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

Discover whether co-managed IT or fully outsourced IT is the right choice for your accounting firm based on size, risk, and operational needs.

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

Accounting firms with 50–150 employees often reach a point where their technology becomes too complex for a single internal IT person—but not every firm is ready to fully outsource IT.

This leads to a common question:
👉 Should we keep internal IT and add support (co-managed), or fully outsource IT management?

The right answer depends on your firm’s risk tolerance, internal expertise, and operational needs. Choosing the wrong model can lead to security gaps, inefficiencies, and increased downtime—especially during critical periods like tax season.

What Is Co-Managed IT?

Co-managed IT is a hybrid approach where your internal IT team works alongside an external managed IT provider.

This model allows firms to:

• Keep internal IT staff for day-to-day operations
• Add specialized expertise (cybersecurity, compliance, monitoring)
• Share responsibility for managing systems

👉 Think of it as augmenting your internal team, not replacing it.

What Is Fully Outsourced Managed IT?

Fully managed IT means a provider handles all aspects of your IT environment.

This typically includes:

• Helpdesk support
• Cybersecurity management
• System monitoring and maintenance
• Strategic planning (vCIO)
• Infrastructure and cloud management

👉 Your internal team is either reduced or eliminated, and the provider becomes your complete IT department.

Key Differences Between the Two Models

When Co-Managed IT Makes Sense

Co-managed IT is ideal when your firm:

• Has a capable internal IT person or small team
• Needs additional expertise (especially cybersecurity)
• Wants to retain internal control over certain systems
• Is growing but not ready to fully outsource

This model works well for firms that need support without full replacement.

When Fully Managed IT Is the Better Choice

Fully outsourced IT is the better option when:

• Internal IT is overwhelmed or limited
• Security and compliance risks are increasing
• The firm lacks specialized expertise
• Leadership wants predictable IT costs
• Technology issues are affecting productivity

For many accounting firms, this model provides greater stability, security, and scalability.

The Risk of Choosing the Wrong Model

Selecting the wrong IT approach can lead to:

• Gaps in cybersecurity coverage
• Lack of accountability between teams
• Delayed response to issues
• Increased downtime during peak periods
• Inefficient use of IT resources

For accounting firms, these risks are amplified during tax season, audits, and financial reporting cycles.

Real-World Example

An accounting firm with approximately 95 employees relied on a single internal IT manager. As the firm grew, security demands and system complexity increased beyond what one person could manage.

By transitioning to a co-managed IT model, the firm retained internal oversight while gaining access to advanced cybersecurity tools and proactive monitoring. This significantly reduced risk without requiring a full transition.

How BoomTech IT Supports Both Models

BoomTech IT offers both co-managed and fully managed IT solutions tailored to accounting firms.

This includes:

• Support for internal IT teams through co-managed services
• Full IT management for firms ready to outsource
• Monthly Technology Alignment Manager (TAM) reviews
• Strategic vCIO planning and compliance alignment
• Continuous monitoring and cybersecurity protection

This flexibility ensures your IT model evolves as your firm grows.

Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between co-managed and fully managed IT. The right choice depends on your firm’s internal capabilities, growth plans, and risk tolerance.

What matters most is ensuring your IT environment is secure, scalable, and aligned with your business goals.

🔗 Related Resource

Want to understand how IT costs fit into your decision?

👉 Read our guide: Is $160–$180 Per User for Managed IT Worth It for Accounting Firms?

📞 Contact Us

Not sure which IT model is right for your firm?

👉 Contact BoomTech IT today:
https://www.boomtechit.com/contact-our-team/

We’ll help you evaluate your current setup and recommend the best path forward.

Should Accounting Firms Use Co-Managed IT or Fully Outsourced IT Services?
Learn the difference between co-managed IT and fully managed IT to determine the best fit for your accounting firm.