Dmytro Kharkov

AI expands role in organizations as Heidrick & Struggles International lists finance skills leading demand

AI expands role in organizations as Heidrick & Struggles International lists finance skills leading demand
Finance leads 2026 skills index

Financial controls, accounting, and audit have emerged as the most in-demand skills for 2026, according to Heidrick & Struggles International's latest Skills Index.

The report indicates that while AI is altering organizational structures, foundational finance skills continue to hold critical importance. Sunny Ackerman, an expert at Heidrick & Struggles International, explained to Fortune Magazine that business leaders should capitalize on this trend and ensure their teams are equipped with robust financial acumen to navigate ongoing changes driven by technology.

Heidrick & Struggles International has launched an AI-enabled assessment tool designed to evaluate executive leadership in high-pressure scenarios. The firm has also advised boards on the timing and approach of CEO succession planning to avoid common pitfalls. These initiatives reflect the company’s focus on leadership development amid technological change.

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