Finance Teams Adopted AI Tools in 2026
Data from summer 2026 revealed that 67 percent of finance departments now utilize artificial intelligence software.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Corporate Finance
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As of the summer of 2026, 67 percent of finance teams reported using one or more artificial intelligence tools. This marks a significant increase from 56 percent in 2025 and 31 percent in 2024, as departments seek to automate manual tasks and focus on high-level decision-making.
Why it matters
Finance departments are consolidating their digital ecosystems by embedding AI capabilities directly into existing infrastructure rather than adopting separate tools. This shift toward streamlined platforms aims to reduce software complexity while allowing staff to prioritize complex financial forecasting.
Ninety percent of finance teams now operate with six or fewer software tools, with 80 percent still relying on spreadsheets for forecasting. Anthropic's Claude serves as the primary general-purpose AI for 41 percent of these departments.
The players
CFO Connect
This professional network provides resources and community support for chief financial officers and their teams.
Anthropic
This AI research company developed Claude, a large language model widely utilized for general-purpose tasks.
Deloitte
This multinational professional services network provides audit, consulting, and advisory services to large organizations.
The details
Companies are increasingly favoring centralized systems, as evidenced by the 87 percent of firms using dedicated payroll and HR software. Conversely, reliance on spreadsheets remains high, with 55 percent of businesses still tracking cash through these manual tools.
Timeline
In 2024, 31 percent of finance teams used AI tools.
In 2025, 56 percent of finance teams used AI tools.
During June and July 2026, CFO Connect polled 215 executives.
In July 2026, Deloitte surveyed 58 large-company CFOs in the UK.
Next year, teams plan to add one or two software tools.
Market Landscape
This move toward AI integration follows the historical reliance on spreadsheets for corporate financial forecasting. The adoption of AI marks a departure from traditional manual accounting processes, signaling a transition toward automated financial infrastructure.
Finance professionals can expect their day-to-day work environment to shift toward integrated platforms as companies eliminate redundant software tools. Staff will likely spend less time on manual data entry and more time on analysis as AI features are embedded into existing accounting systems.
The takeaway
Finance teams are prioritizing centralized workflows by adopting integrated AI rather than disparate tools. This consolidation suggests that efficiency in the coming year will depend on how effectively departments can unify their software ecosystems.
Further reading
Explore more trends in Corporate Finance regarding digital transformation.
Live Poll
Do you believe finance departments should prioritize AI tools over traditional manual spreadsheet workflows?
