Founded in the United Kingdom in November 1996, ICB has grown to be the largest bookkeeping body in the world today with over 150,000 members, including students, from over 100 countries.
[2][citation needed] Bookkeepers with suitable previous qualifications or experience, as well as those without prior knowledge can become a member of ICB.
Members have access to a range of benefits, including regular Continuing professional development (CPD) events, technical advice line and web resources, a membership card and certificate, career and business start-up advice, and an online job vacancy facility.
Guests attend talks covering a range of industry-related topics and have the opportunity to network with fellow bookkeepers.
ICB also partnered with Startup Loans in 2013, to give further support to small businesses and emphasize to them the importance of good bookkeeping.