Kerry Buchar (BBA93) works with corporate leaders under a lot of pressure to reduce costs. It’s her job to see beyond the numbers on a spreadsheet. 

As a managing director at Protiviti, a global consulting firm, she leads finance transformation initiatives for companies across various industries—projects encompassing everything from accounting to strategic and financial planning. 

Based out of Protiviti’s Chicago offices, Buchar helps companies gain deeper insights from data and stay ahead of rapidly evolving economic and technological trends, identifying inefficiencies and building strategies. 

“It’s not just accounting—it’s understanding the business as a whole,” she says.

She was recently tapped to co-lead the firm’s tariffs team. Managing the impact of tariffs has become a priority for many U.S. companies, and Buchar helps client teams identify cost optimization strategies to maintain margins without forgoing investments in technology and innovation. 

Buchar also plays a role in shaping Protiviti’s work culture, which provides hands-on mentoring. 

“Culture is everything here,” she says. “We’re a $2 billion company, but it still feels like a family-run business in a way. I love developing our next generation of leaders.” 

Buchar recently facilitated an off-site training program for promoted senior consultants, which she enjoyed immensely because she was able to sit with young leaders over a meal and get to know them better, including their career aspirations. She finds these exchanges both energizing and helpful in deciding how best to invest in employees to nurture talent and innovation. 

Buchar is dedicated to continuous learning, setting aside time every day to read about the latest in the business marketplace and explore innovations in technology. 

“The pace of change is like nothing I’ve seen in my career,” she says. “AI, automation, digital tools—it’s constant. In consulting, you can’t fall behind. Our clients expect us to be ahead of the curve.”

Buchar credits Tippie with giving her the tools to thrive in a constantly evolving work world. She discovered Iowa was the right fit for her when an older cousin invited her to spend a weekend in Iowa City. Buchar, a native of Joliet, Illinois, appreciated the upbeat vibe of the Hawkeye campus and the energy of the people she met during her visit. 

Today, Buchar returns to campus as a member of Tippie’s Professional Accounting Council (PAC), an experience that allows her to shape curriculum and bring real-world perspectives to the classroom. Buchar appreciates interacting with her fellow council members and Tippie leadership. 

“I’m impressed that they truly listen to us and adapt the curriculum based on our input,” she says. 

She also takes the time to speak with students.

“Mentoring is so important to me,” she says. “The campus still feels like the same positive, high-energy place I remember—it’s just that today’s students have so many more tools and opportunities. It’s fun to be part of that.”

This article appeared in the 2025 issue of Iowa Ledger.