Planning Ahead For 2026 What Do SME Finance Leaders Need To Do Now

As we look towards 2026, SMEs are facing a very different environment to even a few years ago. Cost pressures remain high, regulatory demands are increasing, and expectations on finance teams continue to expand beyond the numbers. For CFOs, finance directors and CEOs, the challenge is building a finance function that actively supports growth.

Planning ahead means taking a hard look at the foundations and asking whether they are truly fit for what comes next.

Finance teams are being stretched further than ever

In many SMEs, finance teams are expected to constantly do more with fewer resources. Manual processes, disconnected systems and paper-based workflows still consume time and attention that could be spent on higher-value work. Accounts payable is often at the centre of this pressure, particularly where invoice volumes are growing and supplier expectations around payment speed are rising.

By 2026, finance teams that are still relying on email approvals, spreadsheets or manual invoice processing will start to really struggle. Automation is becoming an operational necessity.

Why P2P automation matters more for SMEs

Purchase-to-pay automation is sometimes seen as something reserved for large enterprises. In reality, SMEs often stand to gain the most.

Automating P2P processes brings structure and visibility to spend, helping finance leaders control costs while improving collaboration with procurement and the wider business. It reduces the risk of errors and duplicate payments, strengthens audit trails, and creates more predictable cash flow, something that remains critical in uncertain times.

For senior leaders, this means better information and fewer surprises.

Preparing now for e-invoicing requirements

Regulatory change is another reason 2026 planning cannot be delayed. E-invoicing mandates are being introduced across multiple regions, and the way things are going is clear. More businesses will be required to receive and process invoices electronically in specific formats, often with real-time or near real-time reporting to tax authorities.

For SMEs, this is not just a compliance exercise. Trying to bolt e-invoicing onto manual or outdated AP processes creates risk and complexity. The more sustainable approach is to ensure accounts payable automation is already in place, with systems that can adapt as regulations evolve.

Those that prepare early will avoid disruption and gain the added benefit of cleaner data and faster processing.

Turning AP from a cost centre into a strategic function

Accounts payable is often viewed as a back-office function, but by 2026 that perception will be increasingly outdated. With the right automation in place, AP becomes a source of insight, highlighting spending patterns, supplier performance and opportunities to improve working capital.

For finance leaders, this shift is important. It allows finance teams to contribute more directly to strategic conversations, while giving CEOs and boards greater confidence in the numbers they rely on.

Building a practical roadmap, not a long-term wish list

One of the biggest barriers to growth is the belief that change must be complex or disruptive. In reality, meaningful progress can be made in months rather than years, provided there is a clear plan.

Compleat has set out a practical approach in its guide, 6 Months to Smarter Finance, which helps finance teams take achievable steps towards a more resilient finance function. The roadmap focuses on strengthening core processes first, ensuring compliance readiness, and delivering quick wins that build momentum internally.

You can explore the full roadmap here: 6 month Roadmap to Smarter Finance

Looking ahead with confidence

Planning for 2026 is ultimately about choices. SMEs that continue to rely on manual processes will find it harder to respond to change, and support growth. Those that invest in accounts payable and P2P automation now will enter the next phase with stronger controls, better insight and a finance team positioned as a true business partner.

The time to plan is not next year. It’s now.