The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) has officially opened entries for the highly anticipated 2024 ICB LUCA Awards. Often dubbed the Oscars of the bookkeeping industry, these awards celebrate outstanding achievements and innovation within the profession, while also highlighting the most beloved software and applications used by bookkeepers nationwide.

The ICB LUCA Awards provide a platform for bookkeepers to shine. With eleven categories dedicated to various aspects of the profession, there's room for recognition whether you're a budding student or a seasoned practitioner. The awards are designed to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of bookkeepers, celebrating their contributions to businesses and the economy.

Bookkeepers are encouraged to nominate themselves by completing a straightforward application form.

Awards for Bookeepers

Student of the Year: This award recognises a student who has shown exceptional promise and dedication to their studies in bookkeeping.

New Practice of the Year: Aimed at those who have recently established their bookkeeping practice, this award celebrates the journey and successes of new business owners.

Small Practice of the Year: For those running smaller, more intimate practices, this award highlights the personalised service and community impact of small businesses.

Large Practice of the Year: Recognising larger firms that manage a significant client base while maintaining high standards of service and professionalism.

Bookkeeper in Industry: Celebrates a bookkeeper who excels within a business that is not an accountancy or bookkeeping practice. This person may have a different job title from bookkeeper e.g. finance assistant or accounts clerk.

Team of the Year: This award is for teams that demonstrate outstanding collaboration and service delivery - it can be within a practice or in a business.

ICB Branch of the Year: One of the most competitive categories! This award recognises the efforts and achievements of local ICB branches in supporting their members and the wider community.

Bookkeeper Influencer of the Year: Celebrates an individual who has made a significant impact on the profession through thought leadership and influence.

Client Experience: One of two new awards for 2024. This is a chance for bookkeepers to share great stories of how they go above and beyond for their clients.  

Payroll Practitioner of the Year: For the first time we have a dedicated payroll award which recognises excellence in payroll management and service delivery.

ICB Tutor of the Year: This award is for educators who have made significant contributions to the training and development of bookkeepers.

The deadline for bookkeeper nominations is Wednesday, 11 September.

Awards for Service Providers

Bookkeepers rely on the tools and services provided by software vendors and training providers. The ICB LUCA Awards for vendors are a testament to the innovation and commitment these companies bring to the industry. Vendors can nominate themselves in one of 11 categories at no cost, simply by submitting a brief description of their product or service. The software nominations are then put to the member vote.

The vendor categories are:

Data Capture App: Celebrates innovative apps that simplify data capture and processing.

Payroll and HR Software: Acknowledges outstanding software solutions for payroll and HR management.

Business Bank of the Year: Recognises the banks that provide excellent services the bookkeepers can use and recommend to their clients

Practice Management Software: Celebrates software that helps bookkeepers manage their workload efficiently.

Payments Provider: Acknowledges providers of secure and efficient payment solutions.

Reporting and Analysis Software: Celebrates tools that offer helpful, robust and accessible reporting and analysis capabilities.

Tax and Accounts Production: Celebrates software that eases and facilitates the process tax preparation and accounts production.

Emerging App of the Year: Recognises new apps that are setting the bookkeeping world alight!

The Bookkeepers' Friendliest Software: Celebrates software known for its user-friendly interface and exceptional customer support.

Bookkeeping Software of the Year: The big award! It recognises the best overall bookkeeping software.

Training Provider: Recognising organisations that provide exceptional training and development programs for bookkeepers. The ICB Training Provider of the Year is judged by the ICB team based on a number of statistical factors including volume of registrations, exams taken, pass rates and student retention.

The winners will be announced at the ICB LUCA Awards gala dinner on Monday, 11 November, a night that promises to be filled with celebration and inspiration.

ICB LUCA Awards Judges

The awards will be judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts, ensuring that only the best and brightest are recognized. This year's panel includes:

Graham Hambly, Editor – PQ Magazine: Returning as chair of judges, Graham is a respected and well known voice in the profession.

Paul Aplin OBE, Tax & Technology: Paul is well knownWriter Known for his expertise in tax and technology, Paul offers valuable insights into the industry.

Kasim Chowdry, Enterprise Ambassador for Pathway Group: Kasim's experience in enterprise and education makes him a key asset to the judging team.

Bev Flanagan, Speaker and Business Coach: Bev's extensive experience in coaching and business development will be crucial in assessing the nominees.

Della Hudson FCA, Writer & Mentor, Hudson Business Advice: Della's background in writing and mentoring provides a unique perspective on the nominees' achievements.

Alex Newson, XU Magazine: As an editor of a leading industry magazine, Alex brings an informed view on innovation and excellence.

Dayle Rodriguez, Systems Advisory Manager, Kreston Reeves: Dayle's expertise in systems advisory is invaluable in evaluating the technical aspects of the entries.

Richard Sergeant, Consultant, Principle Point: Richard's consultancy experience adds a strategic dimension to the judging process.

Penelope Allard, Director, Wild Bookkeeping: Penelope's hands-on experience as a director of a bookkeeping firm offers practical insights.

Jo Wood, Director, The Six Figure Bookkeeper: Jo's experience in running a successful bookkeeping business provides a real-world perspective on the nominees' achievements.

The ICB LUCA Awards are a highlight of the bookkeeping calendar, providing an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, innovation, and excellence of bookkeepers and their service providers. Whether you're a bookkeeper looking to showcase your achievements or a vendor proud of your contributions to the industry, the ICB LUCA Awards are your chance to shine.

For more information and to submit your nomination, visit the ICB website. Remember to submit your entry by Wednesday, 11 September, and join us for the gala dinner on Monday, 11 November, where we will celebrate the best and brightest in the bookkeeping profession.