2025 Comes to a Close — Here’s What the CFO of 2026 Has on Their Radar
As we approach the end of 2025, CFOs across industries are already looking ahead to 2026 with sharpened focus and renewed urgency. The role of the CFO continues to evolve — no longer just a steward of capital, but a strategic catalyst for transformation.
Based on recent insights from Gartner, Deloitte, and The CFO, five key areas have emerged as critical priorities for the CFO of 2026:
1. AI Integration and Automation 2. Cybersecurity and Data Governance 3. FP&A Transformation 4. Talent and Workforce Strategy 5. Capital Allocation and Cost Optimisation.
1. AI Integration and Automation
Artificial Intelligence has moved from pilot projects to mainstream adoption. By 2026, 90% of finance functions are expected to deploy at least one AI-enabled solution. CFOs are leveraging AI for process automation, forecasting, and risk management — not just to reduce costs, but to enhance agility and decision-making. The strategic CFO of 2026 will be one who understands how to harness AI to unlock value across the finance function.
2. Cybersecurity and Data Governance
With digital transformation accelerating, data security is no longer just an IT concern — it’s a boardroom priority. CFOs are deepening collaboration with cybersecurity leaders to protect financial data and ensure compliance amid rising geopolitical and regulatory risks. As finance becomes increasingly data-driven, robust governance frameworks will be essential to maintain trust and resilience.
3. FP&A Transformation
Traditional budgeting cycles are being replaced by dynamic, real-time planning. The days of relying on spreadsheets are numbered — Gartner predicts over 70% of finance teams will abandon Excel as their primary planning tool by 2026. CFOs are investing in modern FP&A platforms to enable faster, more accurate forecasting and scenario planning, especially in response to tariff volatility and supply chain disruptions.
4. Talent and Workforce Strategy
The finance workforce is undergoing a major shift. CFOs are rethinking roles, upskilling teams, and preparing for a future where humans and machines collaborate seamlessly. AI agents will handle routine tasks, while finance professionals focus on strategic analysis and oversight. Building a digitally fluent, adaptable workforce will be key to sustaining performance and innovation.
5. Capital Allocation and Cost Optimisation
Balancing growth and efficiency remains a tightrope walk. CFOs are under pressure to deliver profitable growth while managing costs and cash flow. Strategic capital allocation — prioritising high-value initiatives and quickly shifting resources — is becoming a core competency. The CFO of 2026 must be both a financial architect and a business strategist.
Ausilon’s Prediction: How These Priorities Will Be Achieved
At Ausilon, we believe the CFO of 2026 will succeed by embracing a platform mindset — integrating finance, technology, and talent into a unified strategy. AI will be embedded across workflows, cybersecurity will be proactive and predictive, FP&A will be continuous and collaborative, and finance teams will evolve into agile, insight-driven partners to the business. Capital decisions will be guided by real-time data, not quarterly reports.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Lead the Change?
The CFO role is transforming — fast. As 2025 winds down, the question isn’t just what’s next, but who’s ready. Will you be the CFO who adapts, or the one who leads? What’s your strategy for staying ahead in 2026?
By: Ivan Coetzer | Ausilon
References*
https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/6955766
https://newsletters.the-cfo.io/p/inside-the-2026-cfo-priority-list