Accountants can reach CCH, payroll and client files securely from anywhere by combining cloud-based or securely published software, multi-factor authentication, managed devices and sensible access policies. Done properly, working from home, a client’s office or on the move is just as smooth and just as safe as working at your desk.
Modern practices rarely work nine-to-five in one office. People work from home, partners travel, and the team still needs full, secure access to the practice software and client data. Here’s how to make that work without opening up risk.
1. Get the software reachable, securely
Whether your software is cloud-based or runs on a server, the goal is the same: your team can reach CCH, QuickBooks, payroll and your FYI and INVU document management from anywhere, through a secure connection rather than an open door. We design and manage that access so it’s reliable and protected.
2. Multi-factor authentication everywhere
If staff reach systems from outside the office, MFA is essential. It means a stolen password alone can’t get anyone in, which is the single most important control for secure remote working.
3. Manage the devices, not just the connection
Home and travel working is only safe if the devices are secure. Managed laptops with endpoint protection, encryption, application allowlisting and prompt patching mean the machine your team works on is trusted wherever it is.
4. Handle travel sensibly
Many firms restrict access by location to reduce risk, which is sensible, but it can catch out staff who travel unexpectedly. We help you balance the two, so partners and staff who are on the move stay productive while access stays tightly controlled.
A real example: a London music accountancy firm
We support a London music and entertainment accountancy firm whose whole team works securely from home with no disruption, running CCH, document management (FYI and INVU), QuickBooks and payroll software day to day. Security is layered with ThreatLocker application allowlisting, access restricted by location, managed email filtering and proactive patching, so the practice stays focused on a busy, growing client book instead of on IT. When something does come up, it’s resolved on a single phone call.
For most music and entertainment accountancy firms, this sits within fully managed IT at about £45 to £100 per user per month, billed per user, with secure remote access and the protection client data needs built in.
Why London music accountancy firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002, including London music and entertainment accountancy firms, and we know the software your practice runs every day: CCH, QuickBooks, payroll software (including QTAC), and document management with FYI and INVU. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support practices across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
Want your team to work securely from anywhere? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll design secure access that fits how your practice works.