As finance teams navigate another year of uncertainty, digital acceleration, and shifting business expectations, one thing is clear: the role of Financial Management is changing faster than ever. Each year, APQC surveys hundreds of finance professionals across industries to understand how their priorities are evolving, and what challenges are rising to the surface.
The 2026 results reveal that finance functions continue reinforcing their digital and analytical foundations rather than pivoting toward new areas. The stability signals long-term strategic investments rather than short-term reactions.
From the increasing influence of AI in day-to-day finance operations, to ongoing pressures around cash flow, to the growing importance of data, analytics, and risk resilience, the story of 2026 is one of maturing priorities, emerging capabilities, and persistent headwinds.
And that’s exactly what we’ll be unpacking during APQC’s upcoming webinar.
On February 25, I’ll be hosting a webinar that dives into:
- The biggest themes shaping Financial Management in 2026
- How this year’s priorities compare with last year’s
- Where finance teams are accelerating—and where they’re stuck
- Emerging technologies influencing the function
- The top challenges leaders say are holding them back
- Practical implications for planning, talent, and transformation
Whether you’re leading finance transformation, supporting enterprise planning, or simply keeping an eye on what’s next, this session will give you a clear view of where the function is heading.
Why This Matters Now
Finance has always been a strategic partner, but expectations are rising. Organizations are asking finance teams to do more, deliver faster insights, navigate operational risks, manage volatility, and adopt new technologies that reshape how work gets done.
Understanding where the field is collectively heading helps leaders benchmark, plan, and invest more effectively. And with the pace of change accelerating, alignment around priorities has never been more critical.
The full findings of the 2026 Financial Management Priorities and Challenges Survey will be discussed exclusively during the webinar on February 25, so join us.