Kearney Controller

Kearney Italia, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous retirement/pension contributions

Comprehensive medical insurance

Structured learning and development opportunities

Personalized career journeys

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in the financial services sector is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting function in Chicago. The Controller will manage all accounting operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and accurate financial reporting. Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, CPA certification, and extensive accounting experience. Competitive compensation ranges from $155K to $165K, with additional benefits including medical coverage and retirement contributions.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and controllership experience.
• Experience working in accounting for a professional services organization is preferred.
• Experience managing complex accounting environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the accounting function.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Establish and maintain internal controls and accounting policies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Technical accounting knowledge

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

BS/BA in Accounting or Finance

CPA certification

Tools

SAP

MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting function and ensure the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of all financial processes. This individual will oversee end-to-end accounting operations, manage internal controls, drive process improvements, and partner with business leaders to provide financial insights. The Controller will bring a proven record of excellence, deep technical accounting expertise, and strong leadership capabilities to a dynamic environment.

Who you are

After nearly 100 years, we know this business is fundamentally about making connections—between facts, figures, insights, strategies, tools, technologies, and above all, people. That’s why we look for collaborative, insightful, and inquisitive problem-solvers who don’t accept the first thing in front of them and who are always unapologetically themselves.

We want to hear from you if you:

• Hold a BS/BA in Accounting or Finance; CPA required.
• Have a minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and controllership experience.
• Are based in the Chicagoland area and able to work in the downtown Chicago office at least one day per week.
• Have experience working in accounting for a professional services organization (preferred); experience in public accounting.
• Have experience managing complex accounting environments, preferably in a cross-border, international, or multi-entity organization.
• Have people management experience is preferred.
• Possess strong technical accounting knowledge—US GAAP required; IFRS is a plus.
• Are experienced with SAP or other ERP systems (strongly preferred).
• Have experience working with shared service center operations.
• Have excellent analytical, problem-solving and leadership skills.
• Are an excellent communicator and a self-starter.
• Thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
• Have advanced proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the accounting function, including balance sheet, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with US GAAP and applicable local regulations.
• Ensure proper revenue recognition, expense accruals, balance sheet reconciliations, and intercompany eliminations.
• Partner with regional and global finance teams and shared service centers to ensure alignment, efficiency, and accuracy across entities.
• Oversee accounting processes and ensure accuracy of output for US and Canada-based entities, including:
• Review month-end P&L reports, ensuring accuracy of compensation expense, and review key entries such as leases, prepaids, depreciation and accrued expenses.
• Support the North America unit finance team to understand their revenue and WIP balances and make adjustments as necessary.
• Analyze results against prior months, plan/forecast, and global accounting guidance, and identify and correct discrepancies.
• Advise on accounting-related matters.
• Ensure accuracy of US and Canada balance sheets, and the regular performance of controls such as reconciliations to source documentation.

Controls & Compliance

• Establish, document, and maintain robust internal controls and accounting policies consistent with global standards and best practices.
• Ensure full compliance with internal audit requirements, external audit standards, and corporate governance policies.
• Lead and coordinate annual external financial audits and related statutory filings.
• Support tax and regulatory compliance activities, including 1099 reporting and government surveys.

Process & Systems Improvement

• Design, implement, and continuously improve accounting processes and controls, leveraging SAP and other financial systems.
• Collaborate with global teams to enhance automation, reporting accuracy, and data integrity.
• Drive efficiency in offshore and shared service operations, ensuring accountability and quality of deliverables.

Strategic Partnership & Analysis

• Provide financial analysis and insights to support executive decision-making.
• Partner with FP&A, Treasury, and other business units to ensure consistent, data-driven, financial management and cash forecasting.
• Lead and support strategic projects, including system implementations, M&A due diligence, and process reengineering initiatives.

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

Controller compensation range: $155K-$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.