The finance function is at a turning point. No longer confined to traditional reporting, finance teams are now expected to predict what’s coming, guide strategic decisions, and deliver measurable outcomes. This shift is driven by rapid technological advancements, rising regulatory complexity, and the growing demand for real-time insights.
As organisations adapt to this evolving landscape, finance must embrace transformation to remain competitive. By leveraging AI governance, intelligent automation, and robust data strategies, finance teams can move from reactive reporting to proactive, strategic partnership.
The role of finance is much more than managing costs, it’s about driving innovation, enabling growth, and shaping organisational strategy.
This article explores the key trends shaping finance in 2026 and how organisations can prepare to lead the way.
Finance Trends to Watch in 2026
AI-Driven Automation
AI-driven automation ultimately enables finance teams to focus on strategic priorities. AI-powered tools are now handling complex reconciliations, anomaly detection, and forecasting, freeing up time for higher-value activities. By 2026, Gartner predicts that 90% of finance functions will deploy at least one AI-enabled solution, making AI readiness a critical priority.
To succeed, organisations must take a strategic approach to automation. Processes that consume the most time and resources, such as expense management or financial close cycles, need to be identified first. Implementing AI tools in these areas can deliver immediate value while laying the groundwork for broader transformation. Equally important is upskilling teams to work alongside AI, ensuring they can interpret outputs and make informed decisions.
Predictive Analytics
The ability to foresee market shifts, operational changes, and pricing impacts is elevating finance from a reactive function to a proactive and strategic business partner. Predictive analytics enables finance teams to model scenarios, identify risks, and guide decision-making with confidence, even in volatile conditions.
A study published in the International Business & Economics Studies (IBES) Journal in 2025 highlights the transformative role of predictive analytics, showing 76.6% better forecasting and 73.3% faster decision-making.
However, the effectiveness of predictive analytics depends entirely on the quality of the data it uses. Building a strong data foundation is essential, ensuring that information is clean, integrated, and accessible.
Collaboration with other departments in 2026 will also enable finance leaders to align forecasts with organisational goals, creating a more integrated approach to planning and decision-making.
Integrated Planning Models
Siloed planning won’t be sustainable in 2026. Leading organisations are adopting integrated models that connect operational, workforce, and financial plans. This approach allows finance to contribute meaningfully to strategic discussions, offering insights on feasibility, risk, and resource allocation.
For instance, a company planning a major product launch can use integrated models to align marketing spend, production capacity, and financial forecasts. This not only ensures resources are allocated effectively but also enables teams to respond quickly to changes in market conditions. By breaking down silos, finance can act as a unifying force, driving collaboration and agility across the organisation.
Sustainability Reporting
As regulatory requirements around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors grow, finance professionals are now expected to apply the same rigor to ESG data as to financial data. This trend underscores the need for robust data frameworks to ensure compliance and transparency.
Organisations can address these demands by creating clear ESG reporting frameworks aligned with their broader business objectives. Tools that track and measure sustainability metrics can simplify this process, while also providing valuable insights for decision-making. For example, embedding sustainability into financial planning enables companies to demonstrate their commitment to long-term value creation.
By 2026, finance teams that fail to integrate ESG considerations risk falling behind both regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations.
Preparing Your Finance Function for the Future
Transforming finance is about creating a function that adapts to changing organisational needs and delivers meaningful insights. Here’s how leading organisations are building future-ready capabilities:
Modernise Systems Strategically
Evaluate where legacy systems create bottlenecks. Cloud-based platforms often offer better automation and integration, but migration should focus on areas that deliver the most immediate value.
Build Strong Data Foundations
Reliable, integrated data is the backbone of analytics and automation. Investing in data strategy and framework development ensures systems can share information seamlessly, creating a solid foundation for advanced capabilities.
Develop Analytical Capabilities
Upskilling your team to work with advanced analytics and modelling tools is essential. This might involve training existing staff, hiring specialists, or reallocating capacity from manual tasks to strategic analysis.
Align Finance with Business Strategy
Regular collaboration between finance and executive leadership ensures that financial planning supports organisational priorities. This alignment drives clarity in resource allocation and accelerates transformation efforts.
Conclusion
The finance function of 2026 will be defined by its ability to adapt, innovate, and lead. By embracing AI, predictive analytics, integrated planning, and sustainability reporting, finance leaders can position their organisations for long-term success. However, transformation requires more than technology, it demands a strategic vision, strong data foundations, and a commitment to upskilling teams.
At Veracity Consulting, we understand the complexities of finance transformation. Contact us today to explore tailored solutions for your business and take the first step towards building a future-ready finance function.
