AI in 2026: CFOs Foresee a Revolutionary Shift Beyond Efficiency | PRIMENEWSNOW

Forecasts from CFOs for 2026

AI’s Tangible Impact on Enterprises

Gina Mastantuono, President and CFO, ServiceNow: By 2026, AI will be evaluated based on its tangible results rather than its potential. Companies will demand concrete improvements in efficiency, resilience, and decision-making. AI will be integrated across the enterprise, influencing capital planning, operations, customer service, and risk management. This transformation requires reliable data, clear accountability, and leaders ready to innovate decision-making processes. AI will complement human expertise, highlighting gaps and rewarding those who align vision with AI-driven execution.

AI as a Core Component of Finance

Marie Myers, EVP and CFO, Hewlett Packard Enterprise: AI is no longer a future concept; it’s a present reality. By 2026, AI will be central to finance operations, automating tasks like quarterly closes and forecasting. At HPE, intelligent agents will provide real-time insights and predictions. Success will depend on governance, human oversight, and digital skills development. CFOs will transition from financial gatekeepers to strategic architects, driving strategy and decision-making.

Building a Scalable AI Foundation

Zane Rowe, CFO, Workday: The role of CFOs is evolving with AI unlocking new value through data and insights. The focus will shift from experimentation to building scalable AI foundations. Leaders will balance pilot projects with proven solutions, emphasizing data governance and process redesign. Success in 2026 will be defined by a mature, agile, and enterprise-grade AI strategy.

AI’s Role in Global Expansion

Mandy Fields, CFO, e.l.f. Beauty: AI offers a broad perspective and sharp focus on specific interests. As e.l.f. Beauty expands globally, AI provides comprehensive visibility. In the coming year, we’ll explore leveraging AI in finance, aligning with our high-performance culture that encourages expertise, continuous learning, and agility.

Transforming Financial Data with AI

Scott Grossman, CFO, Ensono: AI has historically struggled with financial data complexity, but 2026 will be a turning point. Advances in generative AI and predictive analytics will enable real-time insights and scenario modeling. AI will help CFOs anticipate risks, optimize capital allocation, and enhance decision-making with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

AI’s Strategic Transformation in Finance

Joy Mbanugo, CFO, CXApp Inc.: AI’s full potential allows finance teams to explore numerous M&A scenarios, predict customer churn, and stress-test capital decisions. The key is moving from reporting past events to shaping future outcomes. AI’s value lies in strategic transformation, not just efficiency.

AI as a Business Necessity

Mike Weiner, CFO, Genpact: By 2026, AI will be essential for finance, moving beyond pilots to become integral team members. At Genpact, agentic systems enhance data capture, processing, and supplier relationships, reducing costs. Success requires rethinking processes, data, talent, and work methods.

Navigating a Volatile Financial Landscape

Michael Bourque, CFO, Convera: AI will help CFOs navigate a high-cost, volatile world by optimizing liquidity and managing debt. With currency volatility, AI-driven models will be crucial for monitoring FX exposure. AI will support scenario planning, enabling flexible strategies amid uncertainty.

Evaluating AI Investments

Evan Goldstein, CFO, Seismic: AI investments must be tied to business outcomes like efficiency and growth. CFOs will demand clear proof of value before expanding AI spending. Success depends on the specific function and problem being addressed, whether reducing administrative time or improving sales conversions.

Integrating Business Systems with AI

Jason Godley, CFO, Xactly: In 2026, software systems will blur lines between departments, enhancing connectivity and visibility. Generative AI will augment cross-functional analysis and reporting, integrating finance with marketing, sales, and supply chain for comprehensive business insights.

Real-Time Decision Making with AI

John Schwab, CFO, Vertex Inc.: AI will shift finance from retrospective reporting to real-time decision-making. Embedded in ERP systems, AI will accelerate processes, improve forecasting, and automate controls. The key is governed data and models that keep humans involved and tie AI to measurable outcomes.

AI Literacy for Future Leaders

Kevin Rhodes, CFO, Extreme Networks: AI literacy will be crucial for finance leaders, enabling them to evaluate AI investments and guide adoption. Understanding AI’s impact on business decisions will be essential for success, as AI becomes integral to nearly every decision.

Streamlining AI Adoption

Conor Tieney, CFO, AEye, Inc.: Many CFOs are cautious about AI adoption due to market saturation. By 2026, AI will disrupt low-value tasks, allowing focus on strategic work. Success depends on fixing foundational systems and embracing integrated AI solutions for a competitive edge.