The CFO role continues to push well beyond traditional financial stewardship just as economic headwinds intensify and technology disruption accelerates. Economic uncertainty dominates CFO concerns. While recent interest rate cuts provide some relief, persistent inflation continues to drive up operating expenses and strain budgets. Supply chain volatility threatens production schedules and cash flow predictability. Yet, finance chiefs recognize the need to continue funding innovation, including investments in AI, automation capabilities, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting systems, while maintaining financial stability and competing for skilled accounting teams.
Today’s CFOs look forward more than backward, using predictive analytics and strategic forecasting to guide company decision-making even as they continue to report historical performance. Furthermore, 95% of financial C-suite, VP, and director-level respondents to a recent survey say their roles have expanded far outside traditional finance functions. Whether by leading cross-functional initiatives, focusing on strategic partnerships, evaluating technology, reporting ESG activity, or working to meet revenue and earnings goals, a CFO is now expected to be the strategic catalyst of company growth—not just the head of the financial organization.
This shift extends to organizational structure. Many CFOs are companywide leaders directly overseeing nonfinance functions, such as IT, HR, and operations. Some organizations have formalized this expansion by combining the CFO and COO roles into a single position, that of chief finance and operations officer, or CFOO, in recognition of the natural alignment between financial strategy and operational execution. Whether holding a combined title or not, CFOs increasingly serve as the CEO’s strategic partner in major decisions and engage directly with boards on matters ranging from risk management to growth strategy.
This is not to imply that CFOs have relinquished their fundamental accountability for maintaining cash flow, owning financial processes, attesting to financial statements’ accuracy, and dealing with investors, auditors, and tax authorities. The proverbial “buck” still stops with CFOs when it comes to the overall financial health of their organizations. These competing demands show no sign of letting up, as 64% of organizations expect to need even more technical skills and capabilities within their finance functions, according to a Deloitte study.
The CFO role has expanded significantly over time, with most CFOs managing functions beyond accounting and finance. This shift brings both professional opportunities and challenges.
-CFOs’ agendas now track efforts to manage constant changes wrought by economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, evolving regulations, ESG mandates, and fluctuating capital costs.
-Finance operations are under mounting pressure to achieve profitable growth, devise more accurate forecasts, and strengthen fraud prevention.
-Unifying fragmented data and achieving ROI from AI and digital initiatives is CFOs’ next hurdle.
-Integrated technology platforms provide the tools CFOs need to meet their challenges successfully.
A glimpse into what will keep CFOs awake at night in 2026 reveals tough challenges that will come from all corners of their organizations. Here are 15 of the most significant: 1. AI Integration and Implementation 2. Growth and Profitability 3. Talent Acquisition, Retention, and Filling Skill Gaps 4. Unifying Disparate Data 5. Improving Forecast Accuracy 6. Increasing Productivity with Automation 7. Preventing Fraud and Investing in Cybersecurity 8. Managing Uncertainty 9. Maintaining Compliance 10. Embracing Innovation and Digital Transformation 11. Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions 12. Managing Taxes and Regulation 13. Expansion of CFO Priorities and Responsibilities 14. Supporting ESG Initiatives 15. Capital Costs
Modern software solutions are built to handle many of CFOs’ toughest challenges, and ERP systems like NetSuite’s deliver multiple integrated modules that support financial management and planning, order management, production management, supply chain management, warehouse and fulfillment, and procurement. A modern ERP system with financial management capabilities and unified data solves fragmentation problems and feeds AI tools’ ability to provide more accurate forecasting and variance analysis. Real-time visibility supports dynamic capital allocations and supply chain decisions. NetSuite’s built-in compliance controls make it easier to adapt to new regulations, and its automated workflows reduce manual tasks that contribute to team burnout. For CFOs managing an ever-growing range of responsibilities, having these capabilities within a single platform delivers the information and control they need to meet 2026’s challenges successfully.
This year is expected to be one of persistent economic uncertainty and rapid technological change, set against a backdrop of evolving stakeholder expectations. The environment will likely challenge CFOs along three fronts: technology adoption, including AI integration and automation; operational complexity from supply chain volatility and regulatory compliance; and workforce challenges. As CFOs’ roles continue to expand beyond financial stewardship, success depends on balancing innovation with discipline, supported by the right systems and skilled teams.
This article originally appeared on the Oracle NetSuite website.
In that context, evaluating how modern ERP platforms enable integrated financial management, real-time visibility, and AI-driven forecasting becomes a strategic priority rather than a technical exercise. At the Enterprise Software Showcase (ESS) 2026 in Austin (Feb 23-25), finance and technology leaders will have the opportunity to examine these capabilities firsthand, engage in substantive discussions, and compare approaches across leading solutions in one setting. If these priorities are shaping your 2026 agenda, ESS 2026 offers a focused environment to explore your options in depth.
Register to attend in Austin 23-25.