Kearney Global Business Unit Controller

Kearney • Chicago, IL

1d

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed