What We Learned from Finance Teams in 2025
Throughout 2025, we’ve been engaging with high performing finance teams across industries through community forums, in-person conferences, and research panels. These conversations, combined with our independent research, provide unique insights into what makes finance teams high-performing.
Our conferences and solution showcase events provide the latest industry perspectives from expert keynotes, panel discussions, and hands-on sessions with leading solution providers. These gatherings are more than learning opportunities. They are a chance to connect, explore practical solutions, and bring actionable insights back to your team.
Here are three strategies we believe will help finance teams excel in 2026.
1. Invest in Professional Development and Certifications
Skilled people are the foundation of a high-performing finance team. Certifications and structured learning paths validate expertise, close skills gaps, and improve talent retention.
One finance professional reflected: “I wanted more than just training. I needed a community, relevant content, and professional development that actually spoke to what I was doing day to day. IFOL is unique in what they offer and they meet all my needs.” Read the full story here.
At the team level, PwC’s decision to enrol 15 tax advisory professionals in our Certified Accounts Payable Practitioner (CAPP) program illustrates the impact of professional development. While the CAPP qualification helped sharpen AP-specific knowledge, its real strength was in the breadth of coverage, from process optimization and compliance to automation, analytics, and stakeholder communication. Learn more here.
2. Strengthen Technology Skills
Modern finance teams cannot thrive without digital literacy. Teams that embrace automation, AI, and analytics tools not only work more efficiently but also generate deeper insights for decision-making.
Technology moves quickly, and teams can fall behind if they do not stay proactive. Systems and processes that were cutting-edge last year may no longer meet today’s needs. Continuous upskilling ensures your team can leverage new capabilities and maintain a competitive edge.
Conferences and solution showcase events provide a unique opportunity to discover new technology providers and start conversations about process improvement. Teams can see firsthand how solutions streamline operations, reduce errors, and unlock efficiencies. Investing in technology skills and keeping pace with innovation allows finance teams to respond quickly to changing business requirements and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
3. Stay Ahead of Industry Trends and Connect Through Community
Finance is evolving rapidly. High-performing teams anticipate trends rather than react, whether that is ESG reporting, digital finance, AI adoption, or regulatory changes.
One delegate from our Toronto conference said: “The conference reinforced my belief that embracing change and cultivating an agile mindset are essential qualities for future days.”
IFOL’s global online community connects finance professionals worldwide. Members share experiences, discuss trends, and gain peer insights in real time. This connected approach helps teams remain future-focused, informed, and adaptable, turning knowledge into action.
Preparing Your Team for 2026
High-performing finance teams in 2026 rely on three pillars: talent validated through professional certification and ongoing development, strong technology skills, and an industry-aware, connected mindset.
What we have learned from the field is clear. The teams that thrive are those that never stop learning, connecting, and adapting.To prepare your team for the year ahead, explore IFOL resources, including conferences, solution showcases, the global community, and certification programs. These resources are designed to keep finance professionals skilled, informed, and ready for the future.
Get in touch to speak to us about your growth and professional development plans for 2026.
