Let’s not sugarcoat it — IT is the backbone of your accounting firm. If it breaks, you break. So when I hear firms say, “We went with the cheaper provider,” I wince. Because I’ve seen how that movie ends — and trust me, it’s a horror show.
On paper, a low monthly fee sounds great. But what’s buried in the fine print is where the real damage hides. And by the time you realize it? You’re already paying the price.
Here’s how budget IT services quietly bleed accounting firms dry — and what you need to watch for.
1. They Say “Cybersecurity” — But Mean Antivirus
Your firm handles sensitive client data. Financials. Tax files. SINs. And yet, budget providers think tossing in a basic antivirus is enough.
No multi-factor authentication. No endpoint protection. No phishing training for your staff. And worst of all? No plan for when things go sideways.
Insurance carriers now demand real cybersecurity. If y27our MSP hasn’t set that up — and you get hit — your claim could be denied. I’ve seen it happen. One breach. Tens of thousands lost. All because “security” meant the cheap kind.
2. Backups That Aren’t Actually Backing Up
Think Microsoft 365 has you covered? Think again.
Most budget MSPs skip cloud app backups altogether. That means your emails, client docs, and CRM data could vanish in a click — with no way to get them back.
And if they are doing backups? Ask if those are immutable — meaning they can’t be overwritten or encrypted by ransomware. Because guess what? Insurance companies are asking that too.
3. Surprise Invoices: The Old “Gotcha” Game
Need help after 5 PM? Onsite visit? Urgent issue during tax season?
With some providers, that’s not included. They lure you in with a rock-bottom rate, then nickel-and-dime you the second you actually need help.
Real IT support should be predictable. Flat-rate. No hidden fees. If your team is scared to call because it might “cost extra,” you’ve already lost productivity.
4. “That’s Not Our Problem” Support
Your internet drops. The phone system’s down. The printer’s offline. You call your IT provider, and they say: “Not our gear, not our problem.”
Look — tech doesn’t work in silos. Your MSP should handle everything that touches your network. No excuses. No finger-pointing.
If they’re charging you just to talk to your other vendors? Time to walk.
5. Techs Without Strategy, Leadership Without a Plan
Maybe your IT guy is friendly. Maybe he answers the phone. But if he’s not thinking beyond the next password reset, your firm’s at risk.
You need more than a tech. You need a guide.
Someone to:
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Help you plan upgrades.
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Forecast IT budgets.
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Keep you compliant.
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Review your backup and security regularly.
That’s what a true MSP brings — not just “fixing stuff,” but helping you grow securely.
Bottom Line: If It’s Cheap, There’s a Reason
Look, I’m not saying you need the most expensive solution. But if the price looks too good to be true, it usually is. Don’t wait for a ransomware attack or compliance audit to realize your IT was a liability.
Here’s what I’d do if I were you:
Get a second opinion. Our team will review your current IT setup, walk you through what’s covered (and what’s dangerously missing), and give it to you straight — no tech jargon, no sales games.
👉 Book your free IT Risk Review here.
Let’s make sure your firm is protected, profitable, and ready for tax season — not just hoping for the best.
