EP#213 ~ How bookkeepers advise their small business clients and how ICB advises Government

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #213

Broadcast date: 14th November 2023

Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor

Guest: Rob Marshall, GM Community Engagement and Education at Institute of Certified Bookkeepers

Let’s dive into the world of member associations.

Bookkeepers and accountants are critical to your small business success. Assisting with compliance, getting set up and keeping all of your financial ducks lined up, and support as you grow and evolve your business. You ask them for advice not only about your numbers but staffing, human resources, cybersecurity, data, super, payroll... the list goes on.

But who supports the supporters?

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers do... and they are a formidable organisation if you’re on the receiving end of their advocacy for members and small businesses. They work with almost every regulator and administrator in Government which deals with small business – which is all of them.  ATO, FairWork, ASIC, ACCC, in constant communication with Ministers and Senators plus heavily involved with the good work of strong advocates like COSBOA.

Rob Marshall, is of their passionate Directors, taking his decades of experience as a small business owner with numerous accolades including WA Micro Business of the year, a professional bookkeeper since 1996 and an inaugural member and Fellow of ICB.

This is who supports the supporters, the army of bookkeepers looking after their small business clients.

PEOPLE - How can members of ICB (and other similar orgs) become more involved in their industry association? What sort of influence can they have?

POLICY - In a practical sense, what does an organisation like ICB do to influence government policy?

PURPOSE - What inspired each if your to take on a role in advocacy for bookkeepers? Why do you think ICB and bookkeepers are well placed to advise government on the impact of regulation on small businesses?

Rob Marshall is the GM Community Engagement and Education at Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. He’s been a small business owner in many industry since 1985, a professional bookkeeper since 1996  with numerous accolades including WA Micro Business of the year and an inaugural member and Fellow of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers since 2006. ICB is a formidable organisation, if you’re on the receiving end of their advocacy for members and small businesses. They work with almost every regulator and administrator in Government which deals with small business – which is all of them.  ATO, FairWork, ASIC, ACCC, in constant communication with Ministers and Senators plus heavily involved with the good work of strong advocates like COSBOA.

To find out more go to: https://www.icb.org.au/