Selecting an IT partner has evolved into being a business decision and not only an IT function for CPA firms. In this day and age, with the increase in cybersecurity threats, the ever-increasing need for compliance, and the expansion of accountants utilizing cloud-based accounting software, many CPA firms have turned to managed IT services to help protect and provide the most efficient way to protect their operations.
However, a primary concern remains: what is included in managed IT services for CPA firms? More importantly, what is NOT included? A thorough understanding of what is included versus what is not is essential when comparing the various types of managed service providers and their pricing models.
Through this “Buying Guide,” we aim to eliminate the confusion around the scope of Managed IT Services, what value they offer, and the expectations the CPA firm has of the managed service provider. This information will allow CPA Firms to properly evaluate each of the available Managed Service Providers and make an informed decision on who to select.
Why Managed IT Services Matter for CPA Firms
Accounting and financial service companies have a responsibility to protect highly sensitive client information, such as their tax returns and financial statements.
When there are technical failures (downtime), data loss, or unauthorized access, trust is lost, and compliance issues are likely to arise. This makes it essential for all IT services for accounting and finance firms to take a proactive approach, rather than a reactive one.
A proactive approach to managed IT services shifts the emphasis away from fixing a problem after it has occurred and instead toward preventing issues from occurring. For CPA firms operating in highly competitive markets today, especially those that rely on managed IT support from companies based in Los Angeles, a proactive approach to IT can be a crucial benefit.
What’s Usually Not Included (But Often Assumed)
Managed IT Services Provided for the CPA Industry
Each provider of managed IT services may provide different services; however, the most trusted providers will provide the following basic and standard features of each service:
24/7 Monitoring and Maintenance
Monitoring and maintaining server, workstation, and network systems 24 hours a day allows your CPA practice to identify the potential of interruption from system failures. You will be able to maximize your productivity during times of heavy workload by ensuring that your system is working properly and efficiently and monitoring for potential issues before they impact your schedule.
Desktop Help and Technical Support
Managed IT services typically include help desk and technical support services for your employees, including IT support and password resets. Managed IT service providers prioritize timely responses, allowing CPA firms to remain productive and reduce the amount of time employees spend waiting for assistance.
Cybersecurity Protection
Managed IT services also provide essential protection for the financial services sector by providing various levels of protection against hackers and other potential threats to your firm's information. Protection levels typically include virus and malware protection, antivirus and malware protection, email security and anti-phishing protection, and firewall and endpoint security management for remote staff devices. Using a combination of the levels of protection listed above, CPA firms can maintain the confidentiality of their clients' sensitive data and protect it from opportunistic cybercriminals.
Data Backup and Recovery Planning
Data backup automation is essential for all CPA firms to rapidly recover from system failures, user error, and cyber incidents. Additionally, creating a disaster recovery plan gives CPA firms the best chance to limit financial losses due to interruptions caused by a system failure and limits the potential for loss of customer confidence and new customers.
Support for Cloud and Microsoft 365 Management
Most CPA firms use cloud-based platforms to handle collaborative and document management, along with associated document and support-related concerns. Managed IT service providers will typically assist CPA firms in the use of Microsoft 365 software products and IT support solutions for secure cloud-based data applications and for providing secure remote access to data.
What’s Usually Not Included (But Often Assumed)
This section is generally where people become confused, and knowing what is excluded helps reduce later misunderstandings. Typically, with managed IT services, you pay for the hardware (computers, servers, and networking), but they do not include the costs of all new purchases. Those would generally be invoiced separately. Major IT projects such as full systems migration, infrastructure redesign, and office relocation would also typically be outside the scope of regular monthly service agreements and would typically be priced separately from your monthly service fee. Most managed service providers (MSPs) support existing accounting software; however, they typically do not develop applications or modify proprietary software. If you have significant technical debt (e.g., many unresolved security issues) when you start your service agreement with an MSP, the remediation work required to get your firm back to a healthy technical state may not be included in the standard monthly fee.
It is important to understand what is excluded from your service agreement to make comparisons between proposals and pricing models from different MSPs
How This Impacts Pricing and Value
Managed IT service providers utilize various factors to determine service pricing, such as the number of users or devices, the level of security needed, and the support hours.
When considering managed IT support in Los Angeles, you should look beyond price to evaluate the provider's responsiveness to clients, the experience the provider has within the accounting industry, and the clarity of what services will be provided.
Lower-priced plans typically do not include higher-level cybersecurity protections or proactive monitoring. On the other hand, higher-priced plans help businesses achieve peace of mind through predictable pricing and decreased future risk through their managed IT support services.
As such, CPA firm administrators must give serious thought to all three of these areas when deciding which managed IT support provider is best for their firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are managed IT services worth it for small CPA firms?
Yes. Even small firms benefit from proactive security, predictable IT costs, and professional support—especially during tax season.
Do managed IT services include cybersecurity compliance?
They support best practices and security controls but do not replace formal compliance audits or legal certifications.
Can managed IT services support remote CPA teams?
Absolutely. Most plans include secure remote access, cloud tools, and endpoint protection for off-site employees.
How long does it take to onboard a CPA firm to manage IT services?
Onboarding typically takes 1–3 weeks, depending on system complexity and current IT conditions.
