Finance in 2026: Four Trends Every CFO Must Prepare For

John Raffaele on burnout, AI copilots, carbon reporting and the future of audit

The finance and accounting function is entering one of the most transformative periods in its history. In CFO Leadership, John Raffaele, Global Head of Finance & Accounting Operations at Emapta, outlines four major trends set to redefine how finance teams operate in 2026 and beyond. 

Drawing on decades of experience leading global finance operations, John explores the looming burnout crisis across accounting teams, the growing role of AI as a co-pilot rather than a replacement for human expertise, and the expanding mandate for CFOs to oversee both financial performance and carbon reporting. He also explains how continuous audit models, powered by automation and global talent, are replacing the traditional audit “busy season.” 

Together, these shifts point to a new operating model for finance: one that blends AI, offshore expertise, and strategic onshore leadership to create more resilient, sustainable, and forward-looking finance organizations. 

Read the full article to discover the trends CFOs must act on now to build stronger, future-ready finance teams.