Should Accounting Firms Hire Internal IT or Outsource Managed IT Services?

Discover whether hiring internal IT or outsourcing managed IT services is the better choice for accounting firms based on cost, security, and scalability.

Should Accounting Firms Hire Internal IT or Outsource Managed IT Services?

As accounting firms grow to 50–150 employees, technology becomes more complex—and more critical to daily operations.

At this stage, many firms face a key decision:
👉 Should we hire internal IT staff or outsource to a managed IT provider?

Both options have advantages, but the right choice depends on your firm’s needs, risks, and long-term goals.

The Role of IT in Modern Accounting Firms

Today’s accounting firms rely heavily on:

• Cloud-based accounting systems
• Tax and compliance software
• Secure client portals
• Remote access for staff
• Cybersecurity and compliance controls

👉 IT is no longer just support—it’s a core part of your business operations

Option 1: Hiring Internal IT

Many firms choose to hire one or more internal IT staff members.

✅ Advantages:

• On-site presence
• Direct control over IT decisions
• Familiarity with internal systems

⚠️ Limitations:

• Limited skillset (one person cannot cover everything)
• Higher total cost (salary, benefits, training)
• No 24/7 monitoring or coverage
• Risk of dependency on a single individual

👉 One internal IT person is often overwhelmed in a modern environment

Option 2: Outsourcing Managed IT Services

Managed IT providers deliver a team-based approach to IT management.

✅ Advantages:

• Access to a full team of specialists
• Proactive monitoring and maintenance
• Built-in cybersecurity protection
• Predictable monthly costs
• Strategic planning (vCIO guidance)

⚠️ Considerations:

• Less physical on-site presence (though often supplemented)
• Requires choosing the right provider

👉 This model offers broader expertise and scalability

Cost Comparison: Internal vs Managed IT

Internal IT:

• Salary: $70,000–$120,000+
• Benefits and overhead
• Training and certifications
• Additional tools and software

👉 Total cost often exceeds $100,000–$150,000/year

Managed IT:

• $160–$180 per user/month
• Includes support, security, monitoring, and strategy

👉 Predictable cost with no hidden expenses

The Biggest Difference: Reactive vs Proactive

Internal IT often operates in a reactive mode:

• Fixing issues as they arise
• Limited time for planning or optimization

Managed IT providers operate proactively:

• Preventing issues before they happen
• Continuously improving systems
• Monitoring environments 24/7

👉 This difference directly impacts downtime, security, and productivity

When Internal IT Makes Sense

Hiring internal IT may be appropriate if:

• Your firm is very large (150+ employees)
• You have multiple IT staff members
• You require full-time on-site presence
• You still supplement with external expertise

When Managed IT Is the Better Choice

Managed IT is ideal when:

• Your firm is growing quickly
• Security and compliance are priorities
• You want predictable IT costs
• Internal IT is overwhelmed or limited
• You need access to specialized expertise

👉 For most mid-sized accounting firms, this model provides better coverage and lower risk

Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Some firms combine both models through co-managed IT.

This allows:

• Internal IT to handle day-to-day tasks
• Managed provider to handle security, monitoring, and strategy

👉 This approach offers flexibility as your firm grows

📊 Real-World Example

An accounting firm with approximately 90 employees relied on a single internal IT manager. As the firm expanded, security and system demands increased beyond what one person could handle.

By transitioning to a managed IT model, the firm gained access to a full team of specialists, improved security, and reduced downtime—while maintaining predictable costs.

🚀 How BoomTech Supports Your Growth

BoomTech helps accounting firms scale IT effectively through:

• Fully managed or co-managed IT solutions
• Monthly Technology Alignment Manager (TAM) reviews
• Strategic vCIO planning and budgeting
• Advanced cybersecurity and compliance alignment
• Continuous monitoring and optimization

👉 This ensures your IT evolves as your firm grows

Final Thoughts

Choosing between internal IT and managed IT is not just a staffing decision—it’s a business strategy decision.

Firms that rely on reactive, limited IT resources often struggle with downtime, security risks, and inefficiencies.

Those that adopt a proactive, scalable IT model gain:

• Better performance
• Stronger security
• Predictable costs
• Long-term stability

🔗 Related Resource

Not sure which model fits your firm?

👉 Read: Should Accounting Firms Use Co-Managed IT or Fully Outsourced Managed IT Services?

📞 Contact Us

Thinking about upgrading your IT approach?

👉 Contact BoomTech IT today:
Contact Us – BoomTech IT, Inc.

We’ll help you choose the right model for your firm’s growth and security.

Should Accounting Firms Hire Internal IT or Outsource Managed IT?
Learn whether internal IT or managed IT services are the best fit for your accounting firm’s growth, security, and budget.