What Should Accounting Firms Look For In A Managed IT Provider?
For accounting firms, IT is not just a support function: it underpins client trust, compliance, and day-to-day operations. Accountants handle highly sensitive financial and personal data, operate under strict regulatory frameworks, and face growing cyber security threats.
Choosing the right managed IT support for accounting firms is therefore a strategic decision, not a cost-saving exercise.
What really matters in a managed IT provider for accounting firms?
Deep understanding of data security and compliance
Accounting firms are prime targets for cyber criminals because of the value of the data they hold. A managed IT provider must demonstrate a clear understanding of data protection obligations, including GDPR and industry best practice.
Look for a provider that offers:
- Strong access controls and multi-factor authentication
- Secure data storage and encryption
- Clear policies for handling, retaining and deleting client data
A good provider should also help you prepare for audits and demonstrate compliance, not simply “set things up and disappear.”
Proactive cyber security, not just antivirus
Basic antivirus software is no longer sufficient for accounting firms. Modern cyber threats are sophisticated, targeted and often start with phishing emails or compromised credentials.
Your IT provider should deliver layered cyber security, including:
- Advanced threat detection and response
- Enterprise-grade email filtering
- Regular vulnerability scanning and patch management
- Security awareness guidance for staff
- If your provider only talks about antivirus, that’s a red flag.
Reliable, business-grade infrastructure
Accountants rely on uninterrupted access to systems during critical periods such as tax deadlines and year-end reporting. Downtime at the wrong moment can damage client relationships and staff productivity.
A strong managed IT provider will ensure:
- Resilient infrastructure with redundancy
- Secure backups that are tested regularly
- A documented disaster recovery plan
Providers with their own data centre or tightly controlled hosting environments can often deliver higher reliability and faster recovery.
Secure and flexible phone systems
Modern accounting firms increasingly operate with hybrid or remote teams. Your phone system should support this seamlessly.
Look for an IT provider that offers:
- Cloud-based or VoIP phone systems
- Call recording and call reporting
- Secure call routing for remote staff
- Integration with CRM or practice management systems
- Missed calls and poor call handling directly affect client confidence.
Proactive IT support and monitoring
Waiting for something to break is not acceptable in a professional services environment. Managed IT should be proactive, with continuous monitoring and maintenance.
This includes:
- 24/7 system monitoring
- Automated updates and patching
- Early identification of performance or security issues
- Clear service level agreements (SLAs)
Proactive support reduces disruption and keeps staff focused on client work.
Clear accountability and single point of contact
Many accounting firms struggle with multiple suppliers: one for phones, one for IT support, another for cyber security. This often leads to confusion when issues arise.
The right managed IT provider should:
- Take ownership of your entire IT environment
- Coordinate phones, infrastructure and security
- Provide a clear point of contact for issues and advice
This accountability is especially important during incidents or audits.
Support for growth and change
Your IT needs today may look very different in three years’ time. A good provider will help you plan ahead rather than react.
They should be able to support:
- Firm growth or mergers
- New software or cloud migrations
- Remote working expansion
- Evolving compliance requirements
Strategic IT advice is just as valuable as technical support.
Transparent pricing and honest advice
Finally, accounting firms should look for clarity. Hidden costs, vague scopes of work and unclear responsibilities create risk.
A reliable provider will:
- Clearly define what’s included
- Explain risks and trade-offs honestly
- Recommend solutions based on security and compliance, not just cost
Cheap IT often becomes expensive when things go wrong.
For accounting firms, the right managed IT provider protects reputation, client trust and regulatory standing. Choosing a provider with the right expertise, infrastructure and proactive approach is an investment in long-term stability.
Is your accounting firm’s IT truly secure and compliant?
Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion and discover whether your current setup is protecting your clients, your data and your reputation.
