Canada's finance sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation. As digital payments surge and cybersecurity threats intensify, financial professionals need both traditional expertise and new skills in data analytics, AI implementation, and regulatory compliance. The imminent arrival of Open Banking is also reshaping job requirements at every level.
the new digital finance professional
The Canadian financial landscape is shifting from spreadsheets to smart systems. Over 80% of Canadian organizations are using or piloting AI in finance functions, a figure that highlights a significant transformation in progress. However, there’s a critical need to bridge the skills gap: while 72% of finance professionals believe that AI will impact their career in the next 5 years, 25% have never used AI in their work.
Our guide addresses the key dynamics of this market:
- Open banking revolution: Open Banking in Canada presents new challenges and opportunities. Professionals handling customer data will need new skills in data governance, consent management, and partnership oversight to adapt.
- Cybersecurity becomes a priority: Due to 28 high-impact cyberattacks on Canadian banks in 2023, finance professionals need increased awareness of cybersecurity threats.
- Specialized skills demand premium pay: automation is increasing the importance of soft skills like adaptability and critical thinking. Meanwhile, finance professionals need data analytics, digital literacy, and compliance skills to turn complex data into strategic insights.
Our 2026 Canadian finance salary guide is the essential resource for navigating these shifts, providing the data and strategies you need to secure top talent in a competitive market.
what you'll uncover in our 2026 salary guide
Our comprehensive guide compiles data from a wide range of finance specialties to give you a detailed view of the evolving Canadian market. Inside, you will find:
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in-demand job market data
Get a granular look at national and regional salary averages for the most sought-after roles, including:
- financial analyst
- financial reporting manager
- assistant controller
- cost analyst
- financial reporting manager
- reporting analyst
- assistant controller
- business systems analyst
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analysis and trends for the year ahead
Beyond the numbers, our guide provides strategic insights into the factors that will drive hiring and retention in 2026.
- Bridging the AI skills gap: Learn how to equip your team with the right tools and development paths to realize the full potential of AI. With 72% of finance professionals considering reskilling opportunities important, our guide provides strategies to help your team adapt and grow with the technology.
- Mastering the open banking revolution: We explore the operational challenges and opportunities of the new Consumer-Driven Banking Act. The guide provides insights on the new competencies professionals will need and how financial institutions can prepare for a new era of data governance and compliance.
- Building the modern finance professional: Our guide explores why soft skills like adaptability and critical thinking have become just as important as technical skills. We provide strategies for hiring professionals who can translate complex data into strategic insights and provide the continuous learning opportunities that are essential for career advancement.
Our guide features contributions from industry experts, offering a comprehensive view of the current and future landscape of finance compensation in Canada. By understanding these trends, you can build a high-performing finance team ready for the challenges of 2026.
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