Kearney Global Business Unit Controller

About the Role 
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 professional service firms
•    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

Key Responsibilities
Executive & Strategic Partnership
•    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

Financial Operations & Governance
•    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

Consulting Economics & Delivery Excellence
•    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

Insight, Analytics & Decision Support
•    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

Leadership & Talent Development
•    Lead, coach, and develop a team of Finance Business Partners and analysts
•    Set the standard for business partnering excellence, commercial mindset, and professional judgment

What We Can Offer You 
Every day, our people work to be the difference for our clients, our communities, and our colleagues. Helping them make an impact, they are sustained by a competitive remuneration package plus comprehensive benefits and perks, including but not limited to: 
•    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 

Global Business Unit Controller compensation range: $154k–$165k. It is important to note that at Kearney, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role. Individual salaries within each range are determined through a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills. Kearney reviews compensation regularly and may adjust base salaries to reflect market competitiveness. In addition to salary, individuals may be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus. Our full suite of benefits includes 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, and leaves of absence when needed to support employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. #LI-MP1