Kearney Group

What Kearney Group does

Kearney Group is a privately held, founder-led integrated financial advisory firm headquartered in Abbotsford, Melbourne, with a regional office in Geelong, Victoria. Founded in 1986 by CPA and CFP®-qualified Paul Kearney as a sole-practitioner tax business, the firm has grown to 85+ financial professionals organised across three service divisions: Business Advisory (tax, bookkeeping, virtual CFO services, and the proprietary Ko-Lab business strategy program), Private Wealth (financial planning, portfolio management, and the Ethos ESG-focused managed portfolios built with Zenith Investment Partners), and Strategic Lending (mortgage and commercial broking via a 30+ lender panel). The firm's core operating model is the Integrated Advice Team (IAT) structure, introduced in 2020, which deliberately dissolves the traditional accounting/wealth/lending silos and assigns clients a Lead Adviser who coordinates multidisciplinary teams against annual 'Anchor Month' review cycles.

The technology stack is purpose-built for Australian SMB and high-net-worth clients and consists of the proprietary Konsole client portal (secure document exchange, digital signatures, appointment booking, invoice payment, and subscription tracking), the Ko-Lab three-phase strategy program, the Ethos Responsible Investment Classification Model, and multi-vendor cloud accounting integrations (Xero Platinum Champion, QuickBooks, MYOB, Reckon). The business model is fee-for-service professional services — Business Advisory is project/engagement-based, Private Wealth operates on recurring AUM-linked and advice fees, and Strategic Lending earns transaction commissions. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; the customer base comprises thousands of Australian households and SMB owners, with no single anchor client identified. The firm is bootstrapped (no external funding), wholly-owned by the founder, and operates five wholly-owned subsidiary entities (Kearney Group BA Constellation, Imagineering FS, Kearney Group Strategic Lending, Kearney Group PW Constellation, Kearney Group Mycelia).

Name

Kearney Group

Legal name

Kearney Group Pty Ltd

Website

https://kearneygroup.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Kearney Group is a privately held, founder-led Australian integrated financial advisory firm serving SMB owners and high-income households across Business Advisory, Private Wealth, and Strategic Lending divisions via multidisciplinary Integrated Advice Teams based in Melbourne and Geelong.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Integrated Financial Advisory Services

NAICS

Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (52394), Offices of Certified Public Accountants (541211)

SIC

Investment Advice (6282), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Loan Brokers (6163)

akta.pro primary industry

Fee-Based Advisory (FSAEAAAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corporate Strategy Advisory (BPAHADAA), Debt Advisory & Financing Advisory (FSAEAGAD), Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting Advisory (GAAP/IFRS) (BPAHABAF), Family Office Advisory (Single/Multi-Family) (FSAEAAAI)

Keywords

• Business advisory services
• Private wealth management
• Strategic lending advice
• Financial planning services
• Cloud accounting advisory

Headquarters

HQ city

Fitzroy

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Business Advisory Services: Comprehensive business advisory including CFO advisory, virtual CFO services, business bookkeeping, tax planning and compliance, business development planning, budgeting and reporting, and SMSF support services.
2. Private Wealth/Financial Planning: Financial strategy development, portfolio management, superannuation management, protection/risk/insurance, retirement and estate planning services.
3. Strategic Lending: Mortgage broking, home loans, investment property loans, commercial loans, vehicle and equipment finance, and refinancing services. Access to 30+ different banks and lenders.
4. Ko-Lab Business Strategy Program: Transformational business strategy program delivered across 3 phases: Goal Setting, Strategy, and Execution. Combines strategy, business advisory and accountability.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kearney Group is an integrated financial advisory firm that delivers three core service lines: Business Advisory (including Ko-Lab strategy, bookkeeping, CFO advisory and tax), Private Wealth (financial planning, portfolio management, superannuation and insurance), and Strategic Lending (home, investment, commercial and equipment finance). Services are delivered through multidisciplinary Integrated Advice Teams (IATs) that combine accountants, financial advisers, brokers and business strategists to connect business and household finances.

Product overview

Kearney Group is an integrated financial advisory firm operating as a unified platform across three core service divisions: Business Advisory (including Ko-Lab Business Strategy Program, commercial bookkeeping, and CFO advisory services), Private Wealth (financial strategy, portfolio management, and superannuation), and Strategic Lending (home loans, commercial loans, and refinancing). The firm's Integrated Advice Teams model deliberately breaks down professional silos, assembling multidisciplinary adviser teams to serve both business owners and households through coordinated service delivery. Core products include the Ko-Lab Business Strategy Program (a three-phase transformation program using the Playing To Win framework), Ethos Managed Portfolios (ESG-focused investment portfolios), and the Konsole client portal. Services are delivered through a network of 85+ financial professionals across Melbourne and Geelong offices.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ko-Lab: Business Strategy Program combining strategy, business advisory and accountability for small to medium businesses, delivered across 3 phases: Goal Setting, Strategy (Playing To Win framework), and Execution.
• Konsole
• Ethos Managed Portfolios

Products and services

• Business Advisory Comprehensive advisory for SME owners covering CFO advisory, virtual CFO, bookkeeping, business development planning, budgeting and reporting, structure and tax advice, tax planning and compliance, cloud software advice, and SMSF support.
• Ko-Lab Business Strategy Program A three-phase business transformation program (Goal Setting, Strategy, Execution) for SME owners combining strategy, business advisory and accountability, with quarterly reviews.
• Commercial Bookkeeping Full-suite commercial bookkeeping including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, BAS/IAS/PAYG lodgment, and compliance services integrated with business advisory.
• CFO Advisory Services Virtual, outsourced, fractional and advisory CFO services providing strategic financial guidance for SMEs not yet ready for a full-time CFO.
• Private Wealth Financial advice for individuals and families including financial strategy development, portfolio management, superannuation management, protection/insurance, and retirement and estate planning, delivered by CFP-qualified advisers.
• Ethos Managed Portfolios Actively-managed ESG-focused investment portfolios constructed in partnership with Zenith Investment Partners, implementing a proprietary Responsible Investment Classification Model.
• SMART Review Service Ongoing financial strategy review service that tracks progress, addresses changes in goals or circumstances, and maintains living financial plans through regular quarterly reviews.
• Strategic Lending Lending advisory since 2006 covering home loans, investment property loans, refinancing, commercial loans, vehicle and equipment finance, and construction loans, with access to over 30 banks and lenders.

Quantifiable outcome

• Beach house purchase achieved within 8-9 months instead of estimated 5+ years
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Groundbreaking partnership bringing the inaugural 'Uncle Jack Charles Award' to life in 2023. Award presented to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander creative demonstrating excellence in filmmaking. Winner receives $20,000 cash award plus $25,000 of in-kind financial services.
• AIME MentoringcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Global network to alleviate inequality through imagination, mentoring and connections. CEO Paul Kearney joined the Board in 2022 and became Chair in 2023. AIME founded in 2005, now present in 50+ countries.
• Homes For HomescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Paul Kearney is a founding Director of this independent not-for-profit established by The Big Issue. Aims to address Australia's lack of social and affordable housing through regenerative finance model planning to raise $1 billion over 30 years.
• The Big IssuecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007CEO Paul Kearney has been a Director of The Big Issue since 2007, Australia's largest social enterprise. Provides strategic financial advice and team support for programs offering work opportunities to homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people.
• IK Systems Lab at Deakin UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKearney Group provided seed funding to catalyze development of the Indigenous Knowledge IK Systems Lab at Deakin University's NIKERI Institute. Led by Dr. Tyson Yunkaporta, author of 'Sand Talk', supporting Indigenous researchers and Knowledge Keepers.
• Hi NeighbourminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinance Partner for this non-profit founded by actor Yael Stone, focused on climate action and community resilience following the Black Summer Fires.
• Zenith Investment PartnerscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with one of Australia's best research houses to design the Ethos Managed Portfolios and Responsible Investment Classification Model. Zenith's Investment Committee identifies markets, selects fund managers, and constructs managed fund portfolios.
• XerocoreTechnology or IntegrationPlatinum Champion Partner, Xero Adviser Certified, Xero Payroll Certified. Provides cloud accounting software advice, integration, and process support for clients.
• Connective Credit Services Pty LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKearney Group Strategic Lending is a Corporate Credit Representative of Connective Credit Services Pty Ltd (ABN 51 143 651 496), holder of Australian Credit Licence 389328. Provides access to 30+ banks and lenders.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Pitcher Partners: Australian mid-market accounting and advisory network offering accounting, business advisory, wealth management and lending services to SMEs and HNW individuals. Closely comparable integrated service model and client base to Kearney Group.
• William Buck: Mid-tier Australian accounting and advisory firm providing business advisory, tax, wealth and consulting services to SMEs and private clients. Operates a similar integrated, relationship-driven model across multiple Australian states.
• Pilot Partners: Melbourne-based mid-market advisory firm combining chartered accounting, tax, business advisory and wealth services for owner-managed businesses and families. Direct competitor in the same Victorian SME/HNW segment as Kearney Group.
• HLB Mann Judd: Australian mid-tier accounting, audit, tax and business advisory network with strong SME and HNW client focus. Comparable in firm size, integrated service offering and client profile to Kearney Group.

Broad incumbents

• BDO Australia: Large Australian accounting and advisory network offering audit, tax, business advisory and consulting services to mid-market and large clients. Competes with Kearney Group in the SME/mid-market advisory space but at significantly greater scale and breadth.
• RSM Australia: Mid-tier global accounting and advisory network serving Australian SMEs, family businesses and HNW clients with audit, tax, consulting and wealth services. Overlaps with Kearney's integrated mid-market proposition.
• Crowe Australasia: Australian accounting, audit, tax and advisory firm serving mid-market and family-owned businesses. Comparable client segment and integrated service offering, though operating at larger scale and broader geographic footprint.
• Grant Thornton Australia: Mid-tier Australian advisory firm providing audit, tax, business advisory and consulting services to privately held businesses and HNW clients. Overlaps with Kearney Group's SME and private wealth client base.
• Forvis Mazars (Australia): International accounting and advisory network with an Australian practice serving mid-market, family business and HNW clients. Competes with Kearney Group in integrated advisory mandates, with broader geographic and service-line reach.

Regional players

• Shaw and Partners: Australian wealth advisory and stockbroking firm offering financial planning, portfolio management, superannuation and lending services to HNW individuals and families. Comparable wealth and lending offering to Kearney's Private Wealth and Strategic Lending divisions, though with a national footprint.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KearneyGroup

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kearney Group