CPA shares essential business skills for 2026

CPA Australia has outlined the six skills businesses will need in 2026 to remain or become successful, as well as effectively tackle any upcoming challenges.

Gavan Ord, CPA Australia business investment lead, said business and finance professionals needed to be aware of necessary skills as technology, regulation and stakeholder expectations were reshaping how organisations and the accounting profession operated.

“Technical expertise, adaptability and foresight have long underpinned professional success. Professionals who master these areas will do more than keep pace with change – they will help drive it,” he said.

“They will help organisations unlock new opportunities, build resilience and maintain trust, while advancing their own careers and earning potential.”

Ord revealed businesses would need to “get real value” from AI as the technology was being adopted by Australian businesses to help simplify processes and reduce repetitive and time-consuming tasks.

“However, without a disciplined evaluation process, businesses risk over-investing in technology. CPA members report that standard investment procedures are not always being followed when investing in AI, producing poor decisions and wasted spend,” he said.

“Accountants that apply the same rigorous evaluation to potential AI investments as they would to any other asset are more likely to see their business realise its benefits and emerge as winners in 2026 and beyond.”

Data storytelling and sustainability reporting were also highlighted to be important skills for businesses to harness in the new year, based on data being a critical business asset and mandatory climate-related disclosures now being in effect for larger businesses.

Ord recommended that accounting professionals deepen their sustainability expertise as organisations were now looking for and valued professionals who could interpret environmental data, assess risks and translate insights into actionable plans that drove long-term business value.

Critical thinking and communication were also suggested as skills for businesses to home in on, as they enabled accounting and finance professionals to interpret data, identify trends, “ask the right questions and draw meaningful conclusions that support business”.

“Even the most advanced technologies are ineffective if professionals cannot interpret, verify and communicate the insights they produce. Critical thinking is crucial for evaluating risks, challenging assumptions and making evidence-based decisions,” Ord said.

“Equally important to accountants is communication skills. The ability to translate complex financial insights into clear actions is what turns data into strategy. Those who combine strong analytical skills with persuasive communication are invaluable for their organisations.”

As the regulatory environment continues to remain complex and challenging for businesses of all sizes, Ord also suggested that leaders continuously update their knowledge of regulatory requirements, including reporting obligations.

According to Ord, knowledge like this was critical for businesses operating in the connected economy.

“Businesses need professionals who can ensure transparency, build investor confidence and navigate often complex landscapes without showing growth. Those who master the skillset will always be in high demand among employers.”

Finally, Ord said ethical leadership needed to remain at the forefront of businesses to ensure they were equipped to deal with dilemmas that arose in real-world environments.

“Ethical considerations extend to technology adoption, sustainability and data governance. The rise of AI and automation presents further challenges as professionals must understand not only how to use these tools effectively but also how to use them responsibly,” he said.

“Ethical leadership means asking the right questions. In AI, this means asking: How are algorithms making decisions? Are biases being mitigated? Is data being handled in ways that respect confidentiality and regulatory requirements?”

“For professionals, developing the ability to navigate complex ethical landscapes will be essential for long-term success.”