Managed IT services for accounting firms should include at least 6–8 core service areas that go well beyond basic help desk support. For CPA firms, managed IT is not just about fixing issues—it’s about preventing downtime, protecting client data, and ensuring systems hold up under tax-season pressure.
Many generic MSPs offer “managed IT,” but their services are often designed for general small businesses. Accounting firms require a more specialized approach that reflects compliance expectations, sensitive data, and deadline-driven operations.
Core IT Support (Where Most MSPs Stop)
At a minimum, managed IT services typically include:
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Help desk support for day-to-day issues
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Device and user management
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Basic monitoring and maintenance
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Software updates and patching
While these services are necessary, they are not sufficient for accounting firms on their own. Firms that stop here often discover gaps during audits, client security reviews, or peak workload periods.
Security and Data Protection Expectations
Accounting firms should expect managed IT services to include strong, proactive security, such as:
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Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
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Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
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Email security and phishing protection
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Encrypted backups with regular testing
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Continuous monitoring and alerting
Because accounting firms handle tax, audit, and financial data, security must be built into daily operations, not treated as an optional add-on.
Tax-Season Readiness and Business Continuity
One of the biggest differences between accounting-focused MSPs and generic providers is tax-season readiness.
For accounting firms, managed IT should include:
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Proactive system checks before deadlines
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After-hours or extended support when needed
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Backup and recovery plans designed for rapid restoration
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Capacity planning to handle peak usage
Downtime is never acceptable for an accounting firm—but the consequences are magnified during peak tax seasons, when delays can impact clients, staff, and firm reputation.
Compliance Awareness and Client Expectations
Many accounting firms face increasing pressure from:
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Client security questionnaires
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Regulatory expectations (such as the FTC Safeguards Rule)
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Cyber insurance requirements
Managed IT services should support:
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Documentation of security controls
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Ongoing risk assessments
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Guidance on reasonable security practices
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Support during audits or client inquiries
Generic MSPs often lack familiarity with these expectations, leaving firms exposed or scrambling to respond.
Strategic IT Planning for Firm Growth
Beyond daily support, accounting-focused managed IT should include strategic planning, such as:
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Technology roadmaps aligned with firm growth
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Guidance on cloud platforms and infrastructure decisions
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Lifecycle planning for hardware and systems
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Budget forecasting tied to risk and operational needs
This ensures technology supports the firm’s long-term goals rather than reacting to problems as they arise.
Real-World Perspective from Inside a Regional Accounting Firm
Total Cover IT Founder David Quick spent 17 years as the internal IT Director for a mid-sized regional accounting firm in New Jersey, supporting the firm as it grew from approximately 50 employees to more than 80.
During that time, David was responsible for:
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Designing, implementing, and maintaining the firm’s entire IT infrastructure
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Supporting specialized practice management and time and billing systems, workflow management tools, and various accounting, audit, and tax-related applications
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Minimizing downtime, especially during peak tax seasons
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Leading a full headquarters office relocation, including the migration and reassembly of core IT infrastructure, with minimal disruption
That experience provides a first-hand understanding of what accounting firms actually need from managed IT—beyond generic service bundles or marketing promises.
How to Evaluate Whether an MSP Is Right for Your Accounting Firm
When evaluating managed IT services, accounting firms should ask:
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Does this provider specialize in accounting firms?
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How do they support tax-season reliability?
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What security controls are included by default?
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Can they support audits, client inquiries, and compliance expectations?
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Do they provide strategic guidance, not just reactive support?
The right MSP acts as an extension of the firm—not just a vendor.
Related Resources for Accounting Firms
This article is part of our Resources for Accounting Firms series, where we answer common questions about IT costs, security, and operational risk for CPA firms.