Kearney Global Business Unit Controller

Kearney•Chicago, IL

4d•$154,000 - $165,000

About The Position

We are seeking a Global Business Unit Controller to serve as a senior finance leader and trusted strategic partner to the Activate Data & Analytics (D&A) leadership team and Business Leads. This role supports the scaling of a global, high-growth technology consulting business with deep expertise in data, AI, and digital transformation. The GBU Controller brings a consulting-native mindset, combining financial rigor, commercial insight, and operational excellence to improve margin performance, professionalize financial operations, and enable sustainable growth. Acting as a peer and advisor to senior leaders, the FBP balances strategic influence with strong financial governance in a complex, global environment. We want to hear from you if you: • Have 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience within global consulting or professional services organizations • Bring experience operating as a trusted advisor to senior executives, ideally within firms such as Accenture, Deloitte, Slalom, Cognizant, Capgemini, EY, or similar • Have a proven track record of supporting or scaling a technology consulting business in the 500–2,000 employee range • Possess direct exposure to data, analytics, AI, or technology-led consulting environments • Demonstrate a deep understanding of consulting delivery models and economics, particularly within technology-enabled services • Operate with a clear, confident point of view on how finance enables delivery excellence and commercial performance • Exhibit strong commercial judgment and the ability to influence outcomes in a partnership-driven culture • Thrive in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial environment that values clarity, speed, and accountability • Balance strategic insight with financial rigor and control • Bring executive presence and the ability to influence at C-suite and senior leadership levels • Act as a collaborative partner to Business, Sales, and Delivery leaders • Are hands-on when needed, while remaining focused on building scalable systems and high-performing teams

Requirements

Have 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience within global consulting or professional services organizations
Bring experience operating as a trusted advisor to senior executives, ideally within firms such as Accenture, Deloitte, Slalom, Cognizant, Capgemini, EY, or similar
Have a proven track record of supporting or scaling a technology consulting business in the 500–2,000 employee range
Possess direct exposure to data, analytics, AI, or technology-led consulting environments
Demonstrate a deep understanding of consulting delivery models and economics, particularly within technology-enabled services
Operate with a clear, confident point of view on how finance enables delivery excellence and commercial performance
Exhibit strong commercial judgment and the ability to influence outcomes in a partnership-driven culture
Thrive in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial environment that values clarity, speed, and accountability
Balance strategic insight with financial rigor and control
Bring executive presence and the ability to influence at C-suite and senior leadership levels
Act as a collaborative partner to Business, Sales, and Delivery leaders
Are hands-on when needed, while remaining focused on building scalable systems and high-performing teams

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary finance advisor to Activate D&A leadership and Business Leads on performance, risk, and long-term value creation
Challenge leadership thinking and influence strategic decisions related to growth, pricing, portfolio mix, and long-term investments through fact-based insights and scenario analysis
Support enterprise initiatives such as market expansion, new offerings, strategic partnerships, and organizational changes
Own financial performance across assigned businesses and geographies, with accountability for revenue growth, margin, and cost discipline
Establish and maintain best-in-class financial controls, policies, and reporting appropriate for a global, high-growth consulting environment
Lead multi-year financial planning, annual budgeting, and rolling forecasts with a strong focus on actionable insights
Identify structural performance issues and partner with the business to drive corrective actions
Ensure strong financial governance, compliance, and risk management
Bring a strong point of view on professional services economics, including: o Utilization, realization, and margin optimization o Pricing and discount governance o Engagement and portfolio profitability o Managed services vs. project-based delivery models o Strategic partnerships and alliances
Partner with Business and Delivery leaders to improve delivery discipline, margin predictability, and scalability
Drive continuous improvement through data-driven decisions related to staffing models, global delivery mix, and capacity planning
Translate complex financial and operational data into concise, executive-ready insights
Develop and oversee KPI frameworks and dashboards that enable proactive management and scaling of data and AI offerings
Anticipate risks and opportunities through forward-looking analysis and scenario planning
Lead, coach, and develop a team of Finance Business Partners and analysts
Set the standard for business partnering excellence, commercial mindset, and professional judgment

Benefits

Generous retirement/pension savings contributions
Comprehensive medical insurance for employees and their families
Structured and on-the-job learning and development opportunities
Personalized career journeys to pursue your personal and professional goals
Paid time off
Paid sick leave
401(k) match and profit sharing
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Healthcare concierge services
Backup child/adult care
Annual employer HSA contributions
A home office stipend
Subsidized gym membership
An annual wellness program
Leaves of absence when needed to support employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being