AvidXchange Inc, a leading provider of accounts payable (AP) automation software and payment solutions for middle market businesses and their suppliers, today announced key findings from its new 2026 Trends Survey of middle market finance professionals.
The data reveals that ongoing economic pressures are accelerating investment in AI and automation as finance teams look to boost efficiency, resilience, and scalability.
Economic Uncertainty & The Pressure to Perform
The outlook for 2026 remains constrained, with 86% of respondents—from CFOs to AP managers—expressing concern about the current state of the economy.
- 64% are “very concerned” about inflation.
- 56% are “very concerned” about tariffs.
- 1 in 3 are already feeling the economic impact
This uncertainty is reshaping operations, with finance leaders balancing not just budgets but bandwidth. 56% say they have changed their business plans “considerably” or “significantly.”
In response, many organizations are adjusting their approach by:
- Cutting discretionary spending (55%)
- Implementing hiring freezes or slowing recruitment (38%)
- Building up cash reserves (31%)
The push to “do more with less” has become nearly universal, climbing eight points to 96% in just five months since AvidXchange’s April 2025 Economic Sentiment Survey.
“Finance leaders today are being pushed to do more with less,” said Dan Drees, President of AvidXchange. “Automation is the lever that changes the equation – by taking manual AP and payments work off their plate, it frees up time, reduces cost, and gives teams the space to focus on strategy.”
AI, Technology, & The Modern Finance Team
Finance teams are accelerating technology adoption, with top priorities for 2026 centered on operational efficiency and maximizing ROI from technology investments. Nearly half plan to increase their investment in AI – the top area for new spending – and almost 80% express confidence in achieving strong ROI.
This shift isn’t just about new tools; it’s also transforming how finance leaders build their teams:
- Over 50% place greater emphasis on technology proficiency when hiring – mirroring a broader trend, as 59% of AP professionals are actively learning automation and AI skills.
- 76% say technology proficiency is more important than in previous years.
- Teams are prioritizing adaptability and continuous learning to keep pace with innovation.
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