The IT Support Checklist: What Every Accounting Firm Should Demand

We’re in the IT business, so we know what you should expect. This doesn’t mean that all managed IT service companies provide this, but some certainly do (cough, cough…PK Tech). 

It’s always good to do your due diligence when hiring outside support for your business. When it comes to IT support for accounting firms, there are necessities you should demand. Firms in today’s climate rely heavily on technology to serve clients, maintain compliance, and manage complex financial data. As technology advances, so do the risks associated with data breaches, system outages, and cyberattacks. 

IT support is now a critical necessity for firms, but that doesn’t mean all IT support is created equal. Accounting firms must be intentional about the services and capabilities they expect from their IT providers. 

5 Things CPA Firms Should Expect from Their IT Team

Here’s our comprehensive IT support checklist–hot off the press: the secret recipe for ensuring operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and client trust. 

1. Proactive Cybersecurity Protection

The sensitive nature of financial data makes accounting firms prime targets for cybercriminals. Strong cybersecurity isn’t just about responding to incidents, it’s about preventing them before they happen.

Key Elements to Demand:

• Advanced Threat Detection: IT providers should offer real-time monitoring with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions that identify and neutralize threats as they emerge.
• Firewall and Network Security: Your IT support should configure robust firewall protections, intrusion prevention systems, and network segmentation.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): To prevent unauthorized access, firms should require MFA across all systems, especially email, remote access, and cloud platforms.
• Security Awareness Training: Even the best technology won’t prevent human error. Ongoing employee training helps staff recognize phishing scams, social engineering tactics, and security best practices.
• Regular Penetration Testing: Scheduled tests help identify vulnerabilities in your network before hackers exploit them.

Without these proactive measures, accounting firms risk non-compliance with regulations like GLBA, SOX, and state-specific data privacy laws, not to mention potential reputational damage from a data breach.

2. Reliable Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Accounting firms manage vast amounts of irreplaceable client data. If not properly safeguarded, a hardware failure, ransomware attack, or natural disaster can quickly compromise critical information.

What to Require:

• Automated, Frequent Backups: To protect against localized events, backups should occur multiple times per day and be stored both on-site and off-site.
• Encrypted Storage: All backup data should be encrypted both at rest and in transit to prevent unauthorized access.
• Disaster Recovery Planning: Your IT support team should provide a comprehensive recovery plan that includes Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) aligned with your business needs.
• Regular Testing: Backups are only useful if they work when needed. Your IT partner should regularly test restore processes to ensure data integrity and recovery speed.

When financial deadlines are tight, such as during tax season or audit preparation, downtime is not an option. A reliable disaster recovery solution ensures business continuity, no matter what unexpected event occurs.

3. Industry-Specific Compliance and Regulatory Expertise

Accounting firms operate under strict regulatory oversight. IT support providers must understand the technology and the unique compliance requirements specific to financial services.

Compliance Areas to Cover:

• GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) Compliance
• SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) Compliance
• IRS Publication 4557 Data Security Requirements
• State-Level Privacy Laws (e.g., California Consumer Privacy Act - CCPA)
• FTC Safeguards Rule Updates

Your IT partner should help implement the necessary controls, provide documentation for auditors, and stay current on evolving regulatory changes. Providers specializing in accounting firm IT support often have templates, audit prep materials, and compliance reporting tools that general IT providers lack.

4. Responsive Help Desk and Client Support

Technical issues are inevitable. When problems arise, your IT support team must be easy to reach and quick to respond.

What to Expect:

• 24/7 Help Desk Access: Whether it's tax season or after hours, your IT support should be available whenever issues occur.
• Response Times (SLAs): Service Level Agreements provide clear expectations for how quickly support requests will be addressed.
• Dedicated Account Managers: Having a point of contact who understands your firm’s unique environment improves communication and faster problem resolution.
• On-Site Support Availability: While much support can be handled remotely, complex issues, especially network infrastructure or hardware failures, may require in-person troubleshooting.

Responsive support minimizes disruptions and ensures your staff stays productive despite technical glitches.

5. Strategic IT Consulting and Future Planning

Technology is constantly evolving. Accounting firms need an IT partner who can manage current systems and guide future technology investments to support growth and competitiveness.

Key Strategic Services:

• Technology Roadmapping: Regular consultations to plan hardware refresh cycles, software upgrades, and future IT projects.
• Cloud Strategy: Guidance on migrating to or optimizing cloud platforms for greater flexibility and scalability.
• Vendor Management: Your IT provider should assist in evaluating and managing third-party software vendors (such as tax software, audit tools, or document management systems).
• Budget Planning: Help forecast IT expenditures to avoid unexpected costs and maximize ROI.

Firms that align IT strategy with business goals are better positioned to adopt innovations like AI-powered analytics, automated workflows, and client collaboration platforms.

Don't Settle for Generic IT Support

Accounting firms face unique technology challenges that demand specialized expertise. Generic IT providers may cover the basics, but to fully protect your firm, ensure compliance, and enable growth, your IT partner must offer a comprehensive, proactive approach.

By using this checklist as a guide, your firm can confidently evaluate potential IT providers and ensure you’re receiving the level of support necessary to thrive in today’s demanding financial landscape. With the right IT partner, your firm can focus on what it does best: serving clients and growing your business, while knowing your technology foundation is secure, compliant, and future-ready.

Are you satisfied with the IT support your firm is currently receiving? If you have concerns or questions, our team at PK Tech is here to support you. Schedule a time to chat here.  

As a managed IT service provider, PK Tech is proud to offer 15 years of experience with a focus on accounting firms. We boast 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 talk with our team here.