IT Support for Accountants Lancashire

Why is IT support important for accountancy businesses?

IT support plays a crucial role in the success of accountancy firms by ensuring data security, system reliability, and regulatory compliance. Given the sensitive nature of financial data and the reliance on specialised accounting software, a proactive IT support strategy helps firms operate smoothly and securely. Here’s why IT support is essential for accountancy businesses:

• Data Security & Cyber Threat Protection: Accounting firms handle confidential client financial information, making them a prime target for cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. IT support ensures robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication, to protect sensitive financial data.
• Compliance with Industry Regulations: Financial and data protection laws, such as GDPR, require accountants to manage client data responsibly. An IT support team ensures compliance by implementing secure data storage, regular audits, and access control measures, reducing the risk of legal issues or fines.
• Reliable IT Infrastructure & Business Continuity: Downtime or system failures can disrupt operations, delaying payroll processing, tax filings, and financial reporting. IT support provides regular system maintenance, backups, and disaster recovery plans to keep business operations running smoothly.
• Support for Accounting Software & Cloud Solutions: Modern accounting firms rely on software like Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and cloud-based ERP systems. IT support ensures that these applications are always up to date, properly integrated, and functioning efficiently, minimising disruptions.
• Secure Remote Work & Cloud Accessibility: Many accountants work remotely or need access to client data outside the office. IT support helps set up secure VPNs, cloud storage, and encrypted communication tools, enabling accountants to work safely from any location.
• Protection Against Data Loss: A data loss incident: Whether due to cyberattacks, human error, or hardware failure—can be devastating for an accounting firm. IT support provides automated backups, data recovery solutions, and redundancy plans to prevent permanent data loss.
• Increased Efficiency & Cost Savings: With managed IT support, firms can reduce the need for in-house IT staff while ensuring expert assistance is always available. A well-maintained IT infrastructure prevents costly downtime, streamlines workflow automation, and improves overall efficiency.

IT Support for Accountancy Businesses

Accountants are increasingly moving towards cloud-based solutions and, for its part, HMRC is pushing digitisation with the introduction of ‘Making Tax Digital’ (MTD). In the wake of GDPR and e-Privacy regulations, digital security is also in the spotlight so – as a result of all manner of different forces – the industry is changing fast.

Accountancy practices across Lancashire have had to react and evolve, and their IT infrastructure is becoming ever more sophisticated. Staying on top of all this puts tremendous pressure on in-house technical staff and, since no one manager can be an expert in every aspect of IT, it can make real sense to call in expert help.

Our role is to take ownership of all your IT concerns, leaving you free to concentrate on your clients. In the background, we’ll be applying all our expertise to making your business run as efficiently, as reliably and as securely as possible.

As an IT provider with over 12 years of experience in the accountancy sector, we deliver savings, business continuity and futureproofing. We can help you with:

• Strategic advice on systems design and investment
• Getting the most from your software and systems
• Expert support and training with Xero, Iris, Virtual Cabinet etc.
• Upgrading your hardware / network
• Bolstering your IT security and GDPR compliance
• Migrating seamlessly to scalable cloud-based solutions and services
• Proactive monitoring to keep your systems running in peak condition
• Back-up and recovery strategies to keep your business protected and resilient

Benefits of IT Support for an Accounting Business

A strong IT support system is essential for accounting firms to stay secure, compliant, and efficient. From cybersecurity and compliance to cloud solutions and disaster recovery, IT support enables accountants to focus on their core work without worrying about technical disruptions.

Here are the key benefits of IT support for an accounting business.

• Enhanced Cybersecurity & Data Protection
• Compliance with Industry Regulations
• Reliable Accounting Software Support
• Minimised Downtime & Increased Productivity
• Secure Cloud & Remote Access Solutions
• Data Backup & Disaster Recovery
• Cost Savings & IT Efficiency
• Improved Client Trust & Reputation

Managed IT Services

As a IT provider, we deliver a range of managed services tailored for the accounting sector. Our services include: proactive monitoring, regular maintenance, and dedicated support to detect and resolve potential IT issues before they impact operations. By minimising downtime and ensuring data security and compliance, our managed IT services help accounting firms to operate efficiently, safeguard sensitive financial information, and remain focused on serving their clients.

Cybersecurity and Data Management

With the rise of cyber threats, cybersecurity and data management have become essential aspects of IT support for accountancy firms. Protecting confidential financial data and client records requires robust security measures, including firewalls, multi-factor authentication, and advanced anti-virus protection. Additionally, regular data backups and disaster recovery solutions are crucial to ensure business continuity, safeguard against data loss, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

Cloud Services

We provide a range of comprehensive cloud services designed to enhance business efficiency, security, and scalability for businesses in the accountancy sector. Their offerings include cloud computing servers for reliable performance, cloud storage for secure data management and backups, and cloud email solutions powered by Microsoft Exchange. With flexible pricing, expert support, and a focus on seamless transitions, AMP ensures businesses can leverage cloud technology without the hassle of maintenance or upfront investments.

IT Training

We offer comprehensive IT training courses designed to upskill employees and keep businesses ahead in the digital landscape. These cover a range of topics, including accountancy software, cybersecurity, Microsoft Office applications, and specialist IT training tailored to specific industry needs. By enrolling in these courses, accountancy businesses can develop a more technically proficient workforce capable of tackling complex IT challenges effectively.

FAQs – IT Support for Accountancy Businesses

1. What IT support services do you offer specifically for accountancy firms?
We provide comprehensive IT support tailored for the accountancy industry. This includes cybersecurity solutions, data protection, cloud services, software support (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage), backup and disaster recovery, compliance assistance, and managed IT services. Our goal is to keep your firm secure, compliant, and running efficiently across your IT systems.

2. Do you provide 24/7 IT support and monitoring?
Yes, we offer 24/7 monitoring and emergency IT support for accountancy businesses by our dedicated team of experts to ensure your systems are protected at all times. Our proactive approach helps prevent downtime, security threats, and system failures before they impact your business.

3. Can you offer both remote and on-site support?
Yes, we provide both remote and on-site IT support depending on your needs. While most issues with your practice management systems can be resolved remotely, our technicians are available for on-site visits for hands-on assistance when required.

4. How do you handle IT emergencies and system failures?
In case of an emergency, our team responds immediately to diagnose and resolve critical IT issues. We have a disaster recovery plan in place, including data backups and failover systems, to minimise downtime and keep your operations running smoothly.

5. What is your average response time for IT support requests?
Our response time depends on the severity of the issue, but we aim to address urgent problems within minutes and resolve most technical issues within a few hours. We prioritise mission-critical problems to ensure minimal disruption to your business.