IT Support for Accountants & Accounting Firms
I design, deliver and manage the IT and security your practice runs on, built by someone who has already built this in far larger regulated environments, not a helpdesk learning on your account. Work alongside your existing IT resources, or take it on in full.
Independent, Bromborough-based, Microsoft Partner. You deal with Eric, and the person who scopes the work is the person who does it.
Six questions, about two minutes. You get a written fix list in the order worth closing things, and it is yours to keep whether we ever speak or not. We answer within 2 working hours.
Cloud & Security Architect | Cyber Essentials | Co-Managed IT
Not sure what level of support you need? Book a 20-minute scoping call - I'll look at your setup and tell you straight what fits. No pressure, no sales pitch.
Most IT Support Reacts. I Build It So It Doesn't Need To.
Most IT support companies wait for something to break, then help you recover. Your server crashes, you call them. Ransomware encrypts your files, they help you recover afterwards. That's too late for a practice built on client trust.
of UK businesses were hit by a cyber attack last year (DSIT 2025)
average time to detect a breach once it has happened (IBM 2025)
of attacks start with a phishing email, not a clever hack (DSIT 2025)
Modern accounting practices need proactive, security-first IT infrastructure built on cloud platforms like Azure and Microsoft 365, not reactive support for ageing on-premise servers.
I'm a senior cloud and security architect who provides support, not a support desk dabbling in security. I've already built and run this exact protection for other practices, so you get a proven design, not an experiment on your business.
The difference matters when your clients trust you with their financial data.
What Makes HiltDigital Different
We're not another generic MSP offering "unlimited support tickets." We're cloud security specialists who architect secure, modern infrastructure for professional services firms.
Security-First Architecture
We design your IT infrastructure around Zero Trust principles, not convenience. Cyber Essentials Plus certified, not just "we installed antivirus." Every decision prioritizes security and compliance.
Cloud-Native Specialists
We migrate accounting practices from legacy servers to secure Azure environments. Access your practice management software securely from anywhere, on any device. No more "server in the cupboard."
Proactive Monitoring & Threat Detection
We identify and resolve 80% of issues before they impact your team. Continuous security monitoring catches threats your staff would never see. You don't call us—we call you when we've already fixed it.
Co-Managed IT Approach
We work alongside your existing IT person or support provider. You keep day-to-day support relationships; we handle cloud security, compliance, and strategic infrastructure. Your IT escalates to us for specialist expertise.
Technology Debt Reduction
We eliminate the "too old to trust, too expensive to replace" infrastructure that creates security gaps and productivity drains. Strategic modernization, not crisis replacements.
Compliance Specialists
Cyber Essentials Plus certification support. GDPR and ICO compliance. Professional indemnity insurance requirements. We document everything to reassure clients and regulators.
Ready to Find Out What Fits?
Two ways to get a straight answer:
Co-Managed IT: We Work With Your Existing Team
Many accounting practices already have IT relationships—an internal IT person, a local break-fix provider, or informal arrangements with tech-savvy staff members. We don't ask you to fire them.
Our co-managed approach means we work alongside your existing resources as the specialist security and cloud layer:
Your Existing IT Handles:
- Day-to-day user support
- Basic software troubleshooting
- New user onboarding
- Printer and peripheral support
- Password resets and routine tasks
- On-site presence and immediate response
HiltDigital Provides:
- Cloud infrastructure design & security architecture
- Azure & Microsoft 365 specialist expertise
- Cyber security & continuous threat monitoring
- Compliance (Cyber Essentials Plus, GDPR, ICO)
- Strategic IT planning & technology roadmap
- Complex technical escalations
- Proactive infrastructure monitoring
- Cloud migration & modernization projects
The result: Your existing IT relationship continues handling what they do well, while we provide the enterprise-grade security expertise and cloud infrastructure they likely can't deliver.
Why This Works:
Your local IT person knows your practice and handles urgent daily issues. But they probably don't architect secure Azure environments, implement Conditional Access policies, or achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
That's where we come in—as the specialist layer that elevates your entire IT capability.
Secure Cloud Access to Your Practice Management Software
Your team needs to access Sage, Xero, Iris, and CCH from home, client sites, and the office—securely. We architect cloud infrastructure that enables seamless, secure access from any device without VPNs, complexity, or security gaps.
Our Cloud-Native Approach:
🏗️ Azure Virtual Desktop for Accounting Workloads
Run desktop accounting software (Sage, Iris, CCH) from any device through secure Azure Virtual Desktop environments. Your team accesses a full Windows desktop with all applications via browser—no local installations, no data on devices that can be lost or stolen.
- Access from anywhere: Home, office, client sites, or abroad
- Any device: Windows, Mac, iPad, or Chromebook
- Automatic backups: Data never leaves the secure cloud environment
- Performance optimised: Dedicated resources for accounting workloads
- Security by default: Data encrypted in transit and at rest
🔐 Conditional Access & Zero Trust Security
We implement Microsoft's Conditional Access policies that enforce security without compromising usability:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Required for all access, but smart enough to remember trusted devices
- Device compliance: Only secure, up-to-date devices can access practice data
- Location-based policies: Restrict access from unusual locations
- Zero Trust architecture: Never trust, always verify—even inside your network
☁️ Microsoft 365 Architecture for Accounting Practices
We configure Microsoft 365 specifically for accounting firm workflows—not generic business settings:
- SharePoint: Client matter folders with granular permissions and version control
- Teams: Secure internal communication and client collaboration spaces
- Advanced Threat Protection: Stops phishing and malware before it reaches inboxes
- Data Loss Prevention: Prevents accidental sharing of sensitive financial data
- Compliance tools: eDiscovery, retention policies, audit logging
Software We Architect Secure Access For:
We don't just "support your software"—we architect secure, cloud-native infrastructure that enables modern, flexible working without security compromise.
Cyber Security & Compliance for Accounting Practices
Accounting practices are a target for cybercriminals. You hold valuable financial data, client bank details, and access to business accounts. I design the infrastructure around that, not as an afterthought.
The Risks I Design Around:
Encrypts your files at the worst possible time. Without a tested backup, recovery can take weeks, usually during your busiest period.
An attacker sits quietly in a mailbox, watches client conversations, then sends a fake invoice with their own bank details.
Client financial records leaked or lost trigger ICO reporting duties, insurer scrutiny, and real reputational damage. Fines can run up to £17.5 million or 4% of turnover under GDPR.
Our Multi-Layered Security Architecture:
Proactive Threat Monitoring & Detection
Continuous security monitoring using Microsoft Defender and Azure Sentinel. We detect threats your staff would never see—unusual login patterns, suspicious file access, malware signatures—and respond before damage occurs.
Email Security & Phishing Protection
Advanced email filtering with Microsoft Defender for Office 365. Catches phishing attempts, malicious attachments, and CEO fraud emails before they reach your team. DMARC, SPF, and DKIM prevent email spoofing.
Ransomware Protection & Tested Backup
Multi-layer backup (local + cloud) with immutable copies that ransomware can't encrypt. Monthly restore testing ensures backups actually work when you need them. Recovery time objective: 4 hours, not 4 weeks.
Zero Trust Architecture
Every access request verified—even from inside your network. Multi-factor authentication enforced. Device compliance required. Principle of least privilege: users only access what they need, when they need it.
Cyber Essentials Plus Certification
I guide accounting practices through Cyber Essentials Plus certification, required by many PI insurers and increasingly expected by clients. I implement the technical controls, prepare for assessment, and maintain ongoing compliance.
Security Awareness Training
Your team is your first line of defence. Monthly security training focused on threats targeting accounting practices—fake HMRC emails, invoice redirection scams, CEO fraud. Simulated phishing tests identify who needs additional training.
Compliance We Support:
Investment in Security-First IT for Your Practice
Transparent, predictable monthly pricing. No hidden fees, no surprise invoices. Security-first IT infrastructure designed for accounting practices.
H-Protect Essentials
Core protection for smaller practices
Essential security foundations
- Endpoint monitoring & patching
- Device backup
- Ransomware protection
- Remote support quota
5-user minimum
Note: Does not include helpdesk support or security tools (Keeper, vulnerability management)
H-Protect Standard
Complete security for accounting practices
Full security stack with helpdesk
- Helpdesk support (calls answered under 30 seconds)
- EDR endpoint protection on all devices
- Email security & anti-phishing
- Proactive patching & updates
- Endpoint & SaaS backups
- Microsoft 365 management
- Monthly security scorecard
- Dark web monitoring
10-user minimum
H-Protect Complete
Premium security with Continuous monitoring
SOC monitoring (available as a paid upgrade) + compliance support
- Everything in H-Protect Standard, plus:
- Continuous security monitoring, actioned in working hours
- Vulnerability management (continuous)
- Regular phishing simulation exercises
- Priority support & SLA
- Cyber Essentials preparation support
10-user minimum
Add-On: User Cyber Training
Available as an add-on
Monthly security awareness training with simulated phishing campaigns, part of reducing human error, essential when your staff handle sensitive client financial data.
Fast Start
Onboarding is scheduled so your protection lands fast
What's NOT Included (Transparency)
Clear pricing means clear boundaries. These are separate costs you'll need to budget for:
- Microsoft 365 licensing - typically £10-20/user/month depending on your plan (Business Basic, Standard, or Premium)
- Azure consumption - if using Azure Virtual Desktop or cloud infrastructure, usage costs go direct to Microsoft
- Hardware - laptops, monitors, printers etc. are your responsibility (we can advise and procure)
- Line-of-business software - your practice management, accounts production, tax software licenses
This pricing covers the security, management, and support layer, not your underlying software licenses or infrastructure.
Why This Investment Makes Sense
What an Incident Actually Costs
- Downtime during your busiest weeks, not your quietest
- Time spent rebuilding what should have been backed up
- PI insurance and ICO scrutiny
- Client trust, once damaged, is hard to rebuild
Average cost of an impactful breach: £8,260 (DSIT 2025), and that's before lost trust.
What Getting It Right Costs
- Continuous protection and monitoring
- Tested backup recovery
- Compliance documentation for PI insurance
- A known, fixed number instead of an unknown one
Annual investment: less than one incident
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions we hear from accounting practices considering security-first IT infrastructure:
What IT support do accounting firms actually need?
Accounting practices need security-first IT infrastructure, not reactive break-fix support. This includes: secure cloud architecture (Azure Virtual Desktop or Microsoft 365), proactive threat monitoring, ransomware protection, Cyber Essentials certification support, Making Tax Digital compliance support, and strategic IT planning. Generic IT support lacks the industry knowledge and security expertise required for modern accounting practices handling sensitive financial data.
We already have an IT person/company. Can you work with them?
Yes - this is our co-managed model. Your existing IT handles day-to-day support (user issues, basic troubleshooting, password resets). We provide the specialist layer: cloud security architecture, Azure expertise, Cyber Essentials certification support, threat monitoring, and strategic infrastructure planning. Think of us as the escalation tier for security and cloud projects your current IT can't handle. Most clients keep their existing IT relationships and add us for specialist expertise.
How much does IT support cost for an accounting practice?
Security-first IT infrastructure for accounting practices is priced as one monthly number for your whole business, agreed before we start and shaped by the level of protection you need. You get the exact number in the first conversation, before anything begins.
Do accountants need cyber security or is antivirus enough?
Antivirus alone is not enough. Modern threats need multiple layers: continuous threat monitoring, phishing-resistant email security, ransomware-proof backups, MFA enforcement, and staff awareness training. Accounting practices are a target because they hold financial data and bank access. Cyber Essentials certification is now required by many PI insurers for exactly this reason.
What's the difference between your service and cheaper MSPs?
Commodity MSPs offer reactive break-fix support, they fix things after they break. I design the infrastructure so fewer things break in the first place, and I've already built and run this exact setup for other accounting practices, so you get a proven design, not a first attempt. That's priced as one monthly number, not a per-ticket scramble.
How do you handle Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliance?
We architect cloud infrastructure that supports MTD requirements: practice management software properly configured for digital submission, API integrations with HMRC systems tested and monitored, bridging software when needed, and ongoing compliance monitoring as MTD requirements evolve. When MTD integrations fail (it happens), we treat it as critical priority. We understand both the technology and the compliance implications.
Can you help with Cyber Essentials certification?
Yes - this is core to what we do. Many PI insurers now require Cyber Essentials, and clients increasingly ask for evidence of your security posture. We implement the technical controls required (boundary firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, patch management), prepare for the assessment, provide evidence documentation, and maintain ongoing compliance. We run our own environment to Cyber Essentials standards - we practice what we preach.
What happens during deadline periods like January 31st?
We automatically elevate priority during key accounting deadlines (self-assessment, year-end, VAT quarters). Critical issues receive fast response year-round, but during deadline periods ALL issues get priority treatment with accelerated response. We also schedule infrastructure maintenance and updates outside these periods. When your practice management system goes down on January 30th, we're available, including emergency after-hours support.
Can you migrate us to the cloud or do we need our on-premise server?
Most accounting practices benefit significantly from cloud migration to Azure Virtual Desktop or Microsoft 365. Benefits: secure access from anywhere (home, client sites, office), no more server hardware to maintain, automatic backups, better disaster recovery, easier compliance documentation, and reduced technology debt. We assess your current infrastructure, design the cloud architecture, migrate your data securely, and train your team. Migration typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on complexity. Note: Azure and Microsoft 365 licensing costs are separate from our management fees.
What if something goes wrong outside office hours?
Standard support hours are 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday-Friday with calls answered in under 30 seconds. However, we provide emergency after-hours support for critical issues, especially during deadline periods. Critical issues = practice management system down, ransomware attack, or any incident that prevents deadline-critical work. Emergency contact details are provided to all clients. Our monitoring systems alert us to threats around the clock. Round-the-clock SOC coverage is available as a paid upgrade.
Do you require long contracts or can we start flexibly?
We offer flexible arrangements. Many practices prefer 12-month agreements for budget certainty. However, we move fast: fully protected within days, not months. We earn your business through excellent service and results, not by locking you into punitive contracts. Initial onboarding is included in your monthly fee.
How quickly can you get started with our practice?
You're fully protected within days of signing up, not months. Timeline breakdown: Security deployment: Core protection active within 48 hours. Full stabilisation: complete security stack deployed within days. Cloud migration projects: 2-4 weeks for assessment, planning, migration, and cutover. Cyber Essentials standards: 6-12 weeks to implement and evidence the controls. We start with a no-cost review to understand your current infrastructure, identify risks, and create a prioritised roadmap.
Get a Straight Review of Where You Stand
I'll review your current IT infrastructure, identify security risks and compliance gaps, and give you a no-obligation roadmap tailored to your practice.
Infrastructure Security Review
A comprehensive assessment of your current setup: servers, cloud services, backup systems, and access controls.
Risk Identification
I identify vulnerabilities: weak passwords, missing MFA, unpatched systems, ransomware exposure, and compliance gaps.
Compliance Gap Analysis
Review against Cyber Essentials requirements, GDPR obligations, ICO guidelines, and PI insurance requirements.
Prioritised Roadmap
A clear action plan: what to fix immediately, what to plan for, and what it will cost, in that order.
I'll tell you plainly what needs fixing first and what can wait. No drama, no hard sell.
