Future‑proofing finance teams: Five skills every FD will hire for in 2026
As automation, ESG regulation and AI move from hype to daily reality, the finance function’s talent wish‑list is changing fast. A recent AccountingWEB career surveys show that roles blending tech know‑how, risk awareness and clear communication already command a premium – and that gap is only widening. Below are five capabilities forward‑looking finance directors say they’ll prioritise in the next recruitment cycle, plus a note on where FAB 2026 can help you explore them further.
1. Automation architect – turning repetitive tasks into “lights‑out” workflows
Robotic process automation (RPA) and low‑code task agents are now mainstream, but they still need a human who can map a process, test exceptions and own the controls log once it goes live. Look for team members who can:
- document workflows in plain English
- build a proof‑of‑concept bot in Power Automate, UiPath or a native cloud GL tool
- measure the time saved and maintain the audit trail.
At FAB you’ll be able to quiz multiple automation vendors in one loop of the hall and talk to peers who’ve already moved 60% of AP or AR clicks off human hands.
2. Data storyteller – analytics that drives decisions, not just dashboards
Boards don’t need more numbers – they need context. The analyst who thrives in 2026 will draw a line from raw data to commercial action. Their toolkit should include:
- SQL or Python for self‑serve queries
- Power BI, Tableau or Looker for rapid visualisation
- a journalist’s instinct for the “why this matters” headline.
FAB’s sessions and demo will showcase finance BI platforms, making it easier to spot which tools turn data into genuine narrative.
3. ESG & impact accountant – ready for Scope 3 and ISSB
ISSB standards and value‑chain carbon tracking land in stages before 2027. Teams that wait for legal compulsion will pay more – first in consultancy fees, then in firefighting. You need at least one person who can:
- trace carbon data back to the ledger
- challenge suppliers on reporting gaps
- quantify the business case for sustainable choices.
Environmental‑data providers and ESG software vendors will be on the FAB floor for hands‑on comparisons, and editorial sessions will dig into early adopter lessons.
4. Cyber‑risk first responder – finance controls meet security mindset
Finance holds payments and sensitive data that cyber‑criminals love. With AI‑driven phishing now off‑the‑shelf, a finance team needs someone who can:
- map data flows that intersect with IT’s threat model
- run tabletop breach drills
- patch process gaps as soon as new threats emerge.
While FAB won’t promise a full red‑team simulation, expect plenty of vendor demos and peer stories on how firms tightened controls without throttling workflow.
5. Change navigator – the “soft” skill with hard returns
Whether it’s an ERP upgrade or a new transfer‑pricing model, a project dies if nobody sells the “why”. Finance change champions combine commercial fluency with people skills:
- stakeholder mapping and influence
- sprint‑style delivery plans
- concise, jargon‑free communication.
Leadership‑focused content and networking circles at FAB will give you a chance to hear how other FDs have steered teams through tech migrations and policy shocks.
Putting it all together
You don’t need a 50‑person department to cover every box – many FDs are upskilling existing staff while reshaping role definitions. What you do need is a plan built on real‑world proof, not buzzwords.
That’s where the Finance, Accounting & Bookkeeping Show (11-12 March 2026, NEC Birmingham) comes in. In two days you can:
- survey multiple automation, BI and ESG tools face‑to‑face
- swap talent‑development war stories with peers across sectors
- hear editorially curated talks that translate headline trends into Monday‑morning actions
Lock in your strategy‑track seat now, and give your 2026 hiring plan the evidence it needs to win budget this autumn.
