Armanino Adds Step Up Consulting to Expand HCM Offerings

The Top 25 Firm brings on a UKG partner to strengthen its enterprise technology services.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Armanino, a Top 25 accounting firm, has acquired Step Up Consulting, a UKG partner, to expand its Human Capital Management (HCM) technology practice and strengthen its enterprise technology offerings for small and mid-sized businesses. The deal will allow Armanino to deliver more comprehensive, end-to-end technology and advisory services to its clients, including HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions.

Why it matters

The acquisition of Step Up Consulting allows Armanino to deepen its expertise in the UKG software ecosystem and provide enhanced HCM capabilities to its clients. This move aligns with the firm's strategy to offer more integrated, technology-driven solutions that help organizations align their HCM strategy with broader business goals.

The details

Armanino, a Top 25 accounting firm, has added Step Up Consulting, a UKG partner, to its Human Capital Management technology practice. This deal brings Armanino into the UKG software ecosystem and strengthens its enterprise technology offerings for small and mid-sized businesses, including HR, payroll, and workforce management operations.

  • Armanino added Step Up Consulting to its HCM technology practice on Monday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Armanino

A Top 25 accounting firm based in San Ramon, California, that reported $716 million in revenue in 2025 and has over 2,700 employees.

Step Up Consulting

A UKG partner that has been acquired by Armanino to expand its HCM technology practice and offerings.

Matt Armanino

The CEO of Armanino Advisory, who stated that the acquisition of Step Up Consulting will significantly expand the solutions Armanino can deliver to clients.

Christine Ferns

The CEO of Step Up Consulting, who will join Armanino to lead the firm's newly formed UKG practice.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Step Up Consulting brings enhanced HCM capabilities that significantly expand the solutions we can deliver to clients. 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.”

— Matt Armanino, CEO of Armanino Advisory

“Joining Armanino represents an exciting new chapter for Step Up. 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.”

— Christine Ferns, CEO of Step Up Consulting

The takeaway

The acquisition of Step Up Consulting by Armanino demonstrates the accounting firm's commitment to expanding its technology-driven service offerings, particularly in the HCM space. By integrating Step Up's UKG expertise, Armanino can now provide more comprehensive, end-to-end solutions to help its clients better align their people, payroll, and finance data to drive smarter business decisions.