5 IT Services Every Accountant Should Consider to Improve Efficiency

Managed IT services offer a wide range of services designed to improve an accounting firm’s IT infrastructure. When it comes to security, efficiency, and reliability, these services are vital in boosting efficiency, reducing errors, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Understanding the unique challenges accounting firms face, this blog will review five of the most critical IT services CPAs should consider.

5 Top IT Services Every CPA Needs

Like any industry and business, accounting firms have a specific set of needs and challenges. With over 15 years of experience working with CPAs, our team at PK Tech considers ourselves experts in recommending and offering the services that accountants need the most. Here’s our list of heavy hitters. 

1. Cloud Accounting Solutions

Cloud-based accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Sage enable accountants to work from anywhere with real-time access to financial data. These solutions improve client collaboration, automate data entry, and provide secure backups, reducing the risk of data loss. Incidentally, some originally desktop-centered applications like QuickBooks are phasing out desktop software and requiring everyone to move to their online services.

2. Cybersecurity Services

Given the sensitive nature of financial data, accountants must prioritize cybersecurity. This means moving away from a reactive cybersecurity approach and investing in a proactive stance on threats and risks to the firm. IT services such as firewalls, antivirus software, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regular security audits help protect against cyber threats, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

3. Automated Workflow and Document Management

Automation tools can streamline repetitive tasks such as invoicing, payroll processing, and tax calculations. Document management systems (DMS) like SharePoint or Google Drive help organize and retrieve financial documents efficiently while ensuring secure file sharing. We are big fans of the Microsoft 365 suite of products. 

4. Managed IT Support

A reliable managed IT support service ensures that accounting firms have uninterrupted access to their systems. IT professionals can monitor networks, provide software updates, and offer technical support, minimizing downtime and preventing costly disruptions. Managed IT support can function as your sole IT support or work in conjunction with an in-house IT guy. Having outside-managed IT support is vital to a robust cybersecurity plan for even small accounting firms.

5. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Tools

Data analytics platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, and Zoho Analytics help accountants gain insights into financial trends, cash flow patterns, and business performance. These tools assist in forecasting, strategic planning, and optimizing financial decision-making. With the help of your managed IT service team, they can help you determine the best software to support the specific needs of your firm – optimizing efficiency with price and integration.

Maximize Your Efficiency During Tax Season (and Beyond)

Amid busy season, is there any greater priority than efficiency? We think not. With over a decade working with CPA firms, we understand the pressure cooker that is tax season. With a passion for applying technological solutions to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability, it’s our mission to help CPA firms maximize their potential.

Investing in IT services is not just another line item – it’s an opportunity to significantly improve efficiency and productivity for your team, allowing them to focus on delivering high-value financial advice and reduce the risk of cybersecurity attacks. Stay competitive, enhance client satisfaction, and future-proof your firm. 

Our team at PK Tech boasts AICPAs SOC 2 Type II attestation, proving via third-party audit by an independent CPA firm that we passed a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of our security and privacy controls. Schedule a time to chat with our team here.