Head of Professional Standards & Policy
20 hours ago
London
Head of Professional Standards & Policy Job Description Reports to: CEO Location: Hybrid – working remotely and attending ICB’s London office and external meetings and events as required Hours: Full-time (35 hours/week) Salary: Competitive Role Purpose The Head of Professional Standards & Policy is a senior leadership role at the heart of ICB’s mission to uphold trust in the bookkeeping profession and give members a clear, credible voice with government and regulators. You’ll lead our Professional Standards Department and set ICB’s technical policy agenda, shaping our positions on regulation and wider business policy; responding to consultations; and translating change into practical guidance for members. With the FCA set to take on AML supervision of bookkeepers in the future, this role will steer a thoughtful transition in our standards work - maintaining proportionate AML supervision for as long as required, while refocusing our work on professional conduct, ethics, and policy influence and supporting members to meet their obligations with confidence and integrity. This is a role for someone who combines rigour with empathy, who understands regulation but also cares deeply about the people it serves. You’ll oversee investigations, conduct and AML supervision, while also providing professional support to members seeking guidance about their practice, ethics, or career. About ICB The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is the world’s largest bookkeeping body, supporting 3200 bookkeeping firms in the UK. We certify, supervise, support and connect bookkeepers around the world, championing their role as trusted finance professionals powering small business. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership • Lead and develop the Professional Standards team, setting a clear, future-focused, • strategy., • Embed best practice in governance, risk management, and member engagement in partnership with the CEO and Executive Team., • Member Voice and External Policy, • Own ICB’s technical policy and engage constructively with HM Treasury, HMRC,, • Companies House, the FCA and other stakeholders., • Lead responses to consultations and calls for evidence; brief the CEO/Board; and represent ICB in roundtables, working groups and parliamentary/industry forums., • Build practical guidance that turns complex policy into day-to-day steps for members. Professional Conduct & Ethics • Oversee membership eligibility, professional conduct, ethics, and disciplinary, • frameworks., • Manage investigations, case preparation, and disciplinary hearings., • Review and refine ICB’s Professional Conduct Regulations and supporting policies. AML Supervision (transitional) • Maintain proportionate and effective AML supervision for as long as ICB remains an, • AML supervisor; ensure compliant processes and reporting., • Liaise with relevant authorities and professional bodies to share intelligence and, • best practice, and plan for an orderly transition to FCA supervision. Member Guidance & Engagement • Provide expert, empathetic guidance to members on ethics, compliance, and, • practice. Ensure our tone is approachable, knowledgeable, and consistent., • Collaborate with ICB’s learning and communications teams to develop clear,, • practical guidance and CPD content. Governance & Reporting • Ensure robust internal reporting and documentation for OPBAS, HM Treasury, and, • ICB’s Board and Committees., • Use data and insight to drive improvement in compliance, standards, and member, • support., • Champion transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. Person Specification Essential • Senior experience in a professional or public body, or similar regulated environment, • A recognised professional qualification in accounting or bookkeeping, • Proven leadership and case management skills, • Excellent communication, diplomacy, and relationship-building abilities, • A principled, supportive approach to maintaining high professional standards, • Ability to interpret complex regulation and turn it into practical guidance Desirable • Experience of working within the framework of the Money Laundering Regulations, • (MLRs) and under OPBAS/FCA oversight, • Experience in accountancy or bookkeeping practice, • Membership of an accountancy professional body, • Experience advising professionals or small businesses on ethics, compliance, or, • business management You’ll Thrive in This Role If You Are: • A steady, thoughtful leader who inspires, • Equally comfortable with regulatory detail and real-world empathy, • Passionate about supporting professionals to do their best work, • Excited to shape the future of professional standards for bookkeepers, • Aligned with ICB’s values of Purpose, Passion, and Progress Why Work for ICB? ICB is small in headcount and big in impact. Every team member contributes to shaping the future of the bookkeeping profession. We offer flexible working, a collaborative and values driven culture, regular social events, your birthday off, and five extra days’ leave at Christmas.