top trends shaping finance and accounting: a closing 2025 outlook and beyond.

finance is entering a new chapter

Finance and accounting are moving through one of the most significant transformations in decades. Technology is now part of how teams think, act and create value. Regulatory demands are increasing. Workforce expectations are changing. And the function itself is evolving from process-focused to strategy-driven.

As we move through 2025 and look ahead to 2026, finance professionals need to adapt quickly. Staying ahead means blending digital fluency with ethical judgment, strategic thinking and a mindset for continuous learning. Here’s a look at what’s changing and what it means for teams that want to stay ahead.

AI and automation become essential to strategy

AI in Finance is now a business essential. Artificial intelligence and automation have moved beyond being cost-saving tools. Today, they’re central to how finance teams create strategic value. Robotic process automation (RPA) is taking over repetitive work like reconciliations, invoice processing and data validation, allowing professionals to focus on higher-level analysis. According to recent industry estimates, the global RPA market was valued at $22.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $28.3 billion in 2025.

Adoption of AI is growing quickly. A 2023 report showed that financial services invested over £26 billion in AI, with banking alone accounting for more than half of that spend. Firms like KPMG and Deloitte noted the shift from narrow use cases to broader AI application across entire financial ecosystems.

But the real shift is people-led. According to the Randstad Workmonitor report, three in ten finance professionals would quit their job if they weren't offered learning opportunities around new technology like AI. This reflects the growing need for skills and systems to evolve together.

ESG reporting shifts from optional to mandatory

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting has moved into the mainstream. It’s now built into legislation and expected by investors, regulators and customers alike. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the ISSB standards have made ESG disclosures mandatory for thousands of organisations.

Investor expectations have also grown. A staggering 84% of investors now factor ESG performance into decision-making, with ESG-focused institutional investments projected to reach $33.9 trillion by 2026. And on the corporate side, McKinsey reports that 90% of S&P 500 companies and 70% of Russell 1000 companies now publish ESG reports. 

For finance teams, this means learning new reporting standards, working more closely with sustainability leads and embedding ESG into forecasting and risk models.  It’s also accelerating the need for the right tools and software that can track sustainability data with the same precision as financial data.

digital ecosystems transform finance functions

Technology in finance used to mean isolated systems. Now, it means connected platforms that give leaders real-time visibility across the business. Cloud-based accounting tools, AI-powered analytics and blockchain-backed ledgers are coming together to create digital ecosystems that are faster, more transparent and easier to scale.

According to recent insights from EY and IMD, these connected systems are helping companies reduce manual errors, identify discrepancies early and close books more efficiently. Blockchain, for example, is showing real potential in areas like supply chain finance and transaction authentication, although it still requires significant expertise and investment.

To enable this transformation, companies need strong data governance, continuous training and access to the right tools and software. When done well, it allows finance to move faster and smarter without losing control.

remote and hybrid work is here to stay

Remote and hybrid work models have matured across the finance and accounting sectors. These ways of working are no longer temporary; they're rather part of long-term workforce planning.

A Thomson Reuters study from 2023 showed that 41% of finance professionals were looking for new roles. Of those, 63% were seeking hybrid work and 47% preferred fully remote positions. Flexibility has become essential to attracting and keeping top finance talent.

This shift also introduces new benefits & challenges. While distributed teams offer greater diversity and agility, they require stronger systems for communication, mentorship and cybersecurity. Leaders who invest in clear expectations and consistent support are more likely to retain top performers.

Talent shortages create pressure to rethink hiring and training.

As finance roles become more tech-driven, demand is rising for professionals who understand both financial principles and digital systems. This is especially true for hybrid roles like financial data analysts, RPA process owners and AI reporting specialists.

AI in Accounting is also transforming how teams work. Tasks like expense classification, real-time reconciliation and even audit sampling can now be done using intelligent systems. The challenge is finding talent with the right blend of accounting experience and digital fluency.

Randstad's talent analysis has shown that many markets face a shrinking working-age population. To stay competitive, companies are prioritising upskilling, partnering with universities and adopting skills-based hiring. The companies that succeed will be those that empower finance professionals to grow with the technology, not be replaced by it.

cybersecurity becomes part of financial strategy

As finance systems become more interconnected, cybersecurity is now a finance responsibility too and no longer just an IT concern. The shift to cloud platforms, API integrations and AI-based systems increases both opportunities and risks.

The risk is not only financial loss but also severe reputational damage and regulatory consequences. IBM’s 2024 report found that financial services remain one of the most targeted sectors, with an average breach costing over $4.9 million. For finance leaders, this means cybersecurity needs to be baked into every part of digital transformation, from invoice automation to treasury management.

Modern finance teams must work closely with IT to ensure their systems, processes and platforms are secure. This includes training employees, reviewing access controls and regularly testing system vulnerabilities.

the path ahead.

These trends share a common message: finance and accounting are becoming more strategic, digital and people focused. AI and automation are essential tools, but human judgment, ethics and communication remain at the heart of success.

As we look at 2026, the most successful finance teams will be those that blend technology with critical thinking, use data to guide decisions and keep people at the centre of change.

Finance is evolving from reporting the past to shaping the future. By investing in skills, embracing responsible innovation and adapting to new expectations, finance professionals can help their organisations move forward with confidence.

what’s next for your finance team?

Stay ahead by understanding the skills and tools finance teams will need in the years to come.

Download our free AI readiness & skills check toolkit to explore how these trends may impact your team.