The Hackett Group: 2026 Finance Agenda and Key Issues Study Results

Learn the top priorities shaping the 2026 finance agenda

Finance and accounting leaders are heading into 2026 facing a widening productivity gap: workloads are projected to rise 3.2% while headcount and budgets decline, creating a 5.3% shortfall that organizations are attempting to close. In this white paper, The Hackett Group outlines why AI and digital acceleration are no longer optional experiments, but strategic imperatives for finance teams under pressure to do more with less.

Gain insight into the top priorities shaping the 2026 finance agenda, including profitability improvement, reliable budgeting and forecasting, and AI implementation, all of which rank among the most important objectives for finance leaders. The study details where AI is already delivering value and where adoption is expanding into higher-value areas

The report also examines the biggest barriers to AI success, including lack of AI talent, data complexity and organizational resistance to change. With nearly half of firms lacking key AI specialists or governance roles, finance leaders will better understand the structural gaps that must be addressed to move from pilot programs to scaled, enterprise-wide impact.

Study Contents:

• Executive summary and key issues highlights
• 2026 finance transformation agenda: Key priorities and challenges
• Current AI adoption and maturity in finance
• Finance talent reset: Navigating AI-driven disruption
• Next steps: Strategic recommendations for finance organizations

Download this white paper for clear, research-backed recommendations to align technology, data, governance and talent strategies for measurable impact in 2026. It offers a practical roadmap to help finance teams harness AI effectively, modernize processes, and lead transformation with confidence.