Imke Keimer

Prof. Dr. Imke Keimer is a Professor at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Hochschule Luzern) in the Department of Economics within the Business School. She is based at the Campus Zug-Rotkreuz and works at the Institute for Financial Services Zug (IFZ) in the CC Controlling (IFZ CO) division. Her work focuses on the intersection of digital transformation and financial management, particularly in the field of controlling.

Her educational background includes:

• 2016: Appointed Professor at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
• 2013: Certificate in University Teaching, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
• 2011: Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
• 2005-2009: Dissertation (Dr. rer. oec.), University of Bern, Topic: "Accounting Policy, IT Investments and the Strategic Orientation of Cost Management - Empirical Work in the Field of Accounting" (summa cum laude)
• 1999-2005: Studied Business Mathematics (M.Sc.), Technical University of Dortmund (overall grade: very good)

Prof. Keimer's research primarily centers on digital transformation in controlling, business analytics, and agile finance. She has developed frameworks for assessing digital maturity in controlling functions and has pioneered approaches to integrate agile methodologies into financial management. Her work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, often through collaborations with industry partners. She has established herself as a thought leader in how digital technologies are reshaping the controller role from traditional accounting functions toward strategic business partnership.

Her recent publications reveal a clear trajectory from foundational research on digital controlling frameworks toward more specific applications in sustainability, agile methodologies, and educational technology. The articles show increasing focus on practical implementation challenges, with notable attention to sustainable business practices and the evolving role of controllers in complex organizational environments. Her work consistently emphasizes the human dimension of digital transformation - how skills, mindsets, and organizational culture must evolve alongside technological changes.

Scientific awards and recognitions include:

• Publication Award 2021 in the "Teaching" category for "PLAYMOBIL pro im Controlling: Mit Plastikfiguren das zukünftige Controlling-Rollenprofil gestalten"
• Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification from GARP

Prof. Keimer has been actively involved in advising and research projects. She served as Program Director for the MSc International Financial Management program and has led several significant research initiatives including the Innosuisse Project "Digital Transformation in Controlling" (2017) and the "Business Analytics in Controlling" project (2019). Her grant portfolio demonstrates strong industry-academia collaboration, with projects often co-developed with financial institutions and corporate partners seeking to modernize their controlling functions. She has also been instrumental in developing continuing education programs that bridge academic research with professional practice.

She is closely associated with the Institute for Financial Services Zug (IFZ), where she contributes to research and teaching in the CC Controlling division. Her work often involves cross-disciplinary collaboration, particularly with colleagues in information systems and organizational behavior. She has developed a distinctive approach to teaching and research that combines academic rigor with practical applicability, frequently using case studies and industry partnerships to ground theoretical concepts in real-world challenges.