For accountancy firms looking to grow securely and efficiently, IT support is a key consideration. From keeping client data safe to ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly, the right IT setup can have a huge impact on productivity and compliance.
But is it best to manage IT in-house or outsource to a specialist provider? In this guide, we compare both options across eight critical areas, helping you weigh up the pros and cons. While some firms may benefit from having their own IT team on site, many will find that managed IT support offers better value, coverage, and strategic insight.
1. Cost & Budget Control
Managing IT expenses can be unpredictable. Costs for recruitment, salaries, hardware, and training can quickly escalate when handled in-house.
With managed IT support, firms benefit from fixed monthly pricing that covers ongoing support, updates, monitoring, and in some cases, associated costs such as compliance assistance, cyber security, etc. You get a clearer view of your IT spend and avoid the financial shock of unexpected issues.
- Winner: Managed IT Support
- Why? Outsourcing offers better cost predictability and typically delivers more value for small to mid-sized firms.
2. Expertise & Availability
Having a single IT staff member (or even a small team) can limit your access to specialist knowledge. If that person is off sick or on holiday, support may be unavailable when you need it most.
Managed IT providers offer access to a full team of professionals with a broad skill set. They can cover everything from network security and compliance to software updates and strategic planning. And they are usually available through extended support hours or even 24/7, depending on the package.
- Winner: Managed IT Support
- Why? You get more expertise, more consistent availability, and quicker access to solutions.
3. Scalability & Flexibility
As your firm grows, your IT requirements will change. You may need more user licenses, greater storage, or new software integrations.
Scaling in-house often involves hiring more staff or investing in new infrastructure. This can be costly and time-consuming. In contrast, managed IT providers can quickly adapt your setup to suit your changing needs, often within days, not months.
- Winner: Managed IT Support
- Why? Managed support offers greater flexibility with less disruption and faster implementation.
4. Security & Compliance
Accountancy firms handle a vast amount of sensitive financial and personal data, so security is non-negotiable. You must also remain compliant with GDPR and other data protection regulations.
In-house IT teams may lack the time or specialist knowledge to stay fully up to date with evolving threats and regulatory changes. Managed IT providers typically offer built-in security tools, proactive monitoring, and regular compliance checks, helping you stay protected and audit-ready.
- Winner: Managed IT Support
- Why? Stronger built-in security, proactive compliance monitoring, and reduced risk of breach or penalty.
5. Support Responsiveness & Downtime
When something breaks, time is money. A slow response can disrupt your entire workflow and damage client relationships.
An in-house IT team may respond quickly when on-site, but may not be available outside of office hours. Managed providers often offer around-the-clock monitoring and a guaranteed response time backed by a service-level agreement (SLA). Some even resolve issues before you realise there is a problem.
- Winner: It Depends – but Managed IT often offers greater redundancy and faster response
- Why? If you require high availability and proactive monitoring, managed support is likely the better fit.
6. Control & Customisation
Some firms value direct control over their systems. In-house IT teams offer that visibility, making it easier to customise setups, build internal knowledge, and adjust processes on the fly.
Managed IT support requires a level of trust in your provider. While most offer customisable packages, some firms may feel limited by outsourced service structures. However, strong partnerships and clear communication can overcome this concern.
- Winner: In-House IT
- Why? In-house support offers more direct control and may suit firms with very specific technical requirements.
7. Long-Term Strategy & Innovation
Your IT support shouldn't just keep things running: it should help you plan for the future. That might include improving workflows, implementing automation, or adopting new client-facing technology.
While in-house teams may be focused on day-to-day operations, managed IT providers often include strategic advice and technology roadmapping as part of their service. They can help you identify new tools, modernise legacy systems, and remain competitive.
- Winner: Managed IT Support
- Why? Outsourced providers are well-placed to offer strategic insight and encourage innovation.
8. Accountancy Systems Support and Configuration
Your accountancy will rely on specialist software from the more obvious accounting packages like Sage, Quickbooks or Xero to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics, along business intelligence tools like Power BI for reporting and analysis. These systems are often highly customised to fit the specific needs of the business, making them complex to manage and maintain. A dedicated in-house IT team is often the best choice for support because they can develop a deep understanding of the company's processes, ensure system security and compliance, respond quickly to issues, and continuously optimise configurations to support evolving business needs.
- Winner: In-House IT
- Why? In-house support can develop a deeper understanding of your company’s processes and continuously change and optimise your accounting systems.
How to Decide Between Managed IT and In-House Support
Choosing between managed IT support and an in-house team comes down to your firm’s specific needs, resources, and appetite for managing technology internally. Start by asking:
- What is our current and future IT workload? If your team struggles to keep up or lacks specialist knowledge, external support could fill the gap.
- Do we want predictable, fixed costs, or are we prepared for variable overheads? Managed services typically offer clearer cost control.
- How critical is 24/7 support, strategic input, or compliance expertise to our operations? These are areas where managed providers tend to shine.
You may also find a hybrid approach works best: retaining some internal oversight while outsourcing complex or ongoing IT needs to a trusted partner.
Final Verdict: Which Is Best for Your Firm?
Both models have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your firm’s size, internal capacity, and goals.
In-house IT support offers more direct control and may suit larger firms with the resources to hire and manage skilled staff. It can also be a good option for firms with highly customised or legacy systems that require deep internal knowledge.
However, for most small to mid-sized accountancy firms, managed IT support offers better value, broader expertise, and stronger security. It simplifies budgeting, reduces downtime, and allows your team to focus on what they do best: supporting clients and growing the business.
If you are considering making the switch, look for a managed IT provider with experience in the accountancy sector, a strong reputation, and a commitment to proactive service. Book a free consultation today to find out how partnering with The PC Support Group can benefit your firm.
Looking for more insights to strengthen your firm's IT strategy? Explore our related articles tailored specifically for accountancy firms:
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IT Solutions for Accountants – Discover how the right IT setup can streamline your operations and boost productivity.
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GDPR Compliance for Accountancy Firms – Understand the steps you need to take to stay compliant and protect sensitive client data.
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Cyber Security for Accountancy Firms – Learn how to protect your firm against growing cyber threats.
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Cloud Computing for Accountancy Firms – See how cloud technology can transform your firm’s flexibility and efficiency.
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IT Audits for Accounting Firms – Find out why regular IT audits are crucial for maintaining security and compliance.