the accounts receivable officer for an accounting firm.

Toni Ortika Member Services

Jessica started working at ICB in July 2015, her first permanent position since returning to work after children. Jessica is part of the Administration/Member Services team and also manages Student Memberships.She previously worked in Human Resources across the public and private health systems.

Jessica Mierke Member Services

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Membership Benefits

ICB provides a range of benefits that add value directly to the ICB Member. In some cases they are commercial advantage,

but most are related to the Bookkeeper being better at what they do!

Resources Education & Training CPE Register GainCertificationin your Bookkeeping Skills

Practical, usable, everyday resources.

An extensive knowledge base, information library, how to guides, checklists and templates.

CPE for bookkeepers.

ICB-generated and monitored access to the most appropriate education and training.

ICB Members (Affiliate and above) have access to the ICB Register, making it easy to keep track of your CPE hours and activities.

Gain ICB certification to assist in your promotion of your skills.

Find a Bookkeeper NotificationofbusinesslookingforBookkeepers

Members-only Newsletter

Podcasts

The ICB published and promoted list of Members in Practice.

The directory of the best Certified Bookkeepers available to help businesses.

A list of current vacancies published by businesses relevant to your skill levels and in your local area.

ICB Members newsletter

By Bookkeepers For Bookkeepers

Topics of current interest, directly about you and your world.

Access the newsletter by podcast, allowing you to listen at your leisure.

Client & Business eBriefs

News & Updates Support ICB Community

Template newsletters provided to you for tailoring, personalising and providing to your clients.

Stay up-to-date with developments in the bookkeeping community from the website and social media.

Phone, email and web-based support for all ICB Members, provided by bookkeepers.

Access to a network of experts.

Access to ICB Members-only forums, to engage in peer-to-peer support and discussions.

Network Meetings Conferences& Workshops

Webinars HR Intermediary

Meet with other members of ICB in your local area to discuss your world of Bookkeeping.

Over 70 Network Meeting locations.

National Conference and End of the Year Workshops to keep you updated with the latest legislation and technology.

Designed and delivered by ICB, providing you with the opportunity to advance your professional development and bookkeeping knowledge.

ICB provides assessments to expand and test your knowledge in payroll and preparing to act as an HR Intermediary.

BAS Agent Supervision Program

BAS Agent Support InsuranceforBookkeepers

ICB Personalised Products

ICB has developed a program where we can promote you to bookkeepers who are seeking supervision to gain their experience and/or BAS Agent licence.

Specific guidance and assistance to ICB Members who are BAS Agents and/or involved in preparation of the BAS.

Professional Indemnity Insurance designed for Bookkeepers and BAS Agents.

Specifically includes the clauses you need.

Promote your accreditation and ICB Membership with a personalised name badge.

For Members in Practice, state your professionalism using the ICB Crest.

Approved Products & Solutions

ICBenefits ATOAccess&Influence Your Voice as Bookkeepers

Selected and screened third-party products and solutions.

Payroll by TAPS, HR by Worksforce Guardian, and more!

ICBenefits provides commercial advantage to ICB Members on everyday items.

As a recognised BAS Agent Association and Member of ATPAG and BASAAG, ICB hears from and talks to the ATO.

With nearly 4,000 full ICB Members that we dedicate time to find out what is happening and provide viewpoints from the Bookkeepers perspective.

ICB Information and Highlights 183

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Membership Statistics

Membership by State

December 2017

Membership Levels

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ICB Achievements in 2017

Member Engagement � Annual Conference 10 days in 9 locations, Attendance 1483 (+40) � End of Year Workshops 6 locations at 14 sessions 528 (+54) � End of year Technical Webinars 4 sessions with 395 registrations � Other Technical Webinars 20 sessions with 1286 registrations � November Exercise Based Termination Workshops – NEW – 9 sessions with 497 registrations

› Online Workshops 2 sessions with 123 registrations � 88 Network Meeting locations with increased meetings and over 7000 attendees through the year � Monthly newsletters: Multiple formats to over 8000 subscribers � Podcasts, eBriefs, recorded webinars � Nearly 4000 member phone calls and 20,000 member service related emails � Co-ordination and presentation of Global Bookkeeping Week, including the 24 hours Webinar.

Resources � Approx 311 information articles in newsletter � Approx 27 additional resources � Approx 285 Templates and Checklists updated � Successful launch of the HR Intermediary Program

Member Services � 3830 Member Services Phone Calls � 3618 Support Calls/Emails � 19,943 Member services emails in/out � 1708 Assessments

Strategic Relationships � Software Companies; MYOB, Xero, Reckon, Intuit, Govreports, and Receipt Bank remain strong supporters

and partners with ICB. ICB strategy remains to work with the significant software suppliers into the bookkeeping space and we are pleased with our mutual interactions with these companies.

� Insurance Made Easy and Workforce Guardian continue to develop the relationship with ICB for the benefit of members

� Career Academy has commenced a strategic partnership with ICB. We are in discussion with Monarch Institute who we have observed as the most active and creditable Cert IV provider.

� Australian Tax Office liaison and representation on Australian Tax Professionals Advisory group (ATPAG), BAS Agents Advisory Group, PLS Working Group, Future Tax Profession, Single Touch Payroll and the ABR Board

� Australian Digital Business Council (Deputy Chair) including Chair of eInvoicing Semantic & DCL Working Groups � Tax Practitioner Board: ICB is a Registered Tax Agent (for the provision of advice) and a Registered BAS Agent.

We are also a Recognised BAS Agent Association and a member of the TPB Consultative Forum

Education Sector � Involvement/representation on bodies such as; SSA, Finance Sector Advisory Committee, National TAFE

Accounting Network � Extensive involvement and contribution to the Government review of the Cert IV Bookkeeping.

ICB ItselfEnhanced CPE program for members

� Development and delivery of exercise based Terminations workshops including online � Development of the ICB Team � Relocation of the Administration office to more suited premises with capacity for the next era

ICB Global � Successfully co-ordinated the inclusion of NZBAI into the ICB Global network � Supporting the Global infrastructure and development of ICB’s global influence

ICB Information and Highlights 185

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Members Survey About Member Benefits

ICB Membership Benefits Which ICB Benefits are you aware of? Which ICB Benefits do you use? Which ICB Benefits should ICB continue to deliver?

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0% 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

ICB Membership Benefits

1. Resources (checklists/templates/guides)

2. Members phone and email support

3. Find a Bookkeeper directory on ICB website

4. Bookkeepers ICB Forum and Members Only Facebook Group

5. PI Insurance specifically designed and priced for ICB Members

6. Members only newsletter

7. Customisable client e-Brief

8. Access to buy professional ICB name badge

9. Attend ICB network meetings and online webinars for no cost

10. Access to job vacancies page

11. Use of ICB crest on stationery

12. Access to preferred educations and training options

13. Discounted products and solutions

14. ICBenefits program

15. ICB newsletter via podcast

16. Supervising BAS Agent program

17. ICB Member advantaged price to GovReports

18. Ability to influence ICB lobbying of the ATO and Government

19. Ability to influence TPB policy through ICB consultations

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Management Report

Membership Statistics – December

2017 2016 2015

Members 3898 3540 3161

Students 1623 2633 2328

Educators 53 59 47

Business 10 3 0

Training Providers 15 16 21

Student MembershipsIn prior years one of our previous Approved Training Providers allowed a direct connection of all student with ICB. That arrangement ceased during 2016 causing the decrease in student connections from 1188 in 2016 to 156 n 2017. Monarch provided connection to 493 students and continues to be a strong advocate and connection of Student Bookkeepers to ICB. Applied Education 253 followed by Chishom Institute, Swinburne and Inspire each with approx. 100 connected students.

Network Meetings

2016 2015 2014

Locations 74 70 61

Attendance 7200 7691 5533

Average Per Month Locations Attendance

2017 84 650

2016 74 606

2015 51 641

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Attendance

Newsletter

Month of Dec ‘17 Dec ‘16

Sent Opened Sent Opened

Member 3650 1584 3189 1455

Non member 4082 790 4239 1003

Students 1737 656 2891 1110

E brief 2820 1376 2779 1343

Click Through 2028 540 1841 643

Website

Results for Month of November 2017 Hits Nov ‘17 Unique Hits Nov ‘17 Hits Oct ‘17

Whole Website 97,264 63,229 104,492

/ 11,914 7,708 12,415

/MyICB/CPE-Register 4,237 745 4,018

/MyICB/ 3,215 1,678 3,681

/Find-a-Bookkeeper/Browse-Directory 1,415 240 1,059

/Shop/Basket/ 2,473 1,685 2,388

/Professional-Development/Cert-IV-Bookkeeping 727 576 794

/Membership/Explaining-ICB-Membership 1,373

/BAS-and-BAS-Agents 701

/Resources/Bookkeeping 923

/Networking 1,568

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Webinars

Type Number 2017

Registration 2017

Number (2016)

Registration (2016)

Number (2015)

Attendance (2015)

Technical 28 1808 20 1286 18 971

Network Meeting 18 482 21 597 24 433

Students n/a n/a 13 536 20 340

Total 46 2290 54 2419 62 1,744

Social Media

Type Followers 2017

Twitter 2.049

Facebook 2,966

LinkedIn 6,240

GooglePlus 269

Find a BookkeeperCurrently we have 1223 member profiles

Complaint ReportIt is our duty (as a Professional Association) to inform you of the complaints received, specifically the requirement is to advise on complaints about members, however we provide ancillary comment below.

During the 2017 year, we received formal complaints about two members. In both instances ICB have spoken with and provided the required advice and caution to the members concerned.

Case #1 raised the issue of Independence whereby as a professional certified bookkeeper it is your requirement to remain professionally (and personally) independent of the business and the individuals. The issue arose on the cessation of the business partnership and each partner then establishing competing businesses causing accusations and confusion over who did what to who and for who.

Case #2 raised the issue of professionalism when ceasing work with a client. A professional certified bookkeeper should always provide a status report upon the cessation of an engagement. In this way there is documented evidence of the status of the work at the point of cessation, eve if the work is only partially complete.

We also received a number of concerns about the performance of an Educator that was previously listed as an ICB Accredited Training Provider. These matters were referred to the Educator for resolution. Due to the frequency and nature of complaints ICB has not purused the ongoing Accredition of that Educator.

We also received numerous complaints about the behaviour of superfunds demanding behaviour of employers that is not in line with requirements. We also dealt with many matters as to interactions with the ATO that did not always go according to the design of the ATO. ICB passed on a number of complaints to the Tax Practitioners Board on behalf of members about the behaviour of unregistered Agents. While these matters are outside the domain of the ICB complaints process, they remain within our sphere of involvement and influence.

ICB Complaints Team December 2017

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ICB Objectives 2018

Key 2018 Activities and InitiativesBookkeepers helping Bookkeepers helping business

2018: Engaged and Supported Members 2018: Promotion of Certified Bookkeepers

Core Activities Achieved in 2017 (Ongoing and Throughout 2018) � Resources and Information for Bookkeepers � Network meetings program

› Location growth in line with membership; i.e.: minimum 1 group for each 100 › Average attendance growth to 10 per group per month › Webinar and Recorded versions › Meeting Packs developed and provided to facilitators

� Newsletters › Member Newsletter: Long form, Short Form, Web, PDF › Non-Member and Student Newsletters › Delivery by Podcast

� CPE Program (both ICB and external events) › Webinars – increased number to at least 2 per month

� Resources › Annual Conference › Workshops – EOFY & Terminations › Online Learning Packages › Bookkeeping Skill Assessments

� Educators Program and Involvement › Continued educator relationship development – introduction of Monarch and Career Academy

� Strategic Partnership developments/ongoing relationships � Development of ICB framework to enable the next 10 years � Launch of the ICB App – an ongoing communication ”ICB News” App, utilised at conference and during the year

Timeline � March: National conference � April–June: Payroll and EOYr update Program including workshops � November: Exercise-Based Workshops � February: Annual Survey

Developing Initiatives � Education – The ICB explanation of Cert IV � Product Accreditation � Increasing the Profile of Certified Bookkeepers � Enhanced Strategic Partner engagement � ICB Global Support and Development � Member Marketplace – Product and Solutions catalogue � ICB enhanced exposure to support businesses � Multi-person practice membership

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Your Voice as ICB Bookkeepers

A Bookkeeper’s PerspectiveICB continues to have a voice and influence upon many parts of our world. It is together as nearly 4.000 full ICB members (3,691 as of 31 Dec, 2017 and and additional 1,500 students) that we are able to dedicate time and resources into finding out what is happening, providing viewpoints from the Bookkeeper’s perspective and influencing the government and commercial implementation of things that affect our world.

Government � ICB has been a participant in a number of Minister’s Round Table discussions. Typically held at Parliament House,

when one or a combination of Ministers is seeking to hear directly from a variety of voices they invite representatives to meet with them.

� Invited and contributed to the Assistant Treasurer’s Round Table discussions on the Single Touch Payroll initiative, bringing forward support for this ongoing journey for efficient payroll processes but emphasising that it is about business efficiency and not just about ATO compliance measures.

� Participating in the Department of Industry Innovation and Science Minister-initiated consultations on the Business Simplification Initiative, including the Business Register Simplification project.

Single Touch Payroll (STP) � Some are calling it as big as the GST implementation. We do not think that is the case, nor should be the case.

ICB continue to make considerable submissions into ATO thinking, Treasury thinking, software developers’ thinking, and now starting contacts with the Digital Transformation Office as to a realistic approach to STP that does not have to make it harder for everyone.

Tax Practitioners Board � As a recognised association under the TASA2009, we have a voice into the TPB through consultative forums

and ongoing consultations.

Ministers and Treasury seek input through the Board of Taxation � ICB participated as a member of the BoT Special Working Group on “Tax impediments for Small Business”.

Since the publication of that paper, it has been good to see that a number of ideas that ICB contributed or supported have been either implemented or are being discussed… even years later.

� ICB contributed to the BoT submission on the Small Business section of the Tax White Paper. � ICB has also contributed to the discussions on the Regulatory Performance Framework of the ATO. This is

about how the ATO should be assessing whether they are meeting the deregulation agenda of government, and it actually achieves something for us in business.

Inspector General of Taxation � The IGoT is responsible for review of the ATO at a number of levels. ICB have contributed to the Agenda for

the Inspector, and contributed to various investigations. Recent reports include the review on the PAYGI system, ATO Debt systems, Future of the Tax Profession and a number of others

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Software DevelopersWe remain very pleased with our strong and growing connection with the software developers that directly influence and are involved in our Bookkeeping space. We discuss the effect that government initiatives and agendas are having on software and input into their thinking or support their view into government thinking.

� MYOB have been the major ongoing partner with ICB since our inception. This partnership continues while MYOB and ICB have similar aims and objectives in the effective development of Bookkeeping in Australia. We meet with MYOB regularly; having input into the partner programs, their current products, their future products and features within their products.

� Reckon have also been a long-term partner with ICB, and engage in initiatives with us to support and develop the bookkeeping community.

� Xero continue active engagement with ICB, and it has been great to have an ability to discuss our shared visions for the Bookkeeping community. The Xero partnership establishes an ongoing relationship between them as a software company and their dedication to supporting the bookkeeping community.Melanie Power – as head of Bookkeeping inside Xero – provides positive results, and indicates their commitment to the bookkeeping community.

� Intuit QBO engage with ICB as a strategic partner. Intuit continues to establish itself as a significant contributor to the Australian business and bookkeeper communities. They acknowledge the benefit to them and their customers of joining with Bookkeepers as partners, rather than just a sales channel (and they aren’t alone in that journey).

� GovReports. You know we like what they have been bringing to us as Bookkeepers, and as the first to market with SBR solutions, GovReports gave Bookkeepers efficient lodgment processes. We continue to work with them to bring more effective solutions; ongoing development of their Client and Lodgement Manager (CLM) to become more effective for us – they continue to bring ideas and developments to improve business efficiency.

� Receipt Bank has actively supported ICB and the Bookkeeper community and its ongoing discussion and development of the journey for the best progress of the Bookkeeping Profession.

Strategic PartnersSecured Signing, Workforce Guardian, The Association for Payroll Specialists, Insurance Made Easy, eCollect and Squirrel Street all engage as partners with ICB to bring business efficiency to Bookkeepers.

� Further details at http://www.icb.org.au/Approved-Products/Additional-Services

Bookkeepers Getting Together with BookkeepersIt seems our community of Bookkeepers, joining together through ICB, enjoy being able to get together (physically or virtually through Facebook or other forums) to share ideas, ask questions, give opinions and enjoy being able to know that we are not alone.

The ICB network meetings continue to be a source of interaction and sharing. While a network meeting may be based on the information flowing from the ICB hub (the newsletter, the resources, the information), each individual meeting takes on its own style and flavour that suits the facilitator and the group.

Whether you participate in the local network meeting or the webinar version, over 700 people are attending network meetings in each 2 month period.

� Subscribe to notices about your local meetings at http://www.icb.org.au/Networking

Social media discussions are also rampant, with ICB being a contributor to our own forums and occasionally to other discussions as well.

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Australian Taxation OfficeICB represent you, and take our community’s experiences, knowledge and reality into the consultative forums of the ATO.

� Australian Tax Practitioners Advisory Group (one of the 8 peak consultative forums) meets each 2 months to discuss the practical world of Tax Practitioners. ICB is the co-chair of this forum for 2017-2018.

� The BASAAG (BAS Agents Association Advisory Group) is the major vehicle for the BAS agent and bookkeeper community to interact with the ATO. ICB has been a member of this group since 2005.A list of some of the recent interactions we have had with the ATO at this forum:

› GST compliance survey – Reviewing the ATO knowledge about GST compliance › SuperStream implementation – Providing insight into employers perspective › MyGov correspondence functionality – When will it be available for BAS Agents? › Payroll data security – Looking at the ATO expectations and risk around Cloud › eInvoicing and the use of Standard Business Reporting › Simplifying BAS – Input and interaction on this current project › Small Business Fix-It Squad – making compliance easier for business › Development of BAS agents’ dashboard – Where is it? › ATO mobile website upgrade – information, an update and our feedback

Your thoughts about anything new that you would like us to make the ATO aware of, or to seek their action on, are most welcome. Email Matthew at [email protected] the key messages published by the ATO, see:

› http://www.icb.org.au/out/126517/BASAAG-Key-Messages-Nov-2015.docx � A member of the Board overseeing the Australian Business Registrar (the ABN system) � A member of the ATO “Working with our Partners Program Board” � A member of the ATO “Single Touch Payroll Advisory Group” and various sub-groups dealing with its design

and implementation. � These forums give us extremely good level of access into the ATO – both in and out of session we raise the

technical and the practical issues that affect ICB members. � Future Tax Profession Working Groups have been established to do the advance thinking about the next 1–2 years,

and also the world in 2020 and beyond. ICB represent Bookkeepers into the ATO next generation thinking. � Ad-hoc ongoing involvement with the ATO – we have been invited to present to the ATO teams, and also

co-hosted webinars to discuss the ATO’s new approach to Debt collection activities. Representing you on a number of ATO live webcasts bringing a combination of ATO messages but with a practitioners perspective.

Education for BookkeepersIn the formal education sector we have a voice into the Industry Business Skills Council, National TAFE Accounting Network, and Victorian TAFE Accounting Network, following submissions over the last years into the makeup of the Certificate IV qualifications and the review of the Skills Councils framework. We now see a real need for us as a voice of Bookkeepers assisting the education space; to produce educational outcomes that equip students with the necessary skills to embark on a bookkeeping career – answering the question: “What should a Cert IV graduate know?”

ICB is Bookkeepers banding together to provide a professional creditable framework to the bookkeeping fraternity in Australia.

Your contribution through network meetings, conferences, workshops, webinars, the ICB Advisory Board, support calls and emails, and financially through membership fees enables time, effort and resources to be invested to further develop the professionalism and the profile of Bookkeepers.

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How ICB Communicates with You

In response to a few questions, we thought we would outline the current model of how ICB communicates with you.

ICB Keeping Close to YouICB stays involved by being participants in your world. Our technical support and resource development teams are made up of part-time bookkeepers who all have their own clients. Our team of people delivering knowledge and support to you are each engaged in their own businesses as contract bookkeepers. They experience what you experience; they are working with the issues and the ATO in the same way that you are.

This provides us with direct insight into the current needs of bookkeepers: knowledge, solutions, resources, software, how-to guides or technical webinars.

Keeping Close to Things that Influence YouBy being intensely involved in many forums with the ATO we also remain very involved in knowing, (and influencing), what the ATO is doing to your world. It gives us a great ability to hear from you what is going on and influence them, as well as hearing from them what they are planning to do and often redirecting their thinking.

Our direct relationships with each of the software companies allows us to understand where they are coming from and what they are saying to you.

Hearing from YouICB hears from you by the enquiries that come into support and via our social media channels. By responding to the enquiries for more information we establish the list of additional resources to be developed and the knowledge to provide to you via our website and the newsletter.

Our network facilitators provide us with feedback following each meeting including a constant flow of follow up questions and clarifications based on the information discussed at those meetings.

How we Deliver Information to You

Technical Support Knowledge Resources

Website Newsletter Webinars

Network Meetings

Podcasts and eBriefs

Social Media and News

Information articles, knowledge pieces and resources are first provided to you by their inclusion in ICB’s website resource library: www.icb.org.au/Resources

These resources are then classified into categories thought most relevant for your access: � BAS Agents � Bookkeeping � Business Matters

� End of Year � GST & BAS � Payroll

� Software � Your Bookkeeping Business � News Items

Each new resource or item of information is then published in our monthly newsletter.

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How Often do we Contact You?ICB have a deliberate policy of contacting you with our essential information once per month. Our key delivery of information to you is via our members’ newsletter.

The Newsletter is delivered in multiple formats: � Full email newsletter – the default subscription

Containing all information, essential news and new and updated resources. � Website newsletter – providing an archive of all past issues and access to the current issue

The index page for each month provides access to the full information included in the members’ newsletter.Access previous newsletters: www.icb.org.au/members/members-newsletters

� Click-through newsletter – provides a one page click-through version email You subscribe to this version by emailing [email protected] and requesting to be added to the mailing list.

� Podcast newsletter – recorded reading of the newsletter content Members are automatically subscribed to this. If you have previously removed this from your account settings, email [email protected] and request to be added back to the mailing list. Access previous newsletter podcasts: www.icb.org.au/Members/Newsletters-via-Podcast

� Network Meetings – facilitators are provided with a presentation pack that they can tailor and use if they wish at the ICB network meetings: http://www.icb.org.au/NetworkingThese meetings are currently held in 74 different locations and also by webinar, (also recorded for watching at your leisure); the webinar meetings discuss the content of the newsletters. Many members tell us that they prefer to digest the newsletter with other bookkeepers at the monthly network meeting.

� Technical webinars – held twice each month by the support team, presenting a variety of topics to you live. The webinars are also recorded for viewing at your leisure: www.icb.org.au/Members/Webinars

All of these resources, meetings and webinars are included in your annual membership fee.

Urgent and Current News ItemsImportant news is provided in multiple formats:

� News feed on ICB homepage www.icb.org.au � ICB page on Facebook www.facebook.com/icbaustralia

› Support and Discussion group www.facebook.com/groups/129790417074481 � ICB profile on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/the-institute-of-certified-bookkeepers � ICB Twitter feed https://twitter.com/ICBAustralia

On rare occasions, if a matter is extremely important, we will send out a special email news item.

EventsThe network meetings are administered by an invitation subscription and our event booking system.

We notify you of the calendar through the network meeting web page.

You can also subscribe to receive the specific invitations to each of the meetings you would like to know about: Go to MyICB, then “Account Settings”, then “My email preferences”.

Annual ConferenceEach March, ICB brings our annual conference to 9 locations around Australia.

Bookkeeping 2018 has been scheduled.

The conference is a full day that delivers valuable bookkeeping information. It is about providing you relevant content that we believe you need to know about your bookkeeping world and also the coming impacts on your world. We bring technical content, industry updates and professional development items – as well as a chance to network with your peers and fellow members.

Where to Next?ICB regularly reviews our communication strategies and we want to ensure that we are providing you information in a manner that works for you. Your feedback to date says we have it pretty much right.

As always, we welcome your ongoing thoughts and suggestions – email [email protected]

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How to Use the ICB Website

The ICB website is packed with great information for ICB members – and much of this is available publicly to non-members as well. There is so much information available on our website, take a minute to review the information here to make sure you are making the most of what ICB offers.

Main Website Sections � Home Page – The latest news feed and essential locations within the website, including links to the following: � Corporate Information – An overview of ICB, who we are and what we are involved in. � Membership – The benefits of being a member, how to apply or renew, and ICB’s code of conduct. � Members – This section provides access to MyICB, technical support, member benefits and more. � Resources – ICB produced technical resources – see below for details. � Professional Development – Continuing Professional Education, further education and ICB assessments. � Products and Solutions – ICB offers products and solutions relevant to bookkeepers.

ICB affiliates offer accounting software, insurance, Human Resources advice, books and manuals and other services such as budgeting tools, debt collection, IT support and digital signatures at member prices.

� Network Meetings – ICB network meetings are fun around Australia by ICB members.Search for meetings in your area or join by webinar.

� Who Are You – Dedicated information for members, BAS agents, bookkeepers, business owners, not-for-profits, students, accountants, media and educators.

ResourcesResources are divided into the following main sections. Resources are mainly restricted to members only, although there are some articles and news items listed in resource indexes, which are publicly available.

� BAS Agents – Provides templates and checklists for BAS agents to use with their clients, guidance on professional conduct, and information on using the ATO portal and other technology relevant to BAS agents.

� Bookkeeping – Provides general bookkeeping cycle information, processes, principles and checklists. � Business Matters – Includes information related to business systems, compliance and daily running of business. � End of Year – Processes, systems, checklists, reviews, lodgements and accounts preparation for tax agents. � GST & BAS – Topics relevant to how GST applies to different aspects of accounts and preparation of a BAS. � Payroll – All aspects of payroll that a bookkeeper may get involved in, including Fair Work and HR matters. � Software – Product updates, partner programs and technology issues relevant to bookkeeping and business. � Your Bookkeeping Business – Addresses various issues and aspects of being in business as a bookkeeper,

as well as providing checklists, templates and authority forms. � Student Resources – Student-focussed resources about the basics of bookkeeping and essential information. � Templates and Checklists – Provides access to ICB’s checklists, templates and authority forms from all areas

of resources, all on one webpage. � How-To Guides – Another way of searching for resources, the focus being on practical “how to” information.

Search the WebsiteThe ICB website has two search functions:

1. Global search – located at the top right of every webpage this function searches across the entire website.

2. Resource search – only available from within the Resources pages this function searches resources and news items.

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Get involved in ICB

Have you got the willingness, capacity and expertise to be involved in ICB?

Do you want to help take ICB into the next era?

There are at least 5 different formal levels of possible involvement for ICB members: � Members’ Meetings � Network Meeting Facilitators � Network Meeting Participant � Advisory Board (General Advisory Board or the specific Education Advisory Board) � Board of Directors

Members’ MeetingsThe 2018 Members’ Meetings are to be held as series of information meetings during the Annual Conference series, followed by an AGM conducted via webinar, and digital voting concluding on 11th April, 2018.

Information has been, and will be, provided in the monthly ICB Newsletter, with notifications being sent to members leading up to the AGM.

ICB is a member-based professional association and is therefore guided by, informed by, and exists for its members. We are subject to all normal laws as well as the requirements of the TPB in being a Recognised Professional Association.

ICB management and directors provide policy and philosophy statements, activity reports, operational reports, future initiatives and financial information for endorsement, clarification and the benefit of members.

Members should be involved and contribute to the operations and intentions of ICB. This can be achieved formally through these meetings, or at any time via network meetings or making direct contact with ICB.

� http://www.icb.org.au/Members-Meeting

Network MeetingOver 700 members per month attend one of our 74 network meetings. Even more download the recorded online network meeting or listen to the podcast.

FacilitatorsFacilitators are members who have put up their hand to help co-ordinate a local get-together of members. Network meetings take place in different locations at different times and all have very different styles. They are supported by the provision of the monthly Facilitators pack, and the ICB Network meeting support team. Consider co-ordinating a group local to you and meet with other ICB members.

ParticipantsNetwork meetings contribute to your CPE hours.

More importantly, it helps you know what is happening, and lets you share your journey with others that are also doing what you do. Commit to a local network meeting to help develop yourself and others.

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Advisory BoardThe ICB Advisory Board meets formally (via webinar) at least 3 times per year, and with additional meetings based on consultation needs, throughout the year.

Members are asked to consider contributing their knowledge – � letting us know about what you are experiencing in your business or with your clients � responding to issues and suggestions that ICB Management brings to the Advisory Board

The Objectives � Ensure the strategic direction of ICB aligns with the needs of the bookkeeping community � Provide ICB Management team with a confidential forum to share ideas and canvas responses � Ensure ICB receives relevant feedback and information

The Requirements � Ability to attend the majority of the meetings � Actively involved in the bookkeeping profession � Sign and return the non-disclosure, confidentiality, conflict of interest declaration

If you are interested, please apply by email to: [email protected]

DirectorsICB members have endorsed the appointed Directors since the inception of ICB in 2005.

In conjunction with the refreshing of the ICB Constitution, members will be asked to endorse the appointment of Directors (See intended constitution changes and terms of Director Appointments advised in the November newsletter).

We require the nomination of 3 new directors, and are recommending the re-appointment of 4 of the current Directors – Matthew Addison, Amanda Linton, John Birse and Garry Carter (on behalf of ICB Global).

The purpose of the Board of Directors is to: � Ensure the organisation adheres to applicable laws and the constitution. � Manage the vision / purpose / policy and philosophy / by-laws. � Make recommendation to members for any policy and philosophy changes. � Ensure the management is meeting the objectives of ICB Australia. � Provide input and representation to ICB Global. � Approve the Budget. � Meet 3 or 4 times per year face to face and by webinar as required (most likely on a monthly basis).

If you would like to be considered for nomination or to clarify any aspect of becoming a Director, please contact [email protected]

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ICB Advisory Board

Terms of Reference

PurposeHave input into ensuring the strategic direction of ICB aligns with the needs of the Bookkeeping Community

Provide ICB Management team with a forum to share ideas and receive input into those ideas.

Ensure ICB receives relevant feedback and information on the bookkeeping environment.

Frequency of meetingsThe group will meet quarterly or more frequently if required. Attendance at meetings will be facilitated via appropriate technology.

Additional meetings or discussion may occur outside of the quarterly meetings.

Responsibilities of ICB TeamICB team will be responsible for:

� Logistics and communication � Enabling the agenda

ICB Management will chair the meeting

Requirements of all Members � Ability to attend quarterly conference calls � Actively involved in the Bookkeeping industry � Sign and return our Non-Disclosure confidentiality agreement � Consider the agenda and any material provided in advance � Actively keep up to date with the activities of ICB � Be aware of ICB material, newsletters, services � Be a positive contributor to the agenda � Foster a collaborative discussion � Maintain at all times the focus of the agenda, and outcomes of the meeting

General operationMembers shall treat each other with respect and allow time for all members to contribute.

Members will allow conversations to progress and develop based on each others contributions.

Members will provide and allow different views to be contributed

Scope and activitiesThe objectives of the board shall include

Considering and having the perspective of the ICB Policy & Philosophy Statements � Bookkeepers helping Bookkeepers helping Business � Local Focus – National Accreditation – Global Recognition � Promotion and maintain the standards of bookkeeping as a profession, through the establishment of

expectations, relevant qualifications and the award of grades of membership that recognise academic attainment, working experience and competence

� ICB Global Objectives: Promote bookkeeping as a profession, enable bookkeeping to gain recognition as an integral part of the financial profession, promote training in the principles of bookkeeping, enable the achievement of a qualification, improve the career prospect of its members

� The Vision of the ICB (Australia) is to provide bookkeepers with the co-operative forum to be the best they can be. It is about bookkeepers: Recognition & Education.

Contact point � [email protected] or [email protected]

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Balance Sheet

2017* 2016 2015

Assets

Total Cash Accounts $682,269 $603,626 $300,511

Total Receivables $388,497 $315,968 $292,158

Total Capital Items $13,232 $17,080 $14,283

� Renewal Gifts Held $0 $0 $20,186

Total Assets $1,083,998 $936,674 $627,138

Liabilities

Total Trade Creditors $13,431 $28,928 $5,382

Total GST Liabilities $40,875 $18,958 $17,779

Total Payroll Liabilities $219,038 $140,635 $138,272

Total Deposits / Prepayments $26,839 −$11,479 −$12,099

Total Credit Cards $41 $1,712 $857

Total Liabilities $300,224 $178,754 $150,191

Net Assets $783,774 $757,920 $476,947

Equity

Retained Earnings $757,920 $476,947 $418,495

Current Earnings $25,854 $280,973 $58,452

Total Equity $783,774 $757,920 $476,947

* Preliminary, subject to Audit

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Revenue and Expenses

Proj 2018 2017 2016

Revenue

Total New 1st Year Member Fees $263,183 $309,229 $296,575

Total Annual Renewal Fees $1,222,680 $1,146,638 $1,021,561

Total Training Centre Membership $10,000 $14,090 $15,454

Total Strategic Partnerships & Product Listing $132,000 $124,854 $159,297

Event Fees

Network Meetings $0 $10,655 $8,318

ICB Workshops (June & November) $215,000 $236,397 $95,580

ICB Annual Conferences $470,000 $403,879 $434,060

Other Events & Workshops $12,190 $2,850 $1,920

Total Event Fees $697,190 $653,781 $539,878

Total Other $15,000 $379 $10,958

Total Revenue $2,340,053 $2,248,971 $2,043,723

Direct Costs

Workshops (June & November) $190,000 $193,679 $91,612

Annual Conferences $450,000 $382,387 $327,001

Other Events & Workshops $7,097 $16,172 $27,471

Total Event Costs $647,097 $592,238 $446,084

Membership Based Direct Costs

ICB Global, CRM, Web, Event Management Systems $107,000 $67,544 $67,567

Network Meeting Costs $120,000 $112,792 $97,749

Other $96,233 $83,472 $77,843

Total Membership Based Direct Costs $323,233 $263,808 $243,159

Total Direct Costs $970,330 $856,046 $689,243

Gross Contribution $1,369,722 $1,392,924 $1,354,479

Expenses

Total Bank Charges $44,950 $42,429 $35,927

Total Office Expenses $159,351 $234,865 $111,095

Total Marketing Costs $7,800 $5,996 $13,558

Total Technology $21,000 $28,421 $13,005

Total Employment Costs* $1,167,882 $1,012,468 $835,876

Total Corporate Expenses $48,575 $42,891 $64,042

Total Expenses $1,449,558 $1,367,070 $1,073,503

Net Surplus/Deficit −$79,836 $25,854 $280,976

* An amount of Employment costs is allocated to the Direct cost of the Events

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Financial Budget for 2018

RevenueMembershipICB has achieved renewal rates of above 85% of the previous year membership, accordingly we budget based on achieving 85%. New membership is also budgeted to be 85% of the previous year’s new membership level (2017 was 107% of 2016). These predictions have proven reasonable, if not conservative, over past years.New members $260,000Renewing members $1,222,000Strategic Partner EngagementOur relationship with Strategic Partners requires their contribution towards our costs of engaging with them.Strategic Partner Contributions $132,000Miscellaneous RevenueIncidental Income and Interest Income $41,000Total Revenue (Excluding events) $1,655,000

EventsICB policy states that we run our events at cost recovery. * That includes an element to absorb the time cost of the ICB team.In 2017 we ran the March Annual Conference, the June End of Year Workshops and added a November Series of Exercise based workshops on Terminations. It is planned for us to run the same 3 sets of ICB Events.Estimated Revenue $685,000Directly Attributable costs (including ICB team labour) ($650,000)* The revenue expectation allows us to plan the expansion of the operations and benefit delivery of ICB.

ExpensesDirect CostsReported in classifications to indicate the allocation of funds towards the Vision of ICBICB Global $107,000Network Meeting Support (excluding Team costs) $120,000Direct outgoings to support member service delivery $96,000Other ExpensesTransaction Costs $45,000Office Expenses (including technology) $180,000Marketing $8,000Corporate Costs $48,000EmploymentMember Services $180,000Network Meeting & Events $120,000Support & Resources $250,000Content/ Digital Media / Production $140,000Social Media / Image / Marketing $70,000Executive / Government / Strategy / Development $558,000(Employment costs allocated to Events ($150,000)Total Expenses $1,772,000

Expansion Options

Subject to the Revenue derived, resources are required to: � increase the promotion of Certified Bookkeepers � enhance the technology CRM system � program support to further enhance member benefits

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Executive Report on 2017

Financial PerformanceICB continues to grow within its means. The Revenue policy position has been for us to grow our team and our member benefits in line with our ability to fund those activities. The ICB community provides this growth through committing time and also the membership fees.

RevenueNew memberships were above budget by $53k and Renewals by $68k.

The addition of the November Workshops on Terminations and an above budget revenue from the Annual Conference resulted in event revenue above budget by $202k.

EventsThe events are planned to break even, which includes an allocation of the employment costs. We do not absorb overheads into the direct attribution of costs.

Each of the events exceeded break-even and exceeded our budget expectations.

Employed TeamThe changes and growth of ICB, its financial capacity, and the needs to structuring the employed team to continue to provide the Policy and Philosophy of ICB has allowed the following changes:

� Amanda Linton commenced in 2017 on a part time basis (2 days per week) to progressively adopt the CEO role of ICB. This role has been held by Matthew since formation and has been performed as part of what Matthew has contributed in the past. This separation of the CEO duties from; the Executive Chair, Government liaision, ATO consultation, strategy allows stronger delivery of the role of ICB.

� More of Rick’s time is able to be dedicated to the “Development” of ICB initiatives both in directly impacting the way ICB operates, and in also initiating the next generation of what ICB does. In particular Rick continues to lead our impact on the Education sector providing the ICB view into the review of the Financial Services Sector. More of Ricks time is able to be dedicated to developing our Strategic Partner relationships.

� Celina joined ICB as Office Manager in February 2017, taking over parts of Simone’s role, who has taken maternity leave during 2017. We have been able to allocate Celina to a dedicated in-office, facilities, communication and enablement position.

� Chloe joined ICB in June 2017 in part to take over other parts of Simone’s role. The appointment of Chloe with her marketing and social media background has allowed us to further enhance the image and presence of ICB.

� The Support and Resource team has developed further, with 3 members of the team based outside of the ICB office, and a reallocation of time and duties following the appointment of Hally into the Content Editor role and Sarah into the Accounts role in addition to their time as part of the Support team.

� Additional time has been allocated to Member Services. � Additional time was able to be allocated to covering team members on annual leave in both the support

and member services teams.

Financially the employment costs for 2017 of $1,067k compared to a budget of $1,080k.

CostsThe expenditure by ICB over the year was in line with the plan

� Direct costs (excluding events) $275k vs budget of $283k � Expenses $1,404k compared to $1,414k budget

Noting the following items: � Office relocation: During 2017 the ICB administration office relocated. This required the complete fit-out

of new office space. All costs have currently been expensed (subject to Audit discussions). The total costs of $93k were above the budget of $80k.

� Software subscriptions exceeded $22k compared to the budget of $9k (we provide a separate report on the software utilised by ICB). The 2017 results include a catch up payment for the provision of our accounting software since the commencement of ICB in 2006.

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Summary Financial PerformanceICB did operate within the plan for 2017.

The increased revenue resulted in a direct impact on the Surplus for the year. The approved budget for 2017 had committed to invest past year surplus and hence the plan was to incur a $170k deficit. Our final position (at the time of writing) is a surplus of $100k.

Financial Position(Indicative December 2017)

Cash $ 704k Less •Employment liabilities $ 230k •Other trade liabilities (GST & Payables) $ 70k $ 300k Unallocated cash on hand $ 404k Monthly cash requirement $ 202k

Management policy has been for ICB to always be in a position to meet its known liabilities and to cover 3 months trading. Hence we are below expectation as at 31 December.

Noting that an amount of $329k is committed by members to be paid as monthly payment of their membership fees providing a further security on the ongoing viability of ICB to meet its trading commitments.

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Technology Platforms Used by ICB Australia

Provided by ICB Global � Sodalis – membership management � Sodalis – website CMS

Provided by other parties � 1Password – storage of passwords and ability to share � Freshdesk – support management � CloudAlly – backup of Google suite � G Suite – email & calendars

› Google Drive – share files with remote staff › Google Meet – video call between remote staff › Google Groups – emailing lists; e.g. [email protected] › Google Analytics – website stats

� MYOB – accounts � Netregistry – domain management � Office 365 � PayPal � Rogo – assessments � Receipt Bank – automation of receipt storage and data extraction � SecurePay � TeamViewer – remote IT support � Wrike – tasks and project management � Zoom – online webinars and meetings

Marketing � Adobe Creative Cloud

› Photoshop › Illustrator › InDesign

� Microsoft Azure – online storage of recorded webinars as Sodalis has a 5Mb file limit � MailChimp – email marketing � PowToon – animated presentations � SurveyMonkey � Shutterstock – images

Social Media � Facebook � Twitter � LinkedIn � Hootsuite – management of social media