Armanino has expanded its human capital management capabilities by welcoming Step Up Consulting, a Los Angeles-based IT consulting firm focused on UKG Ready implementations and HR system optimisation, into its team. This strategic move enhances Armanino’s ability to deliver comprehensive HCM solutions that help organisations streamline HR, payroll and workforce management operations.
This strategic expansion reinforces Armanino’s commitment to delivering modern, scalable, and people-centric HCM solutions that help organizations streamline HR, payroll, and workforce management while gaining clearer insights into their most valuable asset—their people.
Responding to the Growing Complexity of Workforce Management
Across industries, HR leaders are facing mounting pressure to do more with less. From managing distributed workforces and navigating evolving compliance requirements to improving employee experience and leveraging data for decision-making, the role of HR has expanded well beyond traditional administrative tasks.
Armanino’s decision to bring Step Up Consulting into its HCM practice reflects a broader industry reality: organizations need integrated technology solutions that connect HR, payroll, benefits, time tracking, and talent management into a single, cohesive system. Fragmented tools and manual processes are no longer sufficient in a fast-moving, data-driven business environment.
Step Up Consulting’s Expertise in UKG Ready
At the center of this expansion is Step Up Consulting’s specialized knowledge of UKG Ready, a widely used workforce operating system designed for small and mid-sized organizations. UKG Ready unifies essential HR functions—including payroll, benefits administration, time and attendance, scheduling, and talent management—within one platform.
By adding Step Up’s proven UKG Ready expertise, Armanino significantly strengthens its ability to support organizations seeking flexible and scalable HCM technology. Clients benefit from smoother implementations, better system optimization, and ongoing support that ensures the platform continues to deliver value as business needs evolve.
A Strategic Fit Built on Complementary Strengths
According to Armanino’s leadership, the integration of Step Up Consulting goes beyond simply adding technical capabilities. It represents a thoughtful alignment of strengths that enhances the firm’s broader consulting ecosystem.
Armanino brings deep experience across advisory, accounting, technology, and business consulting. Step Up contributes focused, hands-on expertise in HR systems and workforce technology. Together, they create a more holistic offering that connects people data with payroll and financial insights—enabling organizations to make more informed, strategic decisions.
This integrated approach helps break down silos that often exist between HR and finance teams, fostering better collaboration and more accurate workforce planning.
Leadership and Vision for the UKG Practice
As part of the integration, Christine Ferns, CEO of Step Up Consulting, will lead Armanino’s newly established UKG practice. This unified practice brings together UKG Ready implementation, optimization, and managed services under a single strategic vision focused on delivering measurable outcomes for clients.
Ferns’ leadership ensures continuity for existing Step Up clients while also providing a clear roadmap for expanding Armanino’s UKG-related offerings. Her experience in guiding organizations through HR technology transformations positions the practice to deliver consistent, high-quality results across industries.
Client-First Approach at the Core
Both Armanino and Step Up Consulting share a strong commitment to a client-first philosophy. Step Up has built its reputation by helping organizations automate HR and payroll workflows, reduce administrative burden, and improve system adoption through thoughtful configuration and training.
This approach aligns seamlessly with Armanino’s broader goal of offering end-to-end, tech-enabled solutions that simplify operations rather than add complexity. By focusing on real-world outcomes—such as improved efficiency, reduced errors, and better employee experiences—the combined team helps clients realize tangible value from their technology investments.
Supporting Small and Mid-Sized Organizations
While large enterprises often have dedicated resources to manage complex HR systems, small and mid-sized organizations frequently struggle to keep pace with changing workforce demands. The expanded HCM services from Armanino are particularly well-suited to this segment, offering scalable solutions that grow alongside the business.
With UKG Ready as a foundation, Armanino and Step Up provide tailored support that meets organizations where they are—whether they are modernizing legacy systems, consolidating multiple tools, or optimizing existing platforms for better performance.
Navigating the Rise of Data-Driven HR and AI
Industry observers note that the expansion of HCM service capabilities comes at a pivotal time. HR technology is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in data analytics and artificial intelligence. Organizations increasingly expect their HR systems to deliver actionable insights—not just process transactions.
Integrated HCM platforms enable leaders to analyze workforce trends, predict staffing needs, and measure the impact of HR initiatives on business performance. By strengthening its HCM practice, Armanino positions itself to help clients harness these capabilities responsibly and effectively.
Reducing Administrative Complexity and Improving Efficiency
One of the most immediate benefits of integrated HCM solutions is the reduction of administrative complexity. Automating routine HR and payroll tasks frees up time for HR teams to focus on strategic priorities such as talent development, employee engagement, and organizational culture.
The combined expertise of Armanino and Step Up Consulting helps clients design workflows that minimize manual intervention, reduce errors, and ensure compliance—all while improving the overall user experience for employees and managers alike.
Enabling Smarter Workforce Decisions
Beyond efficiency, modern HCM systems play a critical role in enabling smarter decision-making. By connecting people data with financial and operational insights, organizations gain a more complete picture of workforce costs, productivity, and performance.
Armanino’s expanded HCM capabilities support this integrated view, helping leaders align workforce strategies with broader business objectives. Whether planning for growth, managing change, or responding to market uncertainty, access to accurate, real-time data becomes a powerful advantage.
A Broader Vision for End-to-End Solutions
The integration of Step Up Consulting reflects Armanino’s long-term vision of delivering comprehensive solutions that span technology, advisory, and operational support. Rather than offering point solutions, the firm focuses on helping clients build connected ecosystems that evolve with their needs.
This approach is particularly valuable in HCM, where technology decisions often have far-reaching implications for culture, compliance, and employee experience. By guiding clients through every stage—from strategy and implementation to optimization and ongoing support—Armanino aims to be a trusted partner in workforce transformation.
Preparing Organizations for the Future of Work
As the future of work continues to evolve, organizations must adapt to new models of employment, shifting employee expectations, and rapid technological change. Integrated HCM systems provide the foundation needed to navigate this complexity with confidence.
Through its expanded partnership with Step Up Consulting, Armanino is better equipped to help organizations prepare for what’s next—whether that means supporting hybrid work environments, leveraging AI-driven insights, or scaling operations efficiently.
Conclusion: A Strategic Expansion with Long-Term Impact
Armanino’s expansion of its HCM services through the integration of Step Up Consulting marks an important milestone in the firm’s growth. By combining specialized UKG Ready expertise with a broad consulting ecosystem, Armanino enhances its ability to deliver agile, scalable, and outcome-driven HR technology solutions.
For clients, this means access to deeper expertise, smoother implementations, and ongoing support designed to reduce complexity and drive real business value. As workforce management becomes increasingly central to organizational success, Armanino’s strengthened HCM practice positions it as a trusted partner for organizations seeking to optimize HR operations, empower their people, and support sustainable growth.
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