Discover how senior finance leaders across industries are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape in the 2026 Financial Executives Priorities Report, developed by Forvis Mazars and the Financial Education & Research Foundation (FERF)—the independent nonprofit research affiliate of Financial Executives International (FEI).
This year’s research reveals the strategies, challenges, and technology trends shaping the future of finance and accounting. The report reveals that while growth and market expansion remain top priorities, there is a marked shift toward cost optimization and technology enablement, especially the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
Top 5 Takeaways From the 2026 Survey Report
Results from our annual survey of finance leaders:
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48%
said revenue growth and market expansion are the top financial priorities for 2026.
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64%
said AI and machine learning are the leading technology investment priorities.
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60%
of organizations rate themselves as fully or mostly prepared for major cyber incidents.
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32%
of companies plan to increase headcount, focusing on digital and analytical skills.
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55%
of companies are investing in operational efficiency and automation to address inflation.
AI Technology Takes Center Stage
The 2026 Financial Executives Priorities Report reveals an important shift: AI has quickly ascended to the top of the finance agenda.
Despite this enthusiasm, the report uncovers a readiness gap. Only 15% of organizations feel fully prepared to support advanced analytics and AI initiatives, with most citing foundational data and infrastructure challenges as key barriers. Finance teams are moving from AI experimentation to practical deployment, focusing on use cases such as accounts payable automation, forecasting, management reporting, and workflow enhancements.
What Will Be Your Top Financial Priority for 2026?
Key Findings for 2026 Strategy Planning in the Finance Function
Growth remains the top priority: Revenue growth and market expansion lead the agenda, but cost optimization and technology enablement have surged in importance.
AI and digital transformation accelerate: 64% of finance leaders rank AI and machine learning as their top technology investment for 2026, yet only 15% feel fully prepared to support advanced analytics and AI initiatives.
Cybersecurity is a central concern: 60% of organizations rate themselves as fully or mostly prepared for major cyber incidents, but 61% remain concerned about the financial impact of cyberthreats.
Talent strategies are shifting: Data, technology, and AI skills have overtaken traditional financial planning and analysis (FP&A) as the most sought-after capabilities, and 32% of organizations plan to increase headcount in 2026.
Operational efficiency is in focus: 55% of companies are accelerating investment in automation and process improvement to combat inflation and market volatility.
Ready to see how your peers are preparing for 2026? Be among the first to access in-depth analysis, commentary, and actionable strategies for the year ahead.
Join Financial Executives International (FEI) for a webinar, hosted by Forvis Mazars, and explore findings from the 2026 Financial Executives Priorities Survey.