The Partner Channel Magazine Summer 2017 Final 2

INTERVIEWEE
Tom, Partner-in-Charge, Consulting
WEBSITE
www.armaninollp.com
HEADQUARTERS
San Ramon, California
VAR PROFILE
INNOVATION SPARKS GROWTH AND
CHARITABLE IMPACT AT ARMANINO
A
rmanino opened
Armanino provides Microsoft Dynamics AX,
its doors as a CPA
Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics
firm more than 50
CRM, Power BI, and most recently, Microsoft
years ago. Founded
Dynamics 365, to a wide range of industries.
by Andy Armanino,
From very early on, Armanino wanted to be
Sr. and a couple of
known as the consultants for CFOs (chief
his partners, the company was built on their
vision of providing great customer service and
building client relationships. They had a goal
of adding one employee each year. Fifty years
later, they’ve greatly surpassed that with more
than 1,000 employees across the United States.
Today, Andy Armanino (Andy, Sr.’s son) runs
the company as CEO, and they continue to be
the fastest-growing CPA firm as well as one
of the 25 “Best of the Best”​accounting firms
Tom Mescall
financial officers). With this in mind, they have
created a concept called the CFO Evolution®,
which is a framework for CFOs to see where
they are today and where they need to go to
succeed as a company.
Tom shares, “We are constantly doing
research, CFO surveys, and building thought
leadership so that we can speak to the challenges
CFOs face every day. It’s a great catalyst for us to
align with the world of accounting.”
in the nation. As a high-growth firm, the people at Armanino
embrace a culture of entrepreneurialism and innovation. With
any change they make, whether that’s a possible merger, hiring a
new employee, or embarking on a whole new market, they ask,
“Will this make us more innovative and entrepreneurial?”
One area that has definitely made Armanino more innovative is
the consulting side of their business, headed up by Tom Mescall.
Thirteen years ago, they added this service onto their offerings and
asked how to make a more positive impact on their clients’ lives and
continue to ask this for every implementation project they take on.
“Of course, we strive to build trust and loyalty with our
clients, but we also set out to make a positive impact on their
lives and entire business. We believe that fuels our ability to
grow, their ability to succeed, and helps our clients get ahead of
their competitors,” Tom says.
In their research, they noticed (in Silicon Valley) that CFOs
spend less than three years in a job. “We wanted to be on speeddial
with CFOs as they moved to their next company. That was
a big goal, and we have accomplished that, setting the stage
for our rapid growth.” Tom continues, “By constantly building
relationships and adding value to our clients in a comprehensive
way, we are the first company that comes to mind when they
need accounting management help at their next gig.”
Another area where they go above and beyond with
innovation and entrepreneurism is with their corporate social
responsibility initiative, Helping Hand. Board chairwoman
of the Armanino Foundation, launched in March 2017, Mary
Tressel shares, “This includes two annual hands-on programs.
The Great Give is where we close down our offices for one day,
and all our employees go volunteer for a local non-profit. The 30
26 SUMMER 2017 | THEPARTNERCHANNEL.COM