By Ella Carter – Ghostwriter Guru for Modern CPA Firms
Let’s be honest — managing a CPA firm in Metro Atlanta isn’t for the faint of heart. Between IRS compliance, GLBA standards, and tax-season uptime demands, your plate is already full. So when an IT provider promises “affordable” services, it’s tempting to breathe a sigh of relief and sign on the dotted line.
But here’s the catch: cheap IT isn’t actually cheap.
In fact, it can cost you dearly — in downtime, client trust, and even insurance denials. We’ve reviewed dozens of “budget” IT contracts for local accounting firms, and the pattern is painfully clear: what’s left out of the fine print is often what matters most.
1. They Call Antivirus “Security.” (It’s Not.)
If your IT provider installs basic antivirus and calls it a day, that’s not protection — that’s exposure. True cybersecurity includes:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Endpoint detection and response
- Immutable backups
- Employee awareness training
Without these, you're not just underprotected — you may be ineligible for cyber insurance reimbursement if something goes wrong. One Atlanta firm we spoke with lost over $60,000 after a ransomware attack… and their claim was denied. Their IT provider hadn’t checked the boxes insurers now require.
2. Your Backups Aren’t Backing Up the Right Things
Cloud apps like QuickBooks Online, CCH Axcess, or Microsoft 365 don’t offer real backup — just limited data retention. Many low-cost MSPs don’t include:
- Backup for third-party platforms
- Immutable backups required by regulators
- Disaster recovery plans
We’ve seen too many firms assume they’re covered — until a corrupt file or phishing attack proves otherwise.
3. “Surprise” Fees for Emergencies and On-Site Help
Watch out for the bait-and-switch: low monthly rates followed by premium charges anytime something actually breaks. Need help after 5 PM during tax season? That’s extra. Printer glitch during an audit deadline? More fees.
This model punishes you for needing support — and delays your team from picking up the phone when it matters most.
4. “That’s Not Our Job” When You Call About Vendors
Phones, Internet, scanners, client portals — it all affects your workflow. But many providers refuse to touch anything they didn’t install. That means you could be stuck mediating between your ISP and your IT guy… while the system stays down.
We believe in full accountability. If it touches your network, it’s our responsibility — period.
5. No Strategy. Just Firefighting.
The biggest red flag? No strategic guidance.
If you’re only getting reactive support from junior techs or part-time freelancers, you’re flying blind. A real IT partner should offer:
- Proactive reviews of cybersecurity and compliance
- A dedicated account manager who understands your workflow
- Budget forecasts and tech upgrade roadmaps
- Guidance tailored to accounting software like Thomson Reuters, Drake, or QuickBooks-hosted environments
Bottom Line: What Looks Like a Deal Might Be a Disaster
If your IT partner doesn’t specialize in CPA firms — doesn’t know what Pub 4557 requires or why GLBA matters — you’re carrying risk you can’t afford.
And the worst part? You won’t know it until something goes very wrong.
Let’s Fix That
Let us review your IT environment — at no cost — and give you a straightforward, jargon-free assessment. We’ll help you uncover blind spots, verify compliance coverage, and get clarity on what’s really protecting your firm (and what isn’t).
👉 [Click here to book your FREE IT Risk Assessment.]
You deserve peace of mind. Let’s build it together.
