Top 20 accounting firm Armanino announced Monday that it has brought aboard the team from Step Up Consulting, a Los Angeles-based woman- and minority-owned IT consulting firm.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
San Ramon, CA-based Armanino said the addition of Step Up strengthens its human capital management technology practice and expands the firm’s ability to deliver end-to-end solutions that help clients optimize human resources, payroll, and workforce management operations.
Step Up is a partner of workforce operating platform UKG, whose UKG Ready software brings HR, benefits, payroll, talent, time, and scheduling together in one solution.
The consulting firm’s team of specialists blends technical expertise with business insight to streamline HR and payroll operations for clients across industries, Armanino noted in a media release. Step Up’s deep experience with the UKG Ready platform enhances Armanino’s enterprise technology offerings, enabling the firm to better serve small and midsized organizations seeking agile, scalable HCM solutions.
“Through this integration, Armanino plans to accelerate opportunities in UKG’s partner ecosystem, expand managed HCM support services, and enhance its ability to deliver first-line product optimization and payroll tax advisory,” the accounting firm said. “The addition also aligns with Armanino’s broader strategic focus on integrated, tech-enabled solutions that drive business efficiency and digital transformation.”
“Step Up Consulting brings enhanced HCM capabilities that significantly expand the solutions we can deliver to clients,” Matt Armanino, CEO of Armanino Advisory, added in a statement. “Their deep UKG expertise and nimble delivery model strengthen our ability to provide comprehensive, end‑to‑end technology and advisory services. Together, we will help organizations better connect their people, payroll, and finance data to drive smarter, faster business decisions.”
As part of the integration, Step Up’s CEO Christine Ferns will join Armanino to lead the firm’s newly formed UKG practice, bringing together UKG Ready implementation, optimization, and managed services capabilities under a unified strategy.
“Joining Armanino represents an exciting new chapter for Step Up,” Ferns said. “Our clients will benefit from Armanino’s broad consulting and accounting ecosystem spanning finance, tax, and managed services while continuing to receive the personalized, hands-on support that defines our firm. Together, we will deliver integrated, outcome-driven solutions that help organizations align their HCM strategy with broader business goals. This deal will also provide new growth, training, and advancement opportunities for our people.”
“We’re grateful for the investment Step Up Consulting has made in building a strong UKG practice that has delivered real business impact for customers, and we’re excited to see that commitment recognized by Armanino,” Savas Gunduz, vice president of strategic alliances at UKG, said in a statement. “Moments like this reflect the strength and momentum of our partner ecosystem and a shared focus on helping organizations drive employee transformation.”
This is Armanino’s second M&A deal this year. The firm also added Deer Park, NY-based Sales Tax Defense, a firm specializing exclusively in sales and use tax matters, last month.
Recommended Articles
Firm Management October 21, 2024
Armanino Secures Minority Investment From Further Global
Armanino said in October 2024 it had received a minority investment from Further Global Capital Management, a New York-based employee-owned private equity firm that makes investments in businesses within the financial services industry. Armanino said at the time that the investment supports its strategic growth into additional markets, improves the firm’s technology infrastructure, and provides additional resources.
Thanks for reading CPA Practice Advisor!
Subscribe Already registered? Log In
Need more information? Read the FAQs
