iscover Institute of Certified Bookkeepers gets new leadership after 20-year tenure
BusinessMatthew Addison, founder of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, is stepping aside from his executive director position and passing on the reins to current chief executive, Amanda Linton.
Matthew Addision, the founder and executive director of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), will step down as head of the organisation after 20 years, leaving the current chief executive, Amanda Linton, at the helm.
Addison founded the ICB in 2006, an organisation which has since grown into Australia’s largest professional bookkeeping association, with over 7,300 members.
“When we started ICB in 2006, professional bookkeeping wasn't recognised the way it deserved to be. That's changed, and I'm proud of the role ICB has played in that,” Addison said.
“It has been an honour to be part of ICB as Executive Director since the very beginning. As I step back from my direct involvement, I look forward to watching Amanda and the team continue to lead and grow the professional community.”
Incoming ICB leader Amanda Linton said the organisation would continue to support the profession, which faces significant talent shortages in the years ahead.
"What Matthew built is remarkable, not just the organisation, but the standing of bookkeeping as a profession in Australia. He was the champion for this profession long before anyone else was paying attention,” she said.
“We continue to build on these great foundations. With a projected shortage of 27,000 bookkeepers by 2030, the work ICB does for this profession and for the small businesses that depend on it has never been more important."
As CEO of the ICB over the past eight years, Linton has led the organisation’s operations and professional development programs. The government consultation and representation aspects of her job will now be handled by general manager Rob Marshall as Linton takes on new leadership responsibilities.
ICB board chair Colin Walker welcomed Linton to the new role and thanked Addison for his contributions to the organisation.
"Matthew's contribution to ICB and to the bookkeeping profession in Australia has been extraordinary, and that legacy is in good hands,” he said.
“The board has been part of this transition planning and we're fully behind the direction Amanda has been taking ICB. We know she and the team will continue to lead the organisation through its next evolution."
Addison’s retirement is set to take effect from 30 October 2026, following the conclusion of the ICB’s annual summit. The ICB noted he would continue on the ICB board throughout the rest of his current term and participate in the organisation’s conference program.
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Emma Partis
Emma Partis is a journalist at Accountants Daily and Accounting Times, the leading sources of news, insight, and educational content for professionals in the accounting sector. Previously, Emma worked as a News Intern with Bloomberg News' economics and government team in Sydney. She studied econometrics and psychology at UNSW.
