In an industry where accuracy, security, and client trust define success, CPA Professionals, Inc. recognized that their on-premises systems were holding them back. Founded and led by Jeff Williams, the firm provides full-service accounting, bookkeeping, and advisory support to small and mid-sized businesses across Alabama. As demand for flexible, secure, and remote collaboration increased, Jeff knew the firm needed to evolve its technology foundation.
Their journey with Rightworks is a story of transformation, from managing local servers to embracing a unified cloud platform that protects data, empowers collaboration, and frees the team to focus on client success.
The Challenge: Outgrowing On-Premises Limitations
For years, CPA Professionals relied on locally hosted software and manual IT upkeep to serve clients. While it worked initially, the setup became increasingly difficult to maintain as the firm grew. Routine software updates disrupted productivity, and remote access options were limited. Most importantly, Jeff wanted to ensure client data remained secure without having to manage security protocols himself.
“We were running QuickBooks and other tax applications on a local server, which made it hard to collaborate with our team when they worked remotely,” Jeff recalls. “We wanted a system that was dependable, secure, and let us spend more time on client work instead of troubleshooting technology.”
As the firm added new clients and staff, maintaining local systems became both costly and time-consuming. Downtime from updates or security concerns could mean hours lost each week, time that could have been spent serving clients.
The Turning Point: Searching for a Better Way
When a server issue caused significant delays during tax season, Jeff decided it was time to explore a more reliable solution. He wanted a partner who could take IT and application management off his plate completely. Rightworks came highly recommended by other firms in the region and offered exactly what CPA Professionals needed: a secure, managed cloud environment designed specifically for accounting applications.
“Once we learned what Rightworks could do, it was an easy decision,” Jeff says. “They specialize in accounting, they understand our workflows, and they made the transition smooth from the start.”
The Solution: Moving to Rightworks Hosting and Community
The firm partnered with Rightworks to migrate their applications and files into a secure, managed cloud environment. Rightworks Hosting provided access to core accounting software from anywhere, while Rightworks Community connected Jeff and his team with a network of peers and resources to help them stay current on technology and best practices.
The onboarding process was quick and seamless. Rightworks handled all setup and migration, ensuring CPA Professionals’ applications were available and fully functional on day one.
“The move was straightforward,” Jeff explains. “Rightworks took care of everything, from setup to data transfer, and we were up and running right away. It was a huge relief not to have to manage that ourselves.”
The Impact: Secure, Seamless, and Scalable
Since partnering with Rightworks, CPA Professionals has experienced a dramatic improvement in productivity, reliability, and peace of mind.
- Greater Flexibility: Team members can securely access their software and files from anywhere, improving collaboration and remote work capabilities.
- Enhanced Security: With enterprise-grade protection and daily backups, Jeff knows client data is safe without needing to invest in costly infrastructure.
- Reduced IT Overhead: The firm no longer spends time maintaining servers or handling software updates. Rightworks manages it all.
- Peace of Mind During Busy Season: Reliable uptime and dedicated support mean the team can focus entirely on clients when it matters most.
“We don’t have to worry about servers, updates, or security anymore,” Jeff says. “Rightworks gives us the confidence that everything is handled, so we can focus on what we do best.”
The Bottom Line: Freedom to Focus on Clients
For Jeff and his team, moving to the cloud with Rightworks was about more than technology; it was about regaining time and confidence. The firm can now onboard new staff faster, collaborate seamlessly across locations, and provide clients with timely, secure service.
“It’s been a game-changer for us,” Jeff shares. “Rightworks gives us a solid foundation that grows with us and keeps our clients’ data secure.”
Key Takeaways for Other Firms
- Stop managing IT internally. Partnering with a managed cloud provider frees up your team to focus on client work.
- Prioritize security and uptime. Accounting firms cannot afford downtime or risk. Rightworks eliminates both.
- Choose a platform built for accounting. Specialized support and application hosting make transitions smoother and operations more reliable.
- Empower your team with flexibility. Remote access and centralized systems enable consistent collaboration.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation
With Rightworks as its trusted technology partner, CPA Professionals, Inc. is positioned to continue growing while maintaining the same high level of client service that built its reputation. The firm is exploring additional Rightworks services to further automate and streamline operations, ensuring they remain future-ready as technology and client expectations evolve.
“We feel confident knowing we have the tools and support we need to grow securely,” Jeff concludes. “Rightworks has made that possible.”