Pevita Pearce
Bellingham, WA – October 2, 2026 – Larson Gross, a distinguished INSIDE Public Accounting Top 200 firm, announced today its strategic acquisition of ScaleUp Financial Solutions, a Denver-based provider of fractional CFO and comprehensive accounting services. This latest move, effective October 2nd, marks Larson Gross’s third significant merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in 2026, underscoring the firm’s aggressive growth strategy focused on enhancing specialized consulting expertise and advisory resources for its clientele. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the ScaleUp brand will continue to operate as a distinct entity within the Larson Gross family of brands.
This acquisition is a pivotal step in Larson Gross’s ongoing commitment to "thoughtful growth that expands access to specialized consulting expertise and advisory resources while maintaining a client-first approach," as stated in a recent media release. The integration of ScaleUp Financial Solutions is expected to broaden Larson Gross’s service portfolio, particularly in the high-demand areas of strategic finance, forecasting, key performance indicator (KPI) tracking, capital advisory, and M&A support.
Larson Gross CEO Kelli Visser expressed enthusiasm for the integration. "We’re excited to welcome the ScaleUp team to the Larson Gross family of brands," Visser stated on October 13th. "Their deep expertise and client-first mindset, plus strong brand reputation in the marketplace, supports our growth strategy to expand service offerings while also serving clients in a high-touch, relationship-centered manner." Visser highlighted that ScaleUp’s established presence and specialized offerings align perfectly with Larson Gross’s vision for expanding its advisory capabilities to meet the evolving needs of businesses.
The addition of ScaleUp Financial Solutions brings a robust suite of services to the Larson Gross umbrella. ScaleUp specializes in providing fractional CFO, controller, and outsourced accounting services, catering to businesses seeking strategic financial guidance without the need for full-time executive hires. Their expertise extends to intricate financial planning, including strategic finance modeling, accurate forecasting, diligent KPI monitoring, proactive capital advisory, and comprehensive M&A transaction support.
A significant benefit of this union is the synergistic technological advancement it enables. ScaleUp clients will now gain access to Larson Gross’s substantial investments in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. This infusion of advanced technological capabilities promises to streamline operations, enhance data analytics, and provide clients with more sophisticated and forward-looking financial insights. Conversely, Larson Gross clients will benefit from a more extensive talent pool, gaining deeper access to specialized expertise in tax, audit, valuation, and technology consulting, thereby creating a more holistic service offering.
This strategic acquisition follows a pattern of proactive expansion for Larson Gross throughout 2026. Earlier in the year, the firm successfully integrated Liptz & Associates, a Newport Beach, California-based accounting firm, and Perry, Shelton, Walker, and Associates, an accounting firm serving the Seattle area. These previous integrations demonstrate Larson Gross’s consistent drive to enhance its geographic reach and service breadth through strategic M&A.
The integration of ScaleUp Financial Solutions also aligns with Larson Gross’s broader network affiliations. In February 2025, Larson Gross became a partner firm of Current (formerly Crete Professionals Alliance), a national collective of accounting and advisory firms. Current, established in 2023 by Jake Sloane and Frank Zhang of the New York City-based investment firm ZBS Partners, is backed by venture capital firm Thrive Capital. This partnership framework provides Larson Gross with access to a national network of peers, resources, and best practices, further amplifying the benefits of its individual acquisitions.
Rachel Williams, founder of ScaleUp Financial Solutions, expressed her optimism about the merger and its implications for her clients. "We’re thrilled to join Larson Gross and the Current platform, which will provide the next layer of technology solutions and infrastructure support for all our clients," Williams stated. She emphasized the cultural alignment between the two firms. "Beyond the resources, our firm cultures are highly aligned – they share our belief in delivering individualized high-touch service while embracing the rapid change AI is having on our industry and evolving how we use technology to continue to deliver real value to clients. That alignment makes this a seamless fit for ScaleUp." This sentiment underscores the shared commitment to client success and innovative service delivery.
Founded in 1949, Larson Gross has a long-standing reputation as a full-service accounting and consulting firm. The firm offers comprehensive services including accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation, and strategic consulting to a diverse client base across the United States and Canada. Led by 17 partners and supported by a global team of over 200 professionals, Larson Gross operates five offices across Washington state: Bellingham, Burlington, Lynden, Yakima, and Wenatchee. This established infrastructure provides a strong foundation for integrating new entities and expanding its operational footprint.
The current M&A landscape in the accounting and advisory sector is characterized by a strong emphasis on specialization, technology adoption, and market consolidation. Firms are increasingly seeking to acquire niche expertise and leverage advanced technologies to differentiate themselves and offer more value-added services. Larson Gross’s strategic acquisitions, including the addition of ScaleUp Financial Solutions, are directly in line with these industry trends. The firm is positioning itself not only to expand its service offerings but also to enhance its technological capabilities, thereby future-proofing its business model and ensuring continued relevance in a rapidly evolving professional services market.
The integration of fractional CFO services is particularly noteworthy. As businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), face increasingly complex financial landscapes and a growing need for sophisticated strategic planning, the demand for fractional CFOs has surged. These professionals provide high-level financial expertise on a flexible, part-time basis, offering businesses access to strategic financial leadership without the significant overhead of a full-time executive. ScaleUp’s proven track record in this area complements Larson Gross’s existing service lines and addresses a critical market need.
Furthermore, the mention of AI and automation underscores Larson Gross’s forward-thinking approach. The accounting profession is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements. Firms that embrace AI and automation are better positioned to improve efficiency, enhance accuracy, and deliver more insightful analytics to their clients. By integrating these technologies, Larson Gross aims to provide a competitive edge, offering clients data-driven strategies and operational efficiencies that can significantly impact their bottom line.
The expansion of Larson Gross through these strategic M&A activities is indicative of a broader trend within the accounting industry. Firms are recognizing the importance of scale, specialized knowledge, and technological integration to remain competitive and meet the increasingly complex demands of their clients. By acquiring firms like ScaleUp Financial Solutions, Larson Gross is not only expanding its service offerings but also strengthening its position as a leading provider of comprehensive accounting and advisory services. The firm’s consistent pursuit of growth through strategic partnerships and acquisitions signals a robust commitment to innovation and client success in the years to come. This series of acquisitions highlights a deliberate strategy to build a more comprehensive and technologically advanced advisory practice capable of serving a wider array of client needs across various industries and geographic locations. The focus on "client-first" and "high-touch, relationship-centered" service delivery, as articulated by CEO Kelli Visser, suggests that while expanding its capabilities, Larson Gross remains committed to its core values.
The synergy between ScaleUp’s financial advisory expertise and Larson Gross’s established infrastructure, coupled with the latter’s commitment to technological advancement, positions the combined entity for significant growth and enhanced client value. This strategic integration is set to redefine the landscape of financial services offered by Larson Gross, providing a more robust and future-ready platform for businesses seeking expert financial guidance.
