A new report sows that 88 percent of controllers, financial professionals often taking the lead in day-to-day financial operations at businesses, are now taking “proactive steps” to avoid emergency cuts, including automation, AI and improvements in financial forecasting.
The report, from financial operations platform maker Zone & Co, is a data-driven playbook for finance leaders ready to take control in the new year.
This year’s report includes actionable strategies, peer benchmarks, and real-world tools to help finance teams move from reactive decisions to deliberate, proactive leadership as cost complexity rises.
Based on a survey of over 100 controllers across industries and ownership models, the 2026 Controller’s Report goes beyond industry trends. It provides practical next steps and fresh ideas you can put to work now, positioning controllers to lead with confidence and clarity in 2026.
Key insights and opportunities for controllers in 2026:
- Proactivity is the new standard: 88% of controllers are now taking deliberate steps to avoid emergency cuts – investing in ERP automation, targeted AI adoption, and advanced forecasting.
- Resilience in action: 90% made significant changes to finance workflows in the past year, demonstrating agility and leadership even as most operate without fully integrated, technology-supported frameworks.
- Expertise over infrastructure: Controllers continue to bridge the gap with experience, collaboration, and real-time judgment – showcasing resourcefulness as legacy systems lag behind.
- From regret to readiness: 53% say they regret at least one major cost decision, most often involving headcount (21%) or software (17%). This report breaks down the root causes and offers actionable steps to avoid similar pitfalls in 2026.
- Pressure from above: 24% of controllers face new demands for real-time, detailed reporting. 20% are now responsible for delivering AI KPIs and adoption roadmaps.
- Make your case with confidence: The report features templates and communication tips to help Controllers build clearer cost narratives for CFOs, boards, and business leaders – turning finance into a strategic partner across the organization.
“Controllers are the linchpin for business resilience and growth – but the old playbooks aren’t enough for 2026,” said Thomas Kim, CEO at Zone & Co. “This year’s report goes beyond diagnosis. It’s a hands-on guide, shaped by real-world experience from finance leaders who are taking action. At Zone, we’re proud to help controllers work smarter, automate the right processes, and put insight into practice.”
The 2026 Controller’s Report also unpacks how different ownership models are evolving:
- PE/VC-backed firms report higher rates of regret – often tied to pressure for rapid reductions – while privately held companies focus on optimization and forecasting, sometimes at the expense of speed.
“A common theme that emerged in 2025 is that executive leadership and boards are demanding clearer, faster visibility into AI ROI and enterprise-wide AI readiness, which wasn’t as urgent a request just a year ago,” said Priyanka Falor, assistant controller at Emerson Collective.
What’s new in 2026?
- More controllers than ever are leading the charge on automation and AI – but the biggest wins come from small, practical changes that compound over time.
- Real-time, ERP-native tools are helping teams bridge the gap between data and decisions – even when budgets are tight.
- The report features case studies and quick-start guides you can implement before year-end close.
The future of finance is proactive, not reactive.
The companies that win in 2026 will be those who empower controllers with the right technology, insight, and frameworks – enabling them to lead confidently at scale.
Download the full 2026 Controller’s Report and get a head start on your strategy for the year ahead.
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