Finance will be different.
The pace of automation is no longer a projection—it’s already here. Finance departments that once relied heavily on spreadsheets and manual processes are now seeing algorithms take the lead in forecasting, reconciliation, and reporting. If 2025 was the turning point, 2026 is the next step. As CFOs double down on their technology investments and enterprise software evolves at an accelerated pace, the coming year promises to transform how finance teams operate.
Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
1. AI-Powered Forecasting Is Becoming Mainstream
Forecasting used to be tedious and risky. Human errors, outdated assumptions, and reactive models often cause teams to miss their targets.
That’s changing.
Today’s AI-powered forecasting uses historical data, market shifts, and real-time information to generate accurate predictions. According to Citizens Bank, mid-sized businesses are already using AI to identify payment risks and detect fraudulent behaviour, foreshadowing broader forecasting capabilities.
But it’s not just about spotting red flags. It’s about identifying opportunities, optimizing cash flow, and knowing what’s coming before the quarter ends. As budget allocations increase under the CFO’s leadership, these tools are expected to become the norm in finance departments.
2. Automated Data Reconciliation at Scale
This is one of the most significant improvements.
Reconciliation, once a manual task, is now 100 times faster, according to Solvexia. Imagine closing your books in hours instead of days.
It’s not just about speed.
Automation also reduces error rates and improves compliance reporting. Around 92% of finance leaders are already seeing better compliance outcomes thanks to automated systems. But the curious thing is that while 98% of CFOs have invested in automation, only 25% of financial processes have been digitized.
So there’s room for growth. And plenty of it.
3. Continuous Closing Is the New Closing
Why wait until the end of the month?
Finance teams are increasingly adopting continuous closing cycles. This involves reconciling transactions and updating ledgers daily or weekly, not monthly. The key is visibility and responsiveness.
With technologies like robotic process automation (RPA) taking on much of the work, the “monthly close” could soon seem like a thing of the past. And considering that 80% of teams are using or planning to use RPA, it’s clear this shift is gaining momentum.
Here are the benefits:
- Real-time financial snapshots
- Faster anomaly detection
- Quicker decision-making
All without burning out the team.
4. Intelligent Reporting Dashboards
Manual reports? That’s going away.
Intelligent dashboards pull data from multiple sources, update in real time, and allow users to drill down into KPIs without using a spreadsheet. Tools like Smart Monitor, used at JPMorgan, are already tripling advisory productivity.
These dashboards don’t just display data. They highlight patterns, flag risks, and even recommend actions.
Now you can:
- Visualise variability in real time
- Track spending by department
- Compare performance without manual aggregation
This means less time creating reports and more time using them.
5. AI Trends That Are Already Changing Finance
The future isn’t coming. It’s already here.
Today, AI trends in finance span everything from invoice processing to fraud detection. Private equity firms are using AI to model the profitability of their portfolios. Banks are relying on it to accelerate trading decisions by up to 90%.
Even mid-sized organisations are following suit, using GenAI tools to reduce headcount, streamline workflows, and cut service costs by nearly a third.
According to AllAboutAI, AI in finance is probable to range $190 billion by 2030, with a revenue impact of $450 billion by 2026. These aren’t just numbers. They’re signals.
6. Preparation: Build Smarter Workflows
What’s the first step to adopting automation?
Organising the chaos.
Many financial agencies and teams are turning to tools like this Notion template to plan, map, and systemise their workflows. Before implementing automation, teams need clarity on:
- Which tasks are repetitive
- Where bottlenecks occur
- What can (and should) be automated
A well-documented workflow isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of everything AI can do.
7. Barriers Still Holding Back Team Progress
If the technology is so good, why isn’t everyone using it?
Because adopting it requires effort, according to Rossum, 49% of finance teams still don’t use any automation. And only 13% are truly automated, with more than half of their processes managed directly.
What’s causing the delay?
- Legacy systems
- Fear of job loss
- Poor data hygiene
But these obstacles can be overcome. Especially since CFOs (82% of whom will be driving digital investments by 2024) continue to push for change.
Final Reflections
2026 isn’t just another year for finance teams. It’s a reset.
AI-powered forecasting, intelligent dashboards, and continuous closing cycles aren’t just future trends; they’re already redefining what’s possible. With tools to optimise workflows and make data accessible, the potential is immediate.
But only a small fraction of processes have been digitised. That means the opportunity is still there. Companies that capitalise now will have a competitive edge: faster decision-making, more precise data, and a team that spends less time on administration and more on strategy.
The future of finance? It looks automated.