For a UK accountancy firm, outsourced (managed) IT support usually costs between £45 and £100 per user per month in 2026. Where your practice sits in that range depends on how many people you have, the security and compliance controls you need around client financial data, the practice and tax software you run, and how much strategic guidance you want alongside day-to-day support.
Accountancy is a data-heavy, deadline-driven profession. When IT fails during a filing deadline or year-end, the cost isn’t only inconvenience. It’s missed deadlines, frustrated clients and a dent in your reputation. So it’s worth understanding exactly what you’re paying for.
What drives the price for accountants
1. Number of users
Pricing is almost always per user, so headcount is your starting point. A 12-person practice and a 90-person firm have very different needs in devices, Microsoft 365 accounts, monitoring and helpdesk demand. It’s wise to price for where you’ll be in two years, not just today.
2. Security around client financial data
You hold exactly what criminals want: financial records, tax data and client bank details. Strong security (MFA, endpoint protection, email filtering, encrypted backups and Cyber Essentials) is now a core part of the service rather than an optional add-on, and it feeds into the monthly figure.
3. Practice and tax software
Whether you run IRIS, CCH, Sage, Xero, QuickBooks or a mix, your IT partner needs to keep these performing, integrated and available, especially through Making Tax Digital deadlines and busy season. Supporting and coordinating those applications adds value beyond generic IT.
4. Resilience and remote working
Reliable, secure access from the office and from home, plus dependable backups and a tested recovery plan, protect you when it matters most. The more resilience you build in, the lower the risk of a deadline-day outage.
5. Strategic guidance
IT budgeting, technology roadmaps, getting more from Microsoft 365, and growth planning all help you make better decisions and avoid expensive mistakes. The cheapest provider is rarely the most cost-effective once you factor this in.
What’s usually included
- User support: help with logins, email, Microsoft 365 and software issues
- Device management: monitoring, updates and maintenance of laptops and PCs
- Cyber security management: protection and monitoring as a core component
- Microsoft 365 support: administration, security and licensing
- Vendor management: a single point of contact for your software and connectivity suppliers
Look at value, not just cost
A firm paying £45 per user may receive a very different service from one paying £100. When you compare providers, weigh up sector experience, security and compliance expertise, responsiveness during deadline periods, and the ability to support your growth, rather than just the headline number.
A real example: scaling a firm to acquisition
We were closely involved in developing the business systems that helped a client grow from 20 users to 100 over five years, growth that ultimately led to the business being acquired by a private equity firm. The right IT foundation does more than keep the lights on. It makes a business easier to scale, more resilient and more valuable.
Why accountancy firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002. 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 organisations with 10 to 100 employees across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
Want to know what IT support should cost for a practice your size? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll assess your setup and show you where you can lower risk and improve value.