How Do I Choose the Right MSP for My Accounting or CPA Firm?

Choosing the right MSP for an Accounting or CPA firm comes down to industry experience, security and compliance expertise, response times, and transparency around pricing.

Most CPA firms with 1–100 employees should expect to invest $150–$250 CAD per user per month for an MSP that understands PIPEDA, CRA data-handling expectations, ransomware risk, and accounting software workflows. Providers outside this range often lack either the security depth or the responsiveness required during tax season.

This guide breaks down exactly what CPA firms should look for, the red flags to avoid, and how to confidently choose an MSP that protects both client data and firm reputation.


Why Choosing the Right MSP Matters for CPA Firms

Accounting firms face risks that most businesses don’t:

  • Highly sensitive tax and financial data
  • Strict deadlines and seasonal pressure
  • Regulatory and insurance scrutiny
  • Reputation damage from even minor breaches

The wrong MSP doesn’t just cause inconvenience - it can lead to downtime during tax season, failed cyber-insurance renewals, or compliance exposure.


The 6 Criteria CPA Firms Should Use to Choose an MSP

1. Proven Experience with Accounting & CPA Firms

Your MSP should clearly understand:

  • CPA workflows and tax-season realities
  • Secure handling of tax, payroll, and financial data
  • Common risks specific to accounting environments

Red flag: “We work with all industries.”

2. Strong Security and Ransomware Protection

At a minimum, your MSP should provide:

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Advanced endpoint protection (EDR/MDR)
  • Secure, tested backups
  • 24/7 monitoring and response

Ask: How quickly can you detect and isolate a ransomware incident?

3. Compliance Knowledge (PIPEDA, CRA, SOC-Aligned Controls)

Your MSP should be able to explain compliance in plain language, including:

  • How PIPEDA applies to your firm
  • CRA data-handling expectations
  • How controls are documented for insurers and clients

Red flag: Compliance treated as “best effort” or paperwork only.

4. Response Times That Match Tax-Season Reality

During tax season, waiting hours (or days) for support is unacceptable.

Ask specifically:

  • How quickly are phones answered?
  • What are guaranteed response times?
  • Are CPA firms prioritized during peak months?

Fast response = reduced downtime = lower risk.

5. Transparent Pricing and Clear Inclusions

CPA firms should understand:

  • What is included in the monthly fee
  • What costs extra
  • How pricing scales as the firm grows

Most CPA-focused MSPs fall within $150–$250 CAD per user per month depending on complexity. security and compliance requirements.

Red flag: Vague pricing or frequent surprise charges.

6. Strategic IT Guidance (Not Just Break/Fix)

The best MSPs don’t just fix issues — they help firms plan:

  • Security improvements
  • Technology upgrades
  • Growth and scalability
  • Risk reduction

Look for vCIO or technology advisory services, not just help desk support.

Common Red Flags When Choosing an MSP

CPA firms should be cautious if an MSP:

  • Doesn’t specialize in accounting firms
  • Can’t explain ransomware protection clearly
  • Lacks compliance documentation
  • Has slow or undefined response times
  • Avoids discussing pricing upfront

If answers are vague, risk is high.

Outsourced MSP vs Internal IT for CPA Firms

Many firms consider hiring internal IT, but costs add up quickly:

  • Internal IT staff: $90,000–$140,000+ per year
  • Outsourced MSP (20 users @ $200/user): ~$48,000 per year

Outsourced MSPs provide a full team, enterprise-grade tools, and 24/7 monitoring, not just one person.

Real CPA Firm Example

A 20-employee Ontario CPA firm previously worked with a generalist MSP that responded slowly during tax season. After switching to a CPA-focused MSP, the firm:

  • Reduced IT-related interruptions by over 35%
  • Improved cyber-insurance terms
  • Eliminated tax-season downtime
  • Gained proactive quarterly IT planning

How the Right MSP Protects Your Firm Long-Term

The right MSP helps CPA firms:

  • Protect client trust
  • Reduce compliance and insurance risk
  • Avoid ransomware and downtime
  • Scale securely as the firm grows

Choosing correctly isn’t about finding the cheapest provider - it’s about reducing risk and protecting revenue.

Why CPA Firms Work With a CPA-Focused MSP

  • Experience supporting CPA and accounting firms across Ontario
  • Familiarity with PIPEDA, CRA expectations, and SOC-aligned controls
  • Security-first, ransomware-aware approach
  • Average phone response time under one minute
  • Deep expertise in QuickBooks, Sage, CaseWare, and Doc.It