2026 is off to a flying start for finance teams - and for us here at AccountsIQ it’s no different. As dedicated fans of data-first accounting, we’re predicting a year defined by better decision-making, clearer insights and a more strategic use of technology. We’ve kicked things off with a series of new resources, insights and moments that reflect where modern finance is heading and tips on how finance leaders can prepare for what’s next.
From the launch of our new CFO Playbook to fresh perspectives on reporting; sparking important conversations across the fintech space and our continued work with Harlequins as its Data and Insights Partner we’ve had an exciting start to the year. Here’s what’s been happening this January.
The CFO Playbook: A practical guide for growing finance teams
Too often, mid-market organisations are finding themselves stuck between entry-level accounting software that no longer meets their needs and full ERP systems that bring unnecessary cost and complexity. Our newly launched CFO Playbook is designed specifically for finance teams navigating this dilemma, serving as a guide to the “golden middle ground” that is mid-market finance solutions.
The playbook offers a clear, practical framework to help CFOs and finance leaders make confident technology decisions as their organisations scale. Inside, we explore three essential steps:
- Choosing the right accounting software that supports growth without overengineering
- Reducing implementation risk through better planning and realistic expectations
- Avoiding costly mistakes that can derail finance transformation projects
Built on real-world experience with mid-market finance teams, the CFO Playbook is an essential resource for organisations looking to modernise their finance function without taking on ERP-level complexity.
Reporting with confidence: A new Q&A video series
Accurate, timely reporting is the foundation of confident decision-making - yet many organisations still rely on slow, manual, or inconsistent reporting processes. This month, we launched a new Q&A video series focused on helping finance teams overcome these challenges.
Zaina Haider, Pre-Sales Consultant at AccountsIQ, takes a deep dive into the real risks businesses face when reporting systems aren’t fit for purpose. From delayed insights to reduced trust in the numbers, Zaina explains why getting reporting right is more critical than ever - and what finance teams can do to improve accuracy, consistency and speed around the financial information they’re sharing.
👉 Watch part one of Zaina’s mini reporting masterclass
In the press: real-time insights
Our thinking on the future of finance is generating buzz across the fintech media. Recent coverage in Fintech Finance, CFO Tech, and IT Brief highlights AccountsIQ’s perspective on how finance teams are evolving - and what they’ll need to succeed in 2026 and beyond.
Featuring insights from AccountsIQ CEO, Darren Cran, the article explores how real-time insights and integrated finance platforms are transforming decision-making. As finance leaders face increasing pressure to forecast accurately, respond quickly, and collaborate cross-functionally, access to real-time, reliable data is no longer a nice-to-have - it’s essential.
👉 Read the article on Fintech Finance
📊Webinar: Smarter decisions start with better reporting
Give your financial reporting a makeover in 2026
Join us for a live demo webinar to see how AccountsIQ’s real-time reporting gives finance teams greater confidence in their numbers and smarter ways to share insights across their organisations.
Led by Jack Watling and Zaina Haider, this session will showcase how flexible, real-time reports help teams uncover insights faster, streamline month-end and support better decision-making.
🗓 Thursday 29 January | ⏰ 11:00am
👉 Save your seat for the live demo
Kicking off 2026 together at The Stoop
The AccountsIQ Group hosted our Q1 kick-off at The Stoop, home of Harlequins , marking the start of an exciting year ahead.
It was a chance to reflect on a standout 2025, celebrate team successes and align around shared goals for 2026. With a strong sense of momentum and focus, we’re ready for a year centred on smarter finance management, better insights and continued growth - both for our customers and our rapidly expanding team.
Upcoming event: ERP Fatigue and Finance Transformation in Not-for-Profits
ERP fatigue is becoming an increasingly common challenge, particularly within the not-for-profit sector. Lengthy implementations, rising costs and systems that don’t deliver expected value are leaving many organisations frustrated and stretched.
At SCVO The Gathering in Edinburgh on 11th February, AccountsIQ and ExpenseIn will explore what’s driving ERP regret among charities and not-for-profits - and, more importantly, how organisations can modernise finance without overwhelming their teams.
Event details:
- ERP Fatigue and Finance Transformation in Not-for-Profit Organisations
- 🗓 Wednesday 11th February | 11:00–12:00
Looking ahead
That’s just the start of what’s shaping up to be an exciting year. Throughout 2026, we’ll be sharing more insights, resources, and events designed to help finance teams work smarter, move faster and make better decisions with confidence.
Stay in the know – follow AccountsIQ on social for events, insights and what’s new.
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