A music accountancy firm should choose an IT provider on four things: they know your software, they take security seriously, they answer the phone and fix things fast, and they plan ahead. A provider who understands accountancy practices and the tools you run is worth far more than a generalist who treats your CCH or payroll software as someone else’s problem.
There’s no shortage of IT companies, and your inbox is probably full of cold calls from them. Here’s how to cut through that and pick a partner who actually fits your practice.
1. Do they know your world?
Ask whether they support accountancy practices and the software you run, from CCH and QuickBooks to payroll software and document management with FYI and INVU. A provider with real experience in your sector understands your deadlines, your confidentiality needs and the way you work, and you’ll feel the difference quickly.
2. Is security built into everything?
You hold sensitive data for high-profile clients, so security can’t be an afterthought. Look for multi-factor authentication, application allowlisting, managed email security, backups, staff training and a route to Cyber Essentials, all as standard, plus a provider who can evidence their own security.
3. Will they actually be there?
When something breaks, you want to call someone who sorts it, not raise a ticket and wait. Ask about response times and how support actually works. The best sign is existing clients who say problems get fixed quickly and without fuss.
4. Do they move with the times?
Some IT companies keep things ticking but never move forward, and you find your security is years behind the threats. Choose a provider who stays current, reviews your setup regularly, and plans ahead, so you’re protected against today’s risks, not 2015’s.
What our clients say
“We have a problem, we call, and it gets sorted. That’s what we need and that’s what we’re getting. We’re all up and running from home, everything’s ticking over nicely. Downtime costs us money, and First Stop IT get us back up and running whenever we get stuck.”
Practice manager, a London music and entertainment accountancy firm
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
Weighing up a new IT provider? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and see the difference a specialist makes.