AI expertise has become a defining requirement within the CFO’s office, reaching a tipping point in hiring expectations. Nearly 31% of finance job listings now specifically mention AI or machine learning skills—up from 25% a year earlier—according to new research by Datarails. Demand has grown especially quickly for accountants, where references to AI have jumped 67% year-over-year, signaling that even traditionally operational roles are being reshaped. At the same time, employers are increasingly prioritizing softer capabilities such as storytelling and cross-functional collaboration, alongside rising CFO compensation.

These insights come from Datarails’ CFO’s Office 2.0: 2026 report, which reviewed more than 5,000 U.S. job postings across four key finance roles—CFO, FP&A, Controller, and Accountant—between January 2025 and January 2026. The findings point to a finance function undergoing a major transformation: rapid AI adoption, higher strategic expectations across roles, declining remote work opportunities, and widening pay gaps between senior leadership and operational positions.
Key takeaways include:

Didi Gurfinkel, CEO and Co-founder of Datarails, noted that AI is transforming rather than replacing finance functions. Success will depend on blending technical proficiency with strategic insight and strong communication skills, particularly the ability to present data-driven stories. Despite technological advances, tools like Excel remain deeply embedded in finance workflows.

Additional trends highlighted in the report include:

The study drew on data from ten major U.S. job platforms, including Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and ZipRecruiter, collected in January 2025 and January 2026. After filtering and deduplication, each dataset included roughly 230–260 postings per role, contributing to a total analysis of more than 5,000 listings.

By day, Jim Watts plays a key role on the Regions Consumer Risk Services Team. But on Thursday morning, he stepped into a different role—sharing practical wisdom with students from Wenonah High School’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.

The occasion was Regions' Reality Check, a dynamic financial literacy event where students participated in a rapid-fire strategy simulation designed to teach real-life money management skills.

Watts’ message focused on the financial drain of unchecked subscription services—often overlooked, yet damaging to budgets.

“We’re helping them build essential decision-making skills for when they’re managing households, careers, and children,” Watts explained. “It’s rewarding to see those ‘aha’ moments when they connect the dots and understand the financial pressures their families face.”

This Reality Check session took place during the opening round of the 2025 Regions Tradition, under the shade of the new Coca-Cola® Spectator Village tent, positioned beside the driving range. While professional golfers warmed up for the tournament, Keren Treme, Financial Education Trainer at Regions, delivered engaging financial insights to the students.

“Financial literacy underpins nearly everything you want to achieve in life,” said Treme, who also represents the Regions Better Life Institute. “And it all begins with how you manage money.”

During the activity, students were randomly assigned a job, salary, and family size, then challenged to make realistic financial decisions—covering everything from streaming services and groceries to housing and transportation. But the real test came with life's surprises.

“Unexpected expenses,” noted Amy Jones from Regions. “Think flat tires, medical visits, speeding tickets, or trips to the dentist.”

As Jones listed these scenarios, groans from the students revealed their growing awareness.
That kind of reaction was exactly what Wenonah teacher Diann Pilgrim hoped for. A longtime faculty member and early contributor to the Academy since its 2014 launch, Pilgrim has worked closely with Treme, whose financial workshops are a recurring part of the curriculum.
The visit to Greystone Golf and Country Club is something the students look forward to for months. By their junior year, they get the opportunity to attend the Regions Tradition and see personal finance in action.

“It’s a powerful moment when they realize what their parents or guardians are juggling financially,” Pilgrim shared. “That’s the essence of a true reality check.”

But the experience extends beyond budgeting lessons.

“This event also ties into tourism, which is the career field our students are pursuing,” Pilgrim added. “They look forward to this every year—not just for the learning, but for the fun and exposure to their future industry.”