Published August 2026
As artificial intelligence and other technologies change how financial professionals work, the financial controller skills that matter most are changing, too. Controllers increasingly need a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, technology fluency, and leadership skills.
This article explores how financial controllers can adapt to these changes and the skills they can develop to prepare for the future of the profession.
How the Financial Controller Role Is Changing
The outlook for controllers is bright, with financial management jobs projected to increase 15% over between 2024 and 2034. However, like with so many other fields, the job is changing in some big ways.
In a study from EY, 86% of controllers said they expected "their role to change significantly over the next five years,” while 26% said “the role will have a very different and unknown skill set compared with today.”
39% of those controllers felt the role would change from one focused on value protection and value optimization to one of value creation. That shift may be partly driven by AI and other technologies that can automate or streamline some of the repetitive, transactional work controllers have historically done.
As the role continues to evolve toward financial strategy and decision-making, controllers who develop the skills needed to adapt can be better positioned for new responsibilities and opportunities.
Financial Controller Skills to Develop in 2026
Experts have identified a few key areas and skills that financial controllers should focus on in 2026 and beyond to future-proof their careers. The key takeaway, though, is that both hard and soft skills will be key going forward.
Develop AI and Technology Skills
Emerging AI tools may help controllers in reconciling accounts, flagging anomalies, and supporting complicated estimates. Used appropriately, AI may help controllers spend less time on repetitive data entry and validation and more time on analysis and decision-making. Controllers should focus on developing fluency in the following areas:
- Tool evaluation: Knowing which AI and automation tools are worth adopting for a team's specific workflows, versus which ones just add another dashboard to check, keeps controllers focused on what moves the needle.
- Model literacy: Understanding the basics of how AI-driven forecasting, anomaly detection, and reporting tools reach their conclusions will help controllers reduce errors and use the technology effectively.
- Efficient AI use: Building a habit of using AI for first-pass work such as draft reconciliations, initial variance flags, first-draft commentary while reserving human review for judgment calls frees up hours each week for higher-value analysis.
- System modernization: Partnering early with IT, data, and vendor teams gives controllers a say in how new systems handle controls, audit trails, and data governance.
- Responsible AI use: Just as important as knowing how to use AI is knowing how to use it responsibly. Controllers should understand their organization’s policies around data confidentiality, verify AI-generated outputs, and maintain appropriate human review and professional judgment when incorporating AI into financial workflows.
Controllers looking to build practical AI skills can explore CPE Inc.’s AI-focused courses for training on applying AI in accounting and finance.
Strengthen Strategic Business Skills
The shift toward interpreting numbers and value creation calls for a different, more holistic set of skills than in traditional controllership. That means financial controllers looking to prepare for the future of the profession should develop skills in:
- Business acumen: Understanding how financial data connects to operations, sales, and supply chain lets a controller flag a problem before it shows up in quarterly results, instead of after.
- Data storytelling: Turning a dense variance report into a short narrative gets faster buy-in from executives who don't have time to parse a spreadsheet themselves.
- Forecasting and scenario planning: AI-powered tools can help controllers model best-case, worst-case, and likely scenarios, giving leadership additional information to consider before making a decision.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Building working relationships with other teams relying on financial data early can help avoid last-minute scrambles when a deadline hits.
As the controller role evolves, controllers will have more opportunities to work as strategic advisors and create value for their organizations.
Build Leadership and Communication Skills
With routine tasks becoming more automated, controllers will need to lead both people and processes. Managing today’s finance team well means having the organization you need tomorrow. Leadership skills to develop in the AI era include:
- Change management: Helping a team adapt to new tools and workflows can minimize disruptions to productivity and morale during periods of transition.
- Talent development: Reimagining onboarding and training so early-career professionals can build judgment and strategic thinking skills necessary for the next generation of financial professionals to succeed.
- Building a culture of innovation: Modeling curiosity about new tools and encouraging a team mindset that treats change as an opportunity rather than a threat can support better adoption of new technologies and processes.
- Communication: Using strong communications skills to clearly convey financial insights and the reasoning behind AI-informed recommendations to stakeholders across the business helps teams to work and grow together.
- Succession planning: Identifying and developing the next generation of finance leaders as roles and required skill sets continue to evolve.
As AI continues to evolve, controllers who develop strong technology, strategic, and leadership skills can be better prepared to adapt to changes in the profession.
FAQs
Will AI Replace Financial Controllers?
AI is unlikely to eliminate the need for financial controllers, but it is changing how controllers work. As AI tools become more capable of handling routine tasks, controllers may spend more time on judgment, analysis, strategic planning, and advising the business.
What Financial Controller Skills Are Most Important?
The three biggest areas are AI and technology fluency (knowing which tools to adopt and how to use them responsibly), strategic business skills (forecasting, data storytelling, cross-functional collaboration), and leadership (change management, talent development, communication).
How Is the Controller Role Changing Because of AI?
According to EY, 86% of controllers expect their role to change significantly over the next five years, and 39% expect the role to shift from value protection toward value creation.
Is Now a Good Time to Become a Financial Controller?
Yes. Financial manager roles, which include controllers, are projected to grow 15% over the next decade. Combined with the shift toward more strategic responsibilities, it's a role with strong long-term demand for professionals willing to build new skills.
Build Your AI Skills as a Controller
Build the practical AI, Excel, research, and automation skills discussed above through our new hands-on AI courses.
More Insights
