Armanino adds Step Up Consulting

Armanino added Step Up Consulting, a UKG partner, to its Human Capital Management technology practice on Monday.

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The deal brings the Top 25 Firm into the UKG software ecosystem and strengthens its enterprise technology offerings for small and midsized businesses, which include HR, payroll and workforce management operations.

“Step Up Consulting brings enhanced HCM capabilities that significantly expand the solutions we can deliver to clients,” Matt Armanino, CEO of Armanino Advisory, said 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.”

Based in San Ramon, California, Armanino ranked No. 18 on Accounting Today‘s 2025 Top 100 Firms list. It reported $716 million in revenue, with 22 offices, over 260 partners and more than 2,700 employees. It took a minority investment from private equity firm Further Global Capital Management in October 2024, and subsequently restructured to an alternative practice structure, splitting its attest and non-attest services. 

Step Up Consulting CEO Christine Ferns will join Armanino to lead the firm’s newly formed UKG practice. 

“Joining Armanino represents an exciting new chapter for Step Up,” Ferns said in a statement. “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.”