Change Manager (Chicago)

At Armanino, you determine your career path. This means it's possible to pursue challenges you are passionate about, in industries you care about.Armanino is proud to be Among the top 20 Largest Accounting and Consulting Firms in the Nation and one of the Best Places to Work. We have a community of resources that are ready and willing to support your ideas, build your skills and expand your professional network. We want you to integrate all aspects of your life with your career. At Armanino, we know you don’t check-out of life when you check-in at work. That’s why we’ve created a unique work environment where your passions, work, and family & friends can overlap. We want to help you achieve growth by giving you access to a network of smart and supportive people, willing to listen to your ideas. The Manager, Change Management – Armanino Ventures (Change Manager) supports the Senior Director, Transformation in leading and implementing change management for the firm’s Level 3 transformation: the creation of an AI‑first, venture‑studio operating unit in which service lines migrate to AI‑first delivery models and re-architect their operating, staffing, and incentive structures. They are responsible for acting as a change agent across service lines migrating to AI‑first delivery models (tax compliance, SOC audits, EBP, outsourced accounting, and future phases), working alongside Ventures leadership and practice leaders to drive stakeholder alignment, adoption, and measurable business outcomes. They will lead the design, implementation, and measurement of change management efforts across each service line’s Level 3 Enablement journey – spanning delivery process redesign, role and job‑duty redefinition, incentive transformation, training, and adoption. They will collaborate closely with the Ventures Steering Committee, Quality Risk Management (QRM), practice leaders, project managers, and internal communications to socialize the AI‑first vision, build buy‑in at every level, and creatively solution when risks arise. Job Responsibilities The Change Manager plays a key role in guiding each service line through its Level 3 (AI‑first) transformation. Essential functions include: Leads change management for each service line’s migration to AI‑first delivery, collaborating with practice leaders, client delivery leads, product managers, and internal communications. Owns the change management plan for each rollout wave – from pilot through full adoption – drafting, tracking, and iterating as needed. Drives the Change Management domain of the Level 3 (AI-First) Enablement Checklist for each service line, ensuring stakeholder alignment and coordinating enablement activities, including communications toolkit distribution, training programs and resources, intranet content, and internal champion programs.Ensures appropriate socialization and approvals are received from the Ventures Steering Committee, QRM, and practice leadership for each change management plan, including messaging around workforce impacts, role redefinition, and incentive restructuring.Leads measurement of change management success using defined KPIs (adoption rate, time savings, cycle‑time reduction, NPS, margin impact), escalating risks and developing solutions to rightsize as necessary. Actively collaborates with the Ventures Steering Committee and practice operations teams to ensure alignment across all eight enablement domains.Coordinates cross‑functional change readiness across enablement domains (delivery process, job duties, QRM, technology, incentives, pricing) to ensure rollout schedules do not conflict with busy seasons or business operations.Facilitates post‑pilot and post‑rollout reviews for each service line, capturing lessons learned, product feedback, and recommendations for subsequent waves of migration into future state.Proactively identifies and addresses change resistance by developing targeted interventions such as FAQs, talking points (e.g., workforce-impact messaging), and one‑on‑one coaching for practice leaders and managers navigating the transition to AI‑first workflows.Maintains a thorough understanding of the Armanino Ventures strategy, AI‑first delivery models, operating principles, tiered service delivery, and the technology platforms in use.Supports the transition from charge‑hour‑based incentives to efficiency‑based performance metrics, helping practice leaders and professionals understand and embrace new compensation models, budgeted‑hours reductions, and flexible work arrangements tied to AI‑first delivery.Partners with internal communications to develop and cascade messaging to key stakeholder groups (Partners, practice leaders, PDLs, managers, staff) including rollout guides, FAQs, and playbooks via the intranet hub, Teams channels, and LMS.Requirements Bachelor’s degree, Business Management, Communications, Human Resources, related major or equivalent work experience. Masters Degree in Organizational Change Management is a plus.Minimum of 7 years of professional experience with 5 years of experience leading change management for technology-driven or digital transformation programs, preferably in professional services, accounting, or financial servicesMinimum of 1 year of direct experience with AI, automation, or technology adoption change management—guiding organizations through shifts in workflows, roles, and operating models is a plusExperience working with dispersed and global teams, including offshore or nearshore centers of excellenceExperience with Workday, Dayshape, Smartsheet, or similar ERP, workforce and project management platforms is a plusStrong understanding of Professional Services operations; experience in public accounting, audit, tax compliance, or financial services is strongly preferredProsci ADKAR, Lean Six Sigma, Design Thinking, and/or PMP certification preferredDemonstrated familiarity with AI-first delivery models, agentic AI, RPA, and data analytics; ability to articulate the business case for automation to skeptical or change-resistant audiencesExcellent communication skills across all levels—from staff to Partners—including developing presentations, conducting workshops, facilitating steering committees, and hosting recurring progress meetingsComfortable working in a fast-paced, ambiguous, startup-like environment within a larger firm; ability to drive solutions creatively and champion unproven approaches with a bias toward action.Armanino is the brand name under which Armanino LLP and Armanino Advisory LLC, independently owned entities, provide professional services in an alternative practice structure in accordance with law, regulations, and professional standards. Armanino LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services, and Armanino Advisory LLC and its subsidiary entities provide tax, advisory, and business consulting services. Armanino Advisory LLC and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.Armanino provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Armanino complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Armanino expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Armanino employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. Armanino does not accept unsolicited candidates, referrals, or resumes from any staffing agency, recruiting service, sourcing entity, or third-party paid service at any time. Any referrals, resumes, or candidates submitted to Armanino or any employee or owner of Armanino without a pre-existing agreement signed by both parties covering the submission will be considered the property of Armanino and not subject to any fees or charges. For existing agreements, a role must be approved and open to external search; otherwise, unsolicited and unapproved submittals and referrals will be considered Armanino property and free of fees. In addition, Talent Acquisition is the sole point of contact, and contacting others in our organization without Talent Acquisition’s knowledge will result in termination of contract. Certain states require us to disclose the pay range and benefits summary for job openings. For Colorado residents, the compensation range for this position: $135,800 - $159,800. For Washington residents, Illinois residents, New York residents, and Southern California residents, the compensation range for this position: $149,400 - $175,800. For Northern California residents, the compensation range for this position: $156,200 - $183,800. Compensation may vary based on skills, role, and location. Eligible employees at certain levels can participate in a discretionary long-term financial incentive plan, subject to plan participation rules.Armanino has a robust offering of benefits, including: Medical, dental, vision Generous PTO plan and paid sick time Flexible work arrangements 401K with Profit Sharing Wellness program Generous parental leave 11 paid holidays For positions based in San Francisco, consistent with the SF Fair Chance Ordinance, an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration. For Individuals who would be working within the City of Los Angeles, Armanino will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories,