With the year starting to wrap up, that means that tax season is right around the corner. For accounting firms, tax season might seem like a battle scene from Lord of the Rings come to life. Instead of spears and swords, however, accountants will be hunched over their desks wielding pens and calculators.
Many accounting firms don’t know that there are a few ways they can relieve the pressure and actually increase productivity during tax season. And with the accounting industry steadily growing over the last five years, new technology is rising to the task. And the best part is, accounting IT support can help implement the latest innovations and tools to make your life easier!
Let’s review 7 managed IT services that every accounting firm needs (both in and out of tax season):
1. Compliance
When it comes to taxes, there are a lot of industry and government regulations that need to be met. An accounting firm needs to make sure that they are up to date on all the latest regulations and that their systems are compliant.
This can be a lot to keep track of, but accounting IT support can help. They can make sure that your accounting software, network, and processes are up to date and compliant.
2. 24/7 Proactive Monitoring
During tax season, accounting firms are under a lot of pressure to get everything done on time. Unfortunately, this often means that things can fall through the cracks, especially in terms of cybersecurity. With 24/7 proactive monitoring, accounting IT support can help to keep a careful eye on your network.
3. Cybersecurity Solutions
Tax season is also a prime time for cyberattacks, as hackers know that large amounts of sensitive data are being handled and transferred. With so much sensitive information floating around, accounting firms are a major target. But expert IT support can help to protect your firm with cybersecurity solutions like firewalls, proactive monitoring, MFA (multi-factor authentication), and email security.
4. Data Backup
Another big concern during tax season is data loss. With so much important information being stored on your accounting firm’s computers, it’s vital that there are regular, frequent data backups in place.
Your managed service provider can help to create a data backup plan that will ensure that your firm’s data is safe and sound, even if something happens to your computers.
5. Business Continuity Solutions
No one ever wants to think about what would happen if their accounting firm was hit by a disaster (natural or digital), but it’s important to be prepared. Business continuity solutions from accounting IT support can not only help to keep your firm up and running in the meantime, but ensure your business has a future.
6. Cloud Management and Optimization
Cloud computing is taking the accounting sector by storm, and here are just a few of the trends we’re seeing to prove it:
- Cloud accounting is projected to reach $4.25 next year
- 67% of accountants favor cloud solutions over on-premises software
- Accounting cloud solutions reduced operational costs by 50%
With so much accounting software successfully moving to the cloud, it’s crucial that accounting firms have an expert cloud management strategy in place to stay up to date. IT support can help to optimize your firm’s cloud usage and make sure that you’re getting the most out of your accounting software to increase productivity and your bottom line.
7. IT Consulting
Finally, during tax season (or any other time of year), accounting IT support is more than a break-fix solution—your managed service provider can offer invaluable consulting services. As a business consultant with a holistic approach to your IT infrastructure, IT support can help you to assess your needs and find the right solutions for your firm.
Tech Rockstars: An Accountant’s Best Ally
As the accounting industry continues to grow, the demand for industry-specific technology increases. And you need an IT provider who can help you meet the challenge!
Tech Rockstars has years of IT experience in the accounting sector. Schedule a consultation on your firm’s IT needs today!
