Finance teams are changing. As AI and automation take over more transactional work, companies increasingly need finance professionals, including finance business partners, who can do something technology cannot easily replicate: turn financial data into commercial decisions.
For finance professionals, this creates a clear challenge in 2027: thriving in roles that keep evolving. As technology changes how finance work is done, professionals need to keep adapting while strengthening the commercial judgement, analytical thinking and communication skills that remain difficult to automate.
Why will finance business partners be in demand in 2027?
The short answer is that the finance industry is moving from reporting towards insight and decision support.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) & Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)’s 2026 Future of Finance 2.0 research, drawing on insights from more than 600 finance professionals worldwide, identifies the changing role of finance as one of the key trends shaping the profession. Finance functions are evolving from traditional roles towards becoming more strategic advisers to the business.
As AI-enabled operations automate and accelerate traditional finance processes, the focus is shifting towards generating business insights, supporting better decisions and contributing to wider business strategy. This does not mean traditional finance expertise is becoming irrelevant. Instead, employers increasingly expect finance professionals to combine that expertise with data analysis, technology skills and an understanding of the wider business.
1. Automation is changing where finance teams add value
AI is becoming a bigger part of finance work. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) found that 52% of finance professionals regularly use AI tools, while 43% say their employers provide AI training, up from 32% in 2025.
As technology takes on more reporting, pattern recognition and repetitive processes, organisations still need people to interpret the results, assess their commercial implications and decide what action should follow. This is where finance business partners add value, shifting the focus from producing information to asking the right questions around margins, investment, profitability, forecasts and risk.
The World Economic Forum expects 39% of core job skills to change by 2030, with AI, big data and analytical thinking becoming increasingly important.
2. Companies need finance professionals who understand the business
Technical finance skills remain essential, but many strategic jobs in finance now require stronger commercial understanding. Finance business partners need to understand how different teams operate and connect business decisions to financial outcomes.
This could include supporting pricing decisions, assessing productivity, challenging headcount plans or modelling new investments.
CFA Institute research also shows employers increasingly value professionals who combine financial analysis with AI, data, communication and decision-making skills. For hiring managers, commercial awareness is becoming a key differentiator.
3. Businesses want both technical and commercial capability
Finance business partners still need strong technical skills. CFA Institute research found that 61% of finance managers see financial statement analysis as the most important technical skill for new professionals, followed by Excel proficiency at 51% and financial data interpretation at 36%.
The strongest candidates combine these finance fundamentals with commercial skills such as communication, stakeholder management, problem-solving and strategic thinking. This combination is harder to find, which is one reason experienced finance business partners are in high demand.
4. Demand is rising across Asia’s financial hubs
Demand for finance business partners is growing in key financial hubs. In Hong Kong, 2,343 financial services professionals were approved under the General Employment Policy in 2025, with another 1,401 approved in the first half of 2026, reflecting continued inflows of international finance talent.
In Singapore, 54% of Financial & Insurance Services vacancies in 2025 were newly created roles, while wages grew 5.9% in Financial Services and 6.6% in Insurance Services, reflecting continued demand for skilled professionals.
As these markets grow, employers increasingly need finance business partners who can go beyond reporting and turn financial insight into better commercial decisions.
READ: Hong Kong’s Expat Comeback: What It Means for Employers Hiring Across Asia
What skills should employers look for in a finance business partner?
The strongest candidates in 2027 are likely to combine:
- Financial expertise: Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, management accounting, financial analysis and performance measurement.
- Commercial acumen: An understanding of how operational decisions affect revenue, costs, margins and growth.
- Data and technology capability: Confidence working with ERP systems, business intelligence tools, automation and increasingly AI-enabled finance applications.
- Analytical thinking: The ability to identify what matters within large amounts of financial and operational information.
- Communication: The ability to make financial information understandable to non-finance stakeholders.
- Influencing skills: Confidence to challenge assumptions and advise senior decision-makers without simply acting as a reporting function.
- Strategic thinking: An ability to connect today’s financial performance with future business priorities.
This blend is likely to become even more important as AI takes over more of the preparation and processing work traditionally associated with finance.
What this means for finance professionals and employers
As finance roles evolve, professionals will need technical expertise, commercial thinking, adaptability and confidence with AI and data. The World Economic Forum found that 69% of employers consider analytical thinking a core skill, while AI and big data are among the fastest-growing skill areas.
For employers, strong finance business partners will be those who can interpret financial insights, influence decisions and turn data into practical recommendations.
Looking for the right finance talent? Links International’s recruitment specialists can help you find the skills your business needs. Get in touch with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Finance Business Partners
- What is a finance business partner?
A finance business partner is a finance professional who works closely with business leaders and operational teams to improve decision-making. Their responsibilities commonly include financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, scenario planning and translating financial information into commercial recommendations.
- Why will finance business partners be in demand in 2027?
Demand is being driven by automation, greater use of AI, growing volumes of business data and the need for more forward-looking financial decision support. As routine finance processes become more automated, organisations increasingly value professionals who can interpret financial information and influence business decisions.
- What skills does a finance business partner need?
Key skills include financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting, commercial acumen, analytical thinking, stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills. Knowledge of ERP, BI, data analytics and AI tools is also becoming increasingly valuable.
- Is finance business partnering a good career path?
Finance business partnering can be a strong career path for finance professionals who want greater involvement in business strategy and decision-making. It can also help build the commercial and leadership capabilities required for more senior finance positions.
- What are the most important skills for jobs in finance in 2027?
Technical finance knowledge remains important, but analytical thinking, communication, commercial awareness, AI literacy and data skills are increasingly valuable. The strongest candidates are likely to combine financial fundamentals with the ability to interpret information and support business decisions.