As organizations prepare for the year ahead, CFOs are facing an evolving landscape shaped by new technology, tighter regulations, talent challenges, and increasing pressure to deliver strategic value.
Across the companies we support, a few themes are rising to the top. Here are the 10 trends we expect to have the biggest impact on the Office of the CFO in 2026.
1. Sharpening Strategic Priorities for 2026
CFOs are entering 2026 with renewed focus on clarity, alignment, and financial resilience. Strengthening reporting accuracy, stabilizing processes, and building agile teams are top priorities as organizations prepare for another year of economic complexity.
2. Scaling AI With Ethics, Governance & Controls
AI is transforming finance workflows, but only when implemented responsibly.
CFOs are emphasizing governance frameworks to address:
- Ethical risks
- Algorithmic bias
- Transparency requirements
- Documentation for compliance
The future of finance is AI-enabled, but ethics-led.
3. The Talent Crunch Is Redefining Finance Teams
Technical accounting talent. Systems talent. Analysts with true business partnering skills.
Demand is high, and supply is short. Finance leaders are using flexible staffing, contractors, and targeted upskilling to keep teams high-performing and resilient.
4. Continuous Improvement of the Month-End Close
With pressure to close faster while maintaining accuracy, CFOs are turning to:
- Calendar standardization
- AI-assisted reconciliations
- Workflow optimization
- Stronger cross-functional alignment
The result? A more predictable, reliable, efficient close.
5. ERP Modernization Across the Enterprise
From new implementations to cloud migrations, ERP modernization remains one of the most impactful (and risky) investments CFOs oversee.
Success hinges on strong governance, thoughtful selection processes, and exceptional change management.
6. A Reshaped M&A Landscape
With stabilization returning to valuations, CFOs expect increased deal activity in 2026.
High-performing finance teams are focusing on:
- Day 1 readiness
- Integration playbooks
- Data alignment
- Reporting sophistication
Good integration is a competitive advantage.
7. Increased Pressure on Technical Accounting & Audit Readiness
ASC 606, ASC 842, SOX, and evolving standards continue to create complexity.
CFOs are prioritizing strong documentation, scalable processes, and early preparation to reduce audit adjustments and increase confidence in financial reporting.
8. Cash Flow Forecasting Takes Center Stage
Volatile markets mean liquidity matters more than ever.
CFOs are enhancing forecasting, scenario planning, and analytics to protect their runway and support strategic decision-making.
9. Data Quality Becomes the Foundation of Transformation
The most sophisticated AI tools can’t deliver value without strong data governance.
CFOs are investing in data strategy, stewardship, and consistency to power automation, analytics, and reporting.
10. Building a Finance Transformation Roadmap That Works
The strongest organizations are entering 2026 with a clear, actionable transformation plan.
These roadmaps align:
- People
- Process
- Technology
- Data
The result: finance teams that operate faster, smarter, and more strategically.
2026 will be a defining year for the Office of the CFO.
With the right strategy, systems, and partners in place, finance teams can navigate uncertainty and unlock meaningful improvements in performance and productivity.
At Alliance, we’re proud to help organizations build high-performing, future-ready finance functions, and we look forward to what’s ahead. Contact us today to learn more.
