Top 10 Fully Managed IT Solutions for Accounting & Tax Firms

Accounting and tax firms operate under immense pressure. You handle highly sensitive client financial data, face immovable deadlines, and must navigate a complex web of compliance requirements, such as IRS Publication 4557. In this environment, generic, reactive IT support is a liability. Slow systems during tax season, inadequate data protection, or a breach of client information can cause irreparable damage to your firm’s reputation and bottom line. Finding the right fully managed IT solutions for accounting and tax firms is not an operational expense; it's a critical investment in security, efficiency, and client trust.

These specialized IT partners understand the unique demands of your industry. They are fluent in the software you use daily—from Thomson Reuters and Wolters Kluwer to Intuit—and know how to build a technology stack that supports, rather than hinders, your workflow. This guide evaluates the top providers that deliver the robust security, proactive support, and strategic guidance necessary for modern accounting practices to thrive. By choosing the right partner, you can offload technology management and focus on what you do best: providing expert financial services to your clients, a core benefit of managed IT services for financial services firms.

Why Outsource IT? The ROI for Accounting and Tax Firms

Shifting from an in-house or break-fix IT model to a specialized managed service provider (MSP) is a strategic business decision. It moves IT from a reactive cost center to a predictable, value-driving investment. For accounting firms, the return on investment is measured in enhanced security, predictable costs, and improved productivity.

• Enhanced Security & Compliance
  Specialized MSPs implement robust security protocols to protect sensitive client data and help your firm meet standards like IRS Publication 4557 and AICPA SOC 2. They manage firewalls, endpoint protection, and data encryption to mitigate the risk of a costly breach.
• Cost Predictability
  Move away from a reactive, unpredictable break-fix model. A flat-fee subscription for managed IT simplifies budgeting and can reduce unforeseen IT expenses by up to 40%, eliminating the financial shock of unexpected server failures or security incidents.
• Increased Productivity
  Proactive maintenance and 24/7 support minimize downtime, which is especially critical during tax season. When your team can focus on billable work instead of troubleshooting IT issues, firm-wide productivity and profitability increase.
• Access to Expertise
  Gain a full team of IT specialists—experts in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and network management—for less than the cost of a single senior in-house IT professional. This provides a depth and breadth of knowledge that is difficult for a small or mid-sized firm to replicate internally.

Key Statistics: IT Risks and Rewards in Accounting

The data highlights the critical importance of a formal, professional approach to IT management in the accounting industry. The risks of inadequate security are significant, while the regulatory requirements are clear and non-negotiable.

• IRS Publication 4557 requires all professional tax preparers to create and maintain a written data security plan.
• AICPA SOC 2 certification is a key compliance and trust standard for service organizations handling sensitive client financial data.
• The average total cost of a data breach for a U.S. business with fewer than 500 employees is over $2.9 million.
• More than 80% of all cyberattacks target small and medium-sized businesses, which includes the vast majority of accounting firms.

How We Evaluated These IT Solutions

To build this list, we focused on providers that offer tangible value to accounting and tax professionals. Our evaluation criteria were designed to identify partners who understand the industry's unique challenges and deliver comprehensive, reliable service.

• Industry Specialization
  We prioritized providers with demonstrated experience and expertise working specifically with accounting and tax firms. This ensures they are familiar with your software, workflows, and compliance obligations.
• Compliance & Security Focus
  Each provider was evaluated on their capabilities in data protection, cybersecurity frameworks, and support for regulations like IRS Pub 4557 and SOC 2. A strong security posture was a non-negotiable requirement.
• Comprehensive Service Offerings
  We selected firms offering truly "fully managed" services. This includes 24/7 help desk, proactive network monitoring, cloud management, strategic IT consulting, and disaster recovery planning.
• Client Reputation
  Our selections are supported by positive reviews, case studies, and testimonials from clients in the accounting and financial services sector, indicating a track record of successful partnerships.

Top 10 Fully Managed IT Solutions for Accounting and Tax Firms

The following providers have a proven history of supporting accounting and tax firms with reliable, secure, and efficient IT services. Each offers a distinct approach, allowing you to find the best fit for your firm's specific size, goals, and technology needs.

Cortavo

Role: All-in-One Flat-Fee IT Provider

Snapshot: Cortavo simplifies technology management by bundling all essential IT components into a single, predictable monthly fee. Their all-inclusive service covers hardware, software licensing, cloud services, connectivity, and unlimited 24/7 support. This model is designed to eliminate surprise costs and the complexity of managing multiple vendors. For accounting firms, this means a streamlined, budget-friendly solution that covers everything from cybersecurity and data backups to help desk support for industry-specific applications. Their proactive approach ensures systems are always updated, secure, and optimized for performance, preventing issues before they can impact firm productivity, especially during critical reporting periods.

Core Strength: A transparent, predictable pricing model that includes all necessary IT components, eliminating surprise costs.

Best For: Small to mid-sized accounting firms seeking a single monthly fee for all their technology needs.

Pro Tip: Leverage their bundled hardware-as-a-service to refresh aging equipment without a large capital expense.

Cetrom

Role: Cloud Hosting & IT for CPA Firms

Snapshot: With decades of experience, Cetrom is a pioneer in providing cloud computing and managed IT services tailored specifically for CPA firms. Their core focus is on hosting accounting applications and entire desktop environments in a secure, custom-built cloud. This allows for secure remote access, centralized data management, and business continuity. Cetrom's deep industry knowledge means they understand the nuances of applications from CCH, Thomson Reuters, and other key software vendors. They offer a white-glove service, managing all aspects of the IT environment to ensure uptime and performance, making them a trusted partner for firms prioritizing a cloud-first strategy.

Core Strength: Deep expertise in hosting and managing common CPA software suites within a secure cloud environment.

Best For: Firms of any size prioritizing a move to the cloud with a provider rooted in accounting.

Pro Tip: Inquire about their custom application hosting for any proprietary software your firm uses.

Right Networks

Role: Secure Application Hosting Provider

Snapshot: Right Networks is best known for its secure and reliable hosting of QuickBooks and a vast ecosystem of related accounting applications. They provide a managed cloud environment that allows accountants and their clients to collaborate seamlessly and securely from anywhere. While their foundation is in application hosting, they have expanded their offerings to include managed security and IT services, providing a more complete solution for their customer base. Their direct partnership with Intuit gives them unparalleled expertise in supporting the QuickBooks family of products, ensuring optimal performance, security, and integration for firms that rely heavily on this software.

Core Strength: Unmatched expertise in securely hosting and supporting Intuit products and other essential accounting applications.

Best For: Firms heavily reliant on the QuickBooks ecosystem that need a secure, reliable hosting environment.

Pro Tip: Use their extensive application directory to test and deploy new tools within your secure environment.

Netgain

Role: Managed Cloud & IT Services

Snapshot: Netgain offers managed IT and multi-cloud solutions with a strong specialization in highly regulated industries, including healthcare and accounting. This dual focus gives them a powerful perspective on compliance and data security. Their services are built to satisfy stringent regulatory requirements, making them an excellent choice for firms that need to demonstrate a high level of diligence. Netgain provides comprehensive support, from managing cloud infrastructure to 24/7 help desk and advanced cybersecurity. Their compliance-as-a-service offerings can help firms formalize their security policies and prepare for audits, providing peace of mind beyond standard IT support.

Core Strength: Strong compliance-as-a-service offerings that help firms meet regulatory requirements beyond just IT infrastructure.

Best For: Accounting firms handling data subject to multiple regulations and needing a highly compliant partner.

Pro Tip: Ask about their SOC 2 Type 2 audited data centers for maximum security assurance.

AbacusNext

Role: Technology-as-a-Service Provider

Snapshot: AbacusNext provides a suite of technology solutions for professional services firms, including practice management software, private cloud hosting (Abacus Private Cloud), and managed IT services. Their key differentiator is the ability to offer an integrated ecosystem where the software and the underlying infrastructure are managed by a single vendor. This can simplify support and ensure compatibility. For accounting firms, this means they can potentially source their core practice management tools and the secure cloud environment they run on from one partner, streamlining vendor management and creating a cohesive technology experience for their team.

Core Strength: An integrated ecosystem of proprietary software and managed cloud services, offering a one-stop-shop experience.

Best For: Firms looking for an integrated solution combining practice management software with cloud and IT support.

Pro Tip: Evaluate if their proprietary software is a good fit before committing to their full ecosystem.

Entrust

Role: Cybersecurity-Focused MSP

Snapshot: Entrust operates as a managed IT and security service provider with a clear emphasis on proactive cybersecurity for regulated industries like finance and accounting. While they offer a full range of managed IT services, their standout features are their advanced security offerings. This includes managed detection and response (MDR), security information and event management (SIEM), and Security Operations Center (SOC) services. These tools go beyond traditional antivirus and firewalls to provide active threat hunting and rapid incident response. For accounting firms, this focus provides an extra layer of protection for sensitive client data against sophisticated cyber threats.

Core Strength: Advanced cybersecurity services, including managed detection and response (MDR) and SOC services.

Best For: Firms that consider advanced threat protection and proactive cybersecurity monitoring their top IT priority.

Pro Tip: Request a review of their incident response plan to understand their process during a security event.

Ironscales

Role: Email Security & IT Services

Snapshot: While Ironscales is primarily known for its powerful AI-driven email security platform, it partners with MSPs to deliver a comprehensive IT solution built on a foundation of anti-phishing technology. Recognizing that email is the number one threat vector for accounting firms, this approach prioritizes protecting the firm from business email compromise, ransomware, and credential theft. The broader managed services include standard help desk, network management, and cloud support, but the core value proposition is wrapping the entire IT environment in a blanket of best-in-class email security and continuous employee training simulations.

Core Strength: Best-in-class email security and anti-phishing technology integrated into a broader managed services offering.

Best For: Firms wanting to build their IT strategy around a foundation of robust email security.

Pro Tip: Participate in their phishing simulation programs to strengthen your team's security awareness.

TechMD

Role: Strategic IT Partner for Professional Services

Snapshot: TechMD provides strategic IT consulting and managed services tailored to professional services firms, including accounting. They focus on creating a technology roadmap that aligns with business goals, covering cybersecurity, cloud integration, and proactive support. Their approach is less about just fixing problems and more about becoming a long-term technology partner that helps firms leverage IT for growth and efficiency. They emphasize a co-managed IT model for firms that have some internal IT staff but need additional expertise in areas like security or cloud architecture, making them a flexible partner for growing firms.

Core Strength: A strategic, consultative approach that aligns technology planning with long-term business objectives.

Best For: Firms wanting a proactive IT partner to guide technology decisions and infrastructure investments.

Pro Tip: Use their vCIO services to get high-level strategy without the cost of a full-time executive.

Complete Network

Role: Compliance-Focused IT for Professional Services

Snapshot: Complete Network specializes in providing comprehensive managed IT services with a strong emphasis on compliance and security for professional services. They understand the regulatory pressures on accounting firms and build solutions that address data protection, disaster recovery, and vendor management. Their service stack includes 24/7 monitoring, help desk support, and security services designed to give firm partners peace of mind. They are known for their detailed onboarding process and consistent client communication, ensuring technology aligns with firm operations and that all compliance documentation is meticulously maintained and readily available for audits.

Core Strength: A robust security and compliance framework designed for professional service firms handling sensitive data.

Best For: Accounting firms that need a provider with a documented process for maintaining and proving compliance.

Pro Tip: Ask about their compliance documentation support to simplify your firm's audit preparation processes.

Xamin

Role: IT Services for Highly Regulated Industries

Snapshot: Xamin has built its reputation on serving highly regulated industries like banking, finance, and accounting. Their services are engineered from the ground up to meet stringent compliance standards, including SOC 2. They offer managed IT, cloud hosting, and advanced cybersecurity solutions. Their deep experience with financial regulations means they can provide not just technical support but also guidance on IT governance and risk management. This makes them a strong choice for firms that need to demonstrate a high level of security diligence to their own clients or to regulatory bodies, positioning IT as a tool for building trust.

Core Strength: Deep expertise in the IT compliance and security requirements of the broader financial services industry.

Best For: Firms serving clients in other regulated industries and needing an IT partner fluent in complex compliance.

Pro Tip: Leverage their expertise in financial regulations to strengthen your firm's data governance policies.

Getting Started with Cortavo

Our process is designed to be straightforward and transparent, getting your firm the support it needs without unnecessary complexity.

• Submit your IT needs (quick online form)
• Get a consultation to match the right plan for your team size and goals
• Receive a flat-fee managed IT plan (cybersecurity, support, connectivity, cost management)
• Onboard quickly with certified experts, 24/7 help desk, and ongoing technology support

Why Choose Cortavo?

We provide a practical, all-in-one solution that delivers measurable value to accounting and tax firms.

• Seamless IT management for onsite, hybrid, and remote workplaces
• Transparent, flat-fee plans with predictable costs
• Comprehensive services: cybersecurity, help desk, connectivity, hardware, and cost management
• Peace of mind: recognized as a top managed service provider by G2, Cloudtango, and Clutch

Secure Your Firm's Future

For accounting and tax firms, IT is a core component of service delivery, compliance, and client trust—not just an operational cost. The right technology partner delivers a significant return on investment by reducing downtime, mitigating costly security risks, and freeing up firm leaders to focus on strategic growth and client service. Investing in a specialized IT provider protects your data, your clients, and your reputation. Choosing from the best fully managed IT solutions for accounting and tax firms is a critical business decision that ensures the security and efficiency of your practice for years to come. Ready to secure your firm's data and streamline operations? Let's talk!

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