Data Security & SOC 2 Compliance

Our Security Commitment

Accountably protects confidentiality and security through structured safeguards designed specifically for the accounting and tax industry. We operate under strict white-label confidentiality protocols, meaning your clients never know we exist – and their data is treated with the same care your firm provides.

SOC 2 Aligned Controls

Our security program is aligned with the SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria, covering the five core principles:

Infrastructure Security

Our technology infrastructure is built to protect sensitive financial data at every layer:

• Secure VPN and server protection – All team members connect through encrypted VPN tunnels; direct internet access to client systems is restricted.
• Encrypted file exchange – All data in transit and at rest is encrypted using industry-standard AES-256 encryption.
• Zero local storage policy – No client data is stored on local machines. All work is performed within secure cloud environments or directly inside client systems.
• Firewall and intrusion detection – Network perimeters are monitored 24/7 with automated threat detection and response.
• Regular vulnerability assessments – Periodic penetration testing and security audits ensure our defenses remain current.

Access Control

We enforce strict access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can interact with your data:

• Role-based data access – Team members can only access the systems, files, and data directly relevant to their assigned engagement.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Required for all system and application access.
• Audit logs and activity records – Every access event is logged, monitored, and available for review upon request.
• Automated session timeouts – Idle sessions are automatically terminated to prevent unauthorized access.
• Access revocation – Credentials are immediately revoked upon team member departure or engagement completion.

Data Protection

Protecting client data integrity is central to how we operate:

• NDA-backed confidentiality compliance – Every team member and contractor signs comprehensive non-disclosure agreements before accessing any client data.
• White-label confidentiality – We never contact your end clients or disclose Accountably's involvement in any accounting process.
• Secure communication channels – All client communications occur through approved, encrypted platforms.
• Data retention and disposal – Client data is retained only as long as necessary for the engagement and securely deleted upon completion or request.

Personnel Security

Every member of the Accountably team is vetted and trained to uphold our security standards:

• Background-verified staff – All team members undergo thorough background verification before onboarding.
• Employee confidentiality agreements – Binding agreements that extend beyond employment.
• Ongoing security awareness training – Regular training on phishing, social engineering, data handling, and compliance best practices.
• Clean desk and clean screen policies – Physical and digital workspace hygiene is enforced across all facilities.

Regulatory Compliance

Compliance is built into our delivery model – not bolted on. Our teams are trained and aligned with:

• U.S. GAAP – Generally Accepted Accounting Principles alignment across all accounting deliverables.
• IRS and state tax standards – Tax preparation follows federal and multi-state regulatory requirements.
• Multi-state payroll familiarity – Teams understand jurisdictional nuances for payroll compliance.
• Sales tax automation workflows – Structured processes for sales tax calculation, filing, and reconciliation.
• Documentation and audit support readiness – All work is documented to support your firm's audit and review processes.

Incident Response

In the event of a security incident, Accountably maintains a formal incident response plan that includes:

• Immediate containment and assessment of the incident scope
• Notification to affected client firms within 24 hours of confirmed breach
• Forensic investigation and root cause analysis
• Remediation actions and preventive measures
• Post-incident reporting and documentation

Client Responsibilities

Security is a shared responsibility. We ask our client firms to:

• Maintain valid software licenses for all platforms our team accesses
• Create secure, role-appropriate user credentials for our team members
• Notify us promptly of any personnel changes that affect system access
• Review and approve security protocols during the onboarding process

Contact Us

For questions about our security practices, to request our SOC 2 compliance documentation, or to report a security concern: