How Cetrom Enabled Growth, Flexibility, and Long-Term IT Confidence for DP&C Through a Trusted IT Advisor Partnership

Executive Summary

DP&C is a full-service accounting firm providing tax, audit, and advisory services to closely held businesses. The firm sought to modernize its IT infrastructure to improve security, reduce operational burden, and enable future growth.

After operating in an on-premises environment with limited internal IT capacity and growing cybersecurity concerns, DP&C recognized the need to partner with a provider that could deliver more than just infrastructure. They required a specialized partner capable of guiding long-term technology strategy.

By partnering with Cetrom as a Trusted IT Advisor for CPA Firms, DP&C transitioned to a secure, cloud-based environment supported by a dedicated team of specialists. The firm now benefits from seamless remote operations, improved client service delivery, reduced internal IT burden, and a high level of confidence in security and compliance.

Client Background and Strategic Challenge

Founded in 1936, DP&C and its staff of 30 professionals provide tax, audit, CAS, and advisory services to a broad range of industries, primarily serving closely held businesses and their owners. The firm prioritizes delivering high-quality client service while fostering a strong work environment for its employees.

As technology became more central to firm operations, leadership faced increasing pressure to ensure systems were secure, reliable, and scalable.

Before Cetrom, the firm experienced several key challenges:

• Limited internal IT scalability
  IT was managed by a single internal resource supplemented by an outside vendor, making it difficult to stay current with evolving technologies.
• Growing cybersecurity and compliance concerns
  Leadership recognized the growing risks of managing sensitive financial data without dedicated expertise.
• Inefficient remote access model
  Remote work relied on slow and cumbersome VPN connections, limiting productivity and flexibility.
• Operational distraction from core business
  Internal resources were spending time managing servers, backups, and infrastructure, rather than focusing on clients.

“We weren’t in a position to stay on top of all of that… It’s not our area of expertise.” – Karin Teles, Chief Operating Officer (COO), DP&C

Why DP&C Sought a Specialized IT Partner

DP&C evaluated multiple providers with the help of a consultant and ultimately selected Cetrom based on its specialization and strategic approach.

The firm specifically sought:

• A provider with deep expertise in accounting firms and applications
• A security-first platform aligned with financial data protection needs
• A solution that provided a familiar user experience for staff across varying technical skill levels
• A partner that operated as a long-term advisor, not just a vendor

“We wanted to engage with somebody that specialized with accounting firms… that knew the software and the industry.” - Karin Teles, COO, DP&C

The Cetrom Solution: A Trusted IT Advisor Model

Cetrom delivered a comprehensive solution combining infrastructure, security, support, and strategic guidance—positioning itself as a long-term IT partner.

Secure Virtual Desktop Environment

• Transitioned DP&C to a cloud-based virtual desktop platform
• Enabled consistent, reliable system access regardless of location
• Simplified user experience while maintaining security

Dedicated Support with Relationship Continuity

• Access to consistent support engineers familiar with the firm
• Personalized service experience rather than fragmented support

“It feels like a company that feels like us… it doesn’t feel transactional.” - Karin Teles, COO, DP&C

Security and Risk Management Guidance

• Ongoing support for cybersecurity strategy and compliance initiatives
• Assistance with frameworks such as WISP and evolving regulatory requirements

Technology Advisory and Application Enablement

• Guidance on evaluating and integrating third-party applications
• Support for CAS and advisory service expansion

Migration and Implementation Support

• Structured pre-migration planning with regular working sessions
• On-site support during implementation to ensure a smooth transition

“I’ve been through a number of software conversions, and they never go well… this went well.” - Karin Teles, COO, DP&C

Results and Client Impact

Following its partnership with Cetrom, DP&C achieved meaningful operational and strategic improvements:

Seamless Remote Work Enablement

• Fully remote-ready infrastructure
• Immediate ability to transition during COVID without disruption

“We decided one day to go remote… and we were ready.” - Karin Teles, COO, DP&C

Improved Efficiency and Operational Focus

• Elimination of internal IT management burden
• Staff focused on client service rather than technology issues

Enhanced Client Service Delivery

• Faster response times and improved accessibility
• Ability to serve clients from any location

“It allows us to connect from anywhere… faster response and more flexibility.” - Karin Teles, COO, DP&C

Stronger Security and Risk Mitigation

• Increased confidence in protecting client data
• Expert support during security-related events

“We rely on Cetrom to guide us… They’re far more aware of the threats and what we need to be doing. We feel a level of confidence that we’re doing everything we can.” - Karin Teles, COO, DP&C

Business Growth Enablement

• Support for expanding CAS and advisory services
• Secure adoption of new applications and technologies

Improved Employee Experience

• Flexible work environment supporting recruitment and retention
• Reliable systems that “just work”

Lessons Learned for CPA Firms

DP&C’s experience highlights several key insights:

• Firms should focus on their core competencies and outsource specialized IT functions
• Accounting-specific expertise is critical when evaluating IT partners
• Security and compliance require dedicated, proactive guidance
• The right partner enables firms to operate at a higher level without increasing internal complexity

“It’s allowed us to focus on what we do well and outsource what we don’t.” - Karin Teles, COO, DP&C

A True Trusted IT Advisor Partnership

After more than a decade of partnership, DP&C views Cetrom as a foundational component of its operational success.

“It’s one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. It feels less transactional and more relational… that’s what we really enjoy. For being a small firm, it’s allowed us to operate at a higher level.” - Karin Teles, COO, DP&C

Closing

For DP&C, Cetrom has evolved from an infrastructure provider into a Trusted IT Advisor, delivering the security, guidance, and scalability required to support a modern accounting firm.

By aligning technology with business objectives, Cetrom enables DP&C to focus on what matters most: clients, people, and long-term growth.