Standing still is not an option for those looking to progress in their careers. Setting goals is a useful practice that provides a roadmap for meaningful growth. It helps you see beyond your routine tasks to define where you are going and how you will get there.

Whether you’re striving to learn how to use AI tools, build stronger business partnerships or strengthen your analytics, the goals you choose now will determine your future impact.

How to Set a SMART Goal

A common framework for goals is SMART, an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

Specific

Identify the desired outcome and the actions needed to get there.

• Not specific: Improve forecasting.
• Specific: Reduce forecast variance in operating expenses to under 5% by implementing a monthly review process with department heads and updating driver-based assumptions.

Measurable

Designate what data will be used to measure the goal and the method you will use to collect it.

• Not measurable: Make our forecasts more accurate.
• Measurable: Improve revenue forecast accuracy to within ±3% of actuals each quarter by comparing forecasted revenue from our ERP system to actuals recorded in the general ledger and reviewing variances in a monthly meeting with the sales team.

“I identify what success means for each goal so we [he and his boss] can measure it and decide if the goal was met,” said Mario Vasquez, FPAC, Senior Director of Finance, The E.W. Scripps Company. “If a goal is too broad a topic or idea, then it will be hard to determine if it was met or not.”

Achievable

Be realistic about whether the goal can be achieved within the specified timeframe.

• Not achievable: Eliminate all forecast variance across all business units by next month.
• Achievable: Reduce forecast variance in operating expenses to under 5% over the next two quarters by updating key driver assumptions and reviewing departmental forecasts monthly.

If you have a lofty goal, break it down into smaller pieces. “Having smaller goals that lead to a bigger goal makes it less daunting for me,” explained Ken Fick, FP&A/CFO Advisor.

Relevant

Define the key benefit of your goal for the company and ensure it aligns with the company’s mission.

• Not relevant: Learn advanced graphic design to make forecast charts look nicer.
• Relevant: Improve forecast accuracy for product line revenue by ±3% to support better inventory planning and align with the company’s goal of reducing excess stock and increasing operational efficiency.

Vasquez explained that he starts his goal-setting process by “understanding my company's goals and objectives.” Once he has done that, he can “determine what areas I can work on that can have the most significant impact.”

Time-Bound

Deadlines are necessary. You need a set a clear deadline to evaluate whether the goal has been met.

• Not time-bound: Improve the accuracy of the monthly operating expense forecast.
• Time-bound: Improve the accuracy of the monthly operating expense forecast to within ±4% by the end of Q2.

A Finance Professional’s 10-Step Process for Setting and Achieving Goals

Frank Chou, FPAC, CTP, CFO of EverLights, shared his goal-setting process that he “built up over the years.”

• Reflect and brainstorm: Consider your priorities and aspirations, short-term and long-term objectives, and identify areas for improvement.
• Create SMART goals: Refer to the guidance above on setting SMART goals.
• Break down large goals: Create smaller, manageable objectives as needed to ensure your goals are realistic and attainable within a given timeframe.
• Prioritize: Psychologists warn of “goal competition” — the more goals you work on simultaneously, the less you achieve. Rank your goals in order of importance. Consider the impact of each and focus on a manageable number.
• Create an action plan: Break each goal down into tasks and steps, identify any obstacles and create a plan for how you’ll overcome them. Establish a timeline for each task.
• Reflect on your commitment: Identify your motivations behind each goal. “Stay focused on the positive outcomes and benefits,” said Chou.
• Review your progress regularly: Compare against the established timeline and evaluate whether your strategies are effective. Adjust your goals and plans as needed based on new information or circumstances.
• Celebrate small victories along the way: Recognize your effort and commitment to staying on track.
• Seek feedback: Share your goals with trusted colleagues, mentors, friends and family. Solicit feedback and advice to gain additional perspectives. Consider adjusting your goals based on the input you receive.
• Maintain a mindset of continuous improvement: “Learn from both successes and setbacks and adjust your approach and goals accordingly,” said Chou.

Top 3 Themes for Finance Professionals’ Goals in 2026

We asked the global AFP FP&A Advisory Councils about their 2026 career goals. Below are the top three themes that emerged.

1. Technology and AI Enablement

In 2026, finance leaders are prioritizing system upgrades, automation, AI adoption and a deeper understanding of emerging tools to improve efficiency, accuracy and insights.

2. Strategic Influence and Value Creation

FP&A professionals are seeking to strengthen finance’s role in decision-making, capital allocation, business partnership, customer growth, risk management and enterprise-level impact.

3. Talent and Career Growth

Finance leaders are investing in both team capability (hiring, upskilling, learning ecosystems) and personal advancement (certifications, expanded responsibilities, leadership opportunities).

The Power of Setting Goals

Even if you don’t achieve 100% of your goals, setting them helps you improve satisfaction and perspective. After all, if you don’t know where you’re going, it will be very difficult to improve.

“I connect the dots and look at my behavioral patterns and choices,” said Scott Corvey, FPAC, Vice President of Finance – Investment Manager Solutions at Consero Global. “I’ll likely fail overall, but even if I improve on 25%, I see a better version of myself.”