//IT Services for Accounting & CPA Firms

IT SOLUTIONS FOR
ACCOUNTING FIRMS.

Simply IT provides managed IT services, cybersecurity, and workflow automation for accounting and CPA firms across North Central Florida.

Keep your tax software running, your client data secure, and your firm compliant — without the IT headaches.

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Free tools for accounting firms:Cyber Threat Report·Security Scorecard·IT Budget Planner
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//The Real Cost of Inadequate Accounting IT

UNMANAGED IT IS
COSTING YOUR FIRM.

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Tax Season Downtime Is Catastrophic
$427/min
Cost of IT downtime for small businesses
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Financial Data Is High Value
41%
of SMBs hit by cyberattack in 2023
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IRS & FTC Compliance Requirements
FTC
Safeguards Rule requires security program
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Staff Productivity Loss
$1,050
Lost per staff member per year from slow systems
//What We Handle for Accounting Firms

EVERYTHING YOUR FIRM
NEEDS — HANDLED.

Managed IT & Tax Software Support

Proactive IT management with specialized support for tax and accounting software platforms.

  • Tax software support & updates
  • Network & device monitoring
  • Fast help desk response
  • Hardware lifecycle management

Financial Data Security

Layered cybersecurity protecting sensitive financial data and client tax information from threats.

  • Endpoint threat protection
  • Email security & anti-phishing
  • Encrypted data storage
  • Multi-factor authentication

Cloud & Backup Solutions

Automated backup and secure cloud storage ensuring no client data is ever lost.

  • Automated nightly backup
  • Cloud document storage
  • Disaster recovery planning
  • Microsoft 365 setup

Workflow Automation

Automate repetitive tasks to free up your team during peak season and reduce manual errors.

  • Document workflow automation
  • Client onboarding automation
  • Microsoft Power Automate
  • Process optimization

Access Control & Security

Control access to sensitive financial data and secure your office environment.

  • Role-based access controls
  • Security cameras & CCTV
  • Visitor management
  • Audit trail logging

VoIP & Client Communications

Professional phone systems that keep your team connected with clients during busy season.

  • VoIP business phones
  • Auto-attendant setup
  • Call routing & forwarding
  • Mobile integration
//FTC Safeguards Rule & Data Security

ACCOUNTING FIRMS FACE
STRICT DATA SECURITY RULES.

The FTC Safeguards Rule requires all tax preparers, CPAs, and financial service providers to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive information security program. This isn't optional — it's federal law, and non-compliance can result in significant penalties and enforcement actions.

Most accounting firms don't have the in-house expertise to properly assess their security posture, implement the required safeguards, or maintain the documentation needed for compliance. That's where Simply IT comes in.

We provide end-to-end compliance support — from initial risk assessments and gap analysis to implementing technical safeguards, training your staff, and preparing your documentation for audit readiness. You focus on your clients. We handle the compliance.

Whether you're a solo CPA or a multi-partner firm, we'll ensure your technology meets every requirement of the FTC Safeguards Rule — so you can focus on serving your clients without worrying about regulatory exposure.

Written Security Program

A comprehensive written information security program tailored to your firm — covering data handling, access controls, and incident response procedures.

Risk Assessment

Thorough risk assessments that identify vulnerabilities in your systems, processes, and physical safeguards as required by the FTC Safeguards Rule.

Encrypted Financial Data

End-to-end encryption for all client financial data — tax returns, bank records, and sensitive documents — both in transit and at rest.

Staff Security Training

Regular security awareness training for all staff members — covering phishing, password hygiene, and proper handling of sensitive financial information.

//Client Reviews
“

“Tax season used to be a nightmare for our IT. Crashed systems, slow software, lost files — it was chaos. Since switching to Simply IT, we haven't had a single issue during peak season. They keep everything running so we can focus on our clients.”

James B.
CPA Firm Owner · Ocala, FL
// Accounting Compliance Standards

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
FOR FLORIDA CPA FIRMS.

CPA firms and tax preparers face a layered compliance environment that most IT companies do not fully understand. Simply IT specializes in the technology requirements of accounting practice compliance — from FTC Safeguards to IRS security requirements.

Federal Trade Commission
FTC Safeguards Rule
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requirements for financial institutions including CPA firms — requiring a written information security program, designated qualified individual, risk assessment, and specific technical safeguards.
Internal Revenue Service
IRS Publication 4557
IRS guidance for tax professionals on safeguarding taxpayer data — requiring a written security plan, multi-factor authentication on tax software, encryption, and employee security training.
Internal Revenue Service
IRS Security Summit Requirements
Multi-factor authentication requirements for tax software access — a mandatory IRS Security Summit requirement for all tax professionals and e-file providers since 2023.
AICPA
SOC 2 Type II
Many CPA firms are required by enterprise clients to demonstrate SOC 2 compliance — Simply IT's infrastructure implementations support the security controls that SOC 2 auditors assess.
Federal Trade Commission
GLBA Privacy Requirements
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act privacy requirements governing how financial institutions handle customer financial information — complementing the FTC Safeguards technical requirements.
Florida Board of Accountancy
Florida CPA Licensing Requirements
Florida's Board of Accountancy professional requirements — Simply IT maintains awareness of Florida-specific requirements applicable to licensed CPAs in the state.
AICPA
AICPA SSAE 18 / AT-C 320
Attestation standards for service organization reporting — relevant for CPA firms that provide outsourced financial services and need to demonstrate security to their own clients.
Insurance Carriers
Cyber Liability Insurance Requirements
Cyber liability insurance carriers increasingly require documented security controls including MFA, encrypted backup, and employee training as conditions of coverage and favorable rates.
// Related Resources

FURTHER READING & CLIENT STORIES

Blog Article · Cybersecurity
The FTC Safeguards Rule Applies to Your Ocala CPA Firm
Read Article →
Blog Article · Cybersecurity
Why Ocala CPA Firms Lose Clients During Tax Season
Read Article →
Case Study · Ocala, FL
Ocala Accounting Firm — FTC Safeguards Compliance
Read Case Study →
// Frequently Asked Questions

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT IT SERVICES FOR ACCOUNTING AND CPA FIRMS

Does the FTC Safeguards Rule apply to CPA firms and tax preparers?+
Yes. The FTC Safeguards Rule under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act applies to any financial institution that handles customer financial information — and the FTC's definition explicitly includes tax preparers, accountants, and CPA firms. The rule requires a written information security program, a designated qualified individual, a security risk assessment, specific technical safeguards including MFA and encryption, and documented employee training.
What are the penalties for FTC Safeguards Rule non-compliance?+
The FTC can seek civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation and up to $10,000 per day for continuing violations. Individual officers and directors can be held personally liable for up to $10,000 per violation. Non-compliance also creates significant exposure in the event of a data breach as insurance carriers increasingly deny claims for businesses that cannot demonstrate compliance with applicable security requirements.
How quickly can Simply IT bring a CPA firm into FTC Safeguards compliance?+
Simply IT brought an 8-person Ocala CPA firm from zero compliance to full FTC Safeguards Rule compliance in 30 days — including a written information security plan, designated security officer, MFA deployment, encrypted storage, access controls, and complete compliance documentation. Read the full case study at simplyit.biz/case-studies/ocala-accounting-firm-ftc-safeguards-compliance.
What IT services does Simply IT provide for accounting firms during tax season?+
Simply IT provides proactive managed IT that ensures zero downtime during tax season — the highest-risk period for accounting technology failures. This includes continuous monitoring of all systems, priority response for any issues during peak periods, verified backup so client data is never at risk, and security tools that protect against the phishing attacks that specifically target accounting professionals during tax season.
Does Simply IT provide written documentation for FTC Safeguards compliance?+
Yes. Simply IT provides all written documentation required by the FTC Safeguards Rule including a Written Information Security Plan tailored to your firm's specific environment, security risk assessment documentation, vendor management documentation with Business Associate Agreements, employee training records, and incident response plan. This documentation package is maintained and updated annually.
IT'S SIMPLE

NEVER MISS A DEADLINE DUE TO IT FAILURES.

Proactive IT management and tax software support for accounting firms across North Central Florida.

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