Cetrom Support fixed all of my problems, their engineers are very professional, courteous, friendly and very efficient. If all customer service out there was like this, it would be a better world...
- Mid-sized
You’ve built a reputable CPA firm—your team is sharp, your workflows are dialed in, and your clients trust you to deliver under pressure. You’ve mastered your accounting programs and you’re ready to take the next step—whether that means expanding your services, onboarding new clients, or hiring remote staff to scale operations. But there’s one piece holding you back: technology.
Your IT systems are functional, but not flexible. Your staff—working long hours from multiple locations—need seamless, secure access to sensitive financial data. And you need to ensure everything remains compliant with increasingly complex regulations.
You’re not just looking for an IT fix. You need a technology partner who understands the business of accounting as well as you understand the numbers. A Virtual CIO. A cybersecurity strategist. A support team that answers the call when it’s 10 p.m. on April 14th. You need a Managed IT Services Provider that’s built for CPA firms—and that’s where the right questions can make all the difference.
Choosing a Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) is a critical decision for any accounting firm. Technology directly affects your efficiency, client satisfaction, compliance, and bottom line—especially during tax season. With data sensitivity, uptime, and application performance on the line, you can’t afford to gamble on a generic provider.
To help guide your decision, we’ve compiled 20 essential questions every CPA firm should ask before committing to an MSP.
1. Are they a partner or just an advisor?
A true MSP partner doesn’t just wait for something to break. They proactively support your business, aligning IT strategies with firm goals. Cetrom acts as a strategic extension of your team - a trusted advisor, helping you reduce downtime and boost productivity year-round.
2. Do they specialize in CPA firms?
Generic MSPs often miss the mark when it comes to CPA-specific applications and workflows. Cetrom’s decades of experience in the accounting industry means we understand the critical nature of tools like CCH, Thomson Reuters, QuickBooks, Sage, Lacerte, CaseWare, and many more.
Explore Cetrom’s CPA Expertise
3. Can they handle your entire IT ecosystem?
Working with multiple vendors leads to miscommunication and inefficiencies. Cetrom offers comprehensive services—including secure cloud hosting, cybersecurity, data backup, 24/7 support, and local on-site IT support—so your firm only needs one point of contact.
4. Do they understand your busy season?
Your workload spikes between October and April. Cetrom provides true 24/7/365 support, ensuring that even at 10 PM during tax season, your team gets the help they need. We also remain risk-averse when it comes to making changes during tax season. This approach helps minimize any potential risk during busy season
5. Who is actually providing your support?
You’re not buying from a salesperson—you’re relying on engineers. Cetrom gives clients direct access to senior-level technicians who know the unique demands of CPA firms.
6. Do they perform a full discovery before pricing?
A reputable MSP will audit your systems before quoting. Cetrom performs in-depth assessments to uncover legacy issues, application needs, and compliance gaps before building a customized solution.
7. Are they proactive or reactive?
Waiting until something breaks is costly. Cetrom uses predictive monitoring, advanced patch management, and cybersecurity hardening to minimize risks before they disrupt your firm.
Learn About Cetrom’s Proactive IT Model
8. What cybersecurity protocols are in place?
Cybercrime is rising—and CPA firms are prime targets. Cetrom offers multi-layered protection including endpoint detection and response (EDR), Managed Detection & Response (MDR), data encryption, MFA, and employee security training.
9. Do they provide a clear SLA?
Service Level Agreements are your insurance policy. Cetrom’s SLA outlines guaranteed response times, 99.9% uptime, and dedicated support availability.
10. Can they provide industry-specific references?
Ask for references from other CPA firms. Cetrom proudly supports firms with 5–300 employees across the U.S. and will happily connect you with satisfied clients in your sector.
11. Are their internal operations mature?
Operational maturity matters. Cetrom follows structured ITIL-aligned practices, ensuring consistency, documentation, and efficient issue resolution.
12. How do they handle onboarding?
Transitioning IT providers should not disrupt your business. Cetrom assigns onboarding specialists and provides detailed migration plans to ensure zero downtime.
13. What certifications do they hold?
Certifications validate expertise. Cetrom’s technicians hold credentials in Microsoft Azure, Citrix, Cisco, and adhere to cybersecurity frameworks such as SOC 2 and SSAE 16.
14. Do they rely on negative selling?
A professional MSP focuses on their strengths—not tearing down competitors. Cetrom believes in building trust through transparency, not sales pressure.
15. Is there an exit strategy?
A credible provider supports a smooth transition—even if you choose to leave. Cetrom clearly defines data ownership, offboarding procedures, and ensures your firm retains control at all times.
16. Is the pricing model transparent?
Hidden fees are deal breakers. Cetrom’s pricing is fully transparent, based on user count, application needs, and service levels. No surprises—just predictable budgeting.
Learn More about Cost-Effective Cloud Solutions
17. How quickly do they respond to issues?
Every minute counts during tax season. Cetrom boasts an average ticket response time under 30 minutes—day or night.
18. Are they investing in emerging technologies?
Your provider should help future-proof your firm. Cetrom continuously evaluates and integrates tools like AI automation, cloud scaling, and security innovations to keep your tech competitive and efficient.
19. Can they scale as you grow?
Your firm won’t be the same size forever. Cetrom’s cloud infrastructure and scalable support plans grow with you, whether you’re adding staff or expanding locations.
20. Are they a cultural fit?
IT is not just technical—it’s personal. You need a team that respects your time, understands CPA pressures, and communicates clearly. Cetrom builds long-term relationships through empathy, reliability, and results.
Final Thoughts: Make the Right Move for Your Firm
IT isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about preventing them. As a CPA firm, your technology must be fast, secure, and available—especially when client expectations are at their peak. Cetrom understands that your time is money and downtime is unacceptable.
Before committing to a provider, ask these questions. Better yet, ask Cetrom. We’ll show you how a specialized, reliable, and proactive MSP can empower your firm to operate securely and efficiently—without IT headaches.
