CPA FIRM CASE STUDY

How Machen McChesney Went from IT Struggles to Tech Innovation

A Conversation with

Reid Gavin, AuD, MBA

Chief Operating Officer, Machen McChesney

About
Machen McChesney is a full-service CPA firm based in Auburn, Alabama, serving businesses and individuals since 1954. With deep roots in tax, audit, and advisory, they bring decades of trusted expertise to every client relationship, backed by a forward-thinking approach to technology and growth.

Industry
Accounting, Payroll & Advisory

Company Size
~60

Headquarter
Auburn, Alabama

Founded
1954

Services

Affiliations

Challenge

For years, Machen McChesney relied on a trusted in-house IT setup—secure, but stagnant. As technology advanced and client needs evolved, the firm found itself falling behind. Their internal team couldn’t keep pace with modern tools, AI, or rising cybersecurity demands. Innovation stalled. And the weight of “what if” began to set in.

Solution

Partnering with Netsurit gave Machen McChesney the clarity, confidence, and expert support they needed to evolve. With 24/7 security, a proactive IT roadmap, and the InnovateX program, the firm moved from reactive to future-ready, unlocking smarter tools, streamlined workflows, and the freedom to dream bigger.

Machen McChesney’s Story

Machen McChesney is a full-service CPA firm based in Auburn, Alabama, with a legacy that stretches back to 1954. For over 70 years, they’ve built trust through tax, audit, and advisory services—serving individuals, businesses, and institutions with deep roots in the community. Known for consistency and professionalism, the firm grew steadily by staying grounded in tradition. But with that legacy came a reluctance to change. As the industry evolved, Machen McChesney continued to serve its clients the way it always had—until it became clear that what once worked was no longer enough to keep up.

Before Netsurit

For years, Machen McChesney relied on a trusted in-house IT setup—secure, familiar, and built by someone who knew the firm inside out. But over time, cracks began to show. New technologies were emerging faster than the team could adapt. AI felt out of reach. Security needs were growing more complex. And without a clear tech roadmap, progress stalled. The team did their best, but they weren’t equipped to guide the firm into the future. Instead of thinking ahead, leadership spent more time putting out fires. And every night, the risk of falling behind loomed larger.

It felt like almost overnight. I would say that the nightmares changed to dreams. We were scared. We were not sleeping. We knew we could be ransomware-attacked. We knew all the things we weren’t doing—and we went to sleep in fear every single night. Just the lack of fear allowed the possibility of dreaming.

Netsurit as a Partner

From the first call, we knew Machen McChesney didn’t just need another IT provider—they needed a true partner. A team that could match their pace, understand their industry, and help them move forward with confidence. We listened closely, asked the right questions, and aligned quickly on what mattered most: security, clarity, and innovation. For us, it wasn’t just about support—it was about helping a respected firm embrace what’s next without losing what’s made them great for 70 years.

How Netsurit Helped Machen McChesney

We started by rebuilding the foundation—implementing 24/7 security, simplifying their IT environment, and giving their team a clear, forward-looking roadmap. With InnovateX for Accounting, we introduced smarter tools, unlocked AI capabilities, and streamlined the way their people work every day. Our teams worked hand-in-hand across departments, from tax to advisory, making sure the tools fit their processes—not the other way around. Within weeks, the firm shifted from reactive to ready. No more tech headaches. No more fear. Just a team finally free to focus, grow, and think bigger.

Scaling Up with Netsurit

With the right systems in place, Machen McChesney didn’t just catch up—they started thinking ahead. Teams began exploring AI, reworking internal processes, and asking smarter questions about what’s possible. What once felt risky now felt exciting. Backed by a team they trust and tools that scale with them, the firm is moving faster, operating smarter, and embracing change without hesitation. The result? A 70-year-old firm acting with the energy and clarity of a startup—ready for whatever comes next.

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