ICB Annual Bookkeeping Survey 2024 Highlights Global Shift

ICB Annual Bookkeeping Survey 2024: A Clear Picture of Where the Industry Is Headed

Bookkeeping rarely draws attention when everything is working as it should. Payments are recorded, payroll runs on time, and reports quietly land in inboxes. But behind that calm surface, the profession is steadily changing - and the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers’ Annual Survey 2024 captures that shift clearly.

Based on responses from 811 professionals, the survey reflects the realities of people working across bookkeeping, payroll, finance, and related services. With more than 88% respondents being ICB members, the findings offer a reliable and grounded view of how the profession looks today - and where it’s moving next.

Who Is Doing the Work - And Why They Stay

One constant remains: bookkeeping continues to be a largely female-led profession, with 88% of respondents identifying as women. Many work independently or in small teams, valuing flexibility and long-term career stability.

A large number entered the profession early and chose to stay, which says a lot about its sustainability. Vocational education remains the most common entry point, providing practical, job-ready skills that align closely with day-to-day responsibilities.

Bookkeepers Are No Longer Just “Back Office”

The survey highlights an important shift - bookkeepers are increasingly stepping beyond compliance and payroll into advisory roles. Clients now expect more than accurate records; they want clarity, insight, and guidance.

This mirrors a broader global trend where businesses rely on trusted financial partners to help interpret numbers, manage cash flow, and support decision-making. It’s one of the reasons demand for structured bookkeeping services in inida and other growing markets continues to rise.

Pricing Reflects Growing Value

Professional fees are climbing, and not without reason. The 2024 survey shows an average hourly increase of 7.3% across bookkeeping, BAS, and consulting services.

The national average rate for bookkeeping sits at $79.27 per hour, with professionals closer to capital cities charging slightly more. As the work becomes more strategic and responsibility-heavy, pricing models are evolving to reflect expertise rather than just time spent.

Why Professional Membership Matters

One of the clearest insights from the report is the impact of professional affiliation. ICB members consistently earn more than non-members, not because of branding alone, but due to access to benchmarking, training, and peer support.

These networks help bookkeepers price confidently, stay compliant, and adapt as client expectations grow. The result is not just higher earnings, but stronger professional credibility.

Looking Ahead: Stability Through Adaptation

The survey doesn’t just describe today - it points toward what’s next. Bookkeeping is becoming more advisory, more technology-driven, and more deeply embedded in business strategy.

Despite regulatory changes and evolving tools, the profession remains grounded in trust, accuracy, and practical skill. That balance is what continues to carry bookkeeping forward as a reliable, future-ready career.

For practitioners, students, and industry partners, the ICB Annual Bookkeeping Survey 2024 offers both reassurance and direction - showing that while the tools may change, the value of good bookkeeping only continues to grow.