You keep payroll and accounting software reliable through year-end and busy periods with proactive monitoring and patching, well-maintained servers and devices, resilient internet, and tested backups. The aim is simple: when the deadlines hit and the whole team is in CCH, payroll and QuickBooks at once, everything just works.
For an accountancy practice, the worst time for IT to wobble is exactly when you’re busiest. A little planning removes most of that risk. Here’s how.
1. Proactive monitoring and maintenance
The best way to avoid downtime at year-end is to catch problems before they bite. Monitoring your servers, devices and key software lets us spot a failing disk, a struggling server or a software issue early and deal with it quietly, rather than during a deadline.
2. Keep everything patched and current
Out-of-date software causes both security risk and reliability problems. Regular patching of Windows, Microsoft 365 and your practice software keeps things stable and secure, and we schedule it sensibly so updates don’t interrupt the working day.
3. Resilient internet
If your software and submissions rely on the internet, a dropped line at the wrong moment is costly. A resilient connection, ideally with automatic failover to a backup line, keeps you working and filing on time even if your main line fails.
4. Backups and a recovery plan
If the worst happens, tested backups and a clear recovery plan get you running again quickly. Knowing you can restore your CCH database and client data fast takes the fear out of a server fault during your busiest week.
A note on payroll software
Payroll has hard deadlines and no room for error. We support the payroll software practices rely on, including QTAC, and help you keep it running smoothly and securely, so pay runs go out on time every time.
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 a London accountancy practice serving music and entertainment clients, this is part of managed IT and security that usually costs about £45 to £100 per user per month, scaling with headcount, your hosted desktop or CCH setup, and the security your high-profile clients expect.
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 software rock-solid through year-end? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll make sure your systems are ready for the busy season.