The way finance teams operate is changing, and NetSuite’s 2026.1 release reflects a wider shift towards greater automation, insight and control. Many organisations face challenges such as month-end pressures, time-consuming reconciliations, and the need to interpret increasing volumes of data before decisions can be made. As businesses grow, these processes become more complex and can increase pressure on finance teams who are already being asked to do more with less.

NetSuite 2026.1 introduces a range of enhancements designed to help address these challenges. The focus isn't simply on adding new functionality. It's about helping organisations improve visibility, reduce manual effort and make more informed decisions earlier in the process.

Transforming the month-end close with AI insights

One of the clearest opportunities to improve efficiency is in handling the month-end close. Rather than waiting until period end to identify issues, finance teams can use NetSuite’s 2026.1 to take a more proactive approach. Features such as Intelligent Close Manager, Exception Management and AI-powered payment predictions help identify risks, flag unusual activity and provide a clearer view of expected cash flow. This allows teams to focus on resolving issues sooner and spend less time chasing information when deadlines are approaching.

Automate daily operations and streamline reconciliations

The release also introduces improvements that increase efficiency across day-to-day finance operations. Enhanced bank matching, automated imports and better reconciliation tools can help reduce manual workloads and support more effective financial controls. For organisations with complex group structures, updates to intercompany eliminations (accounting adjustments regarding parent companies and subsidiaries) and Cash 360 forecasting provide greater transparency and confidence in reporting.

Extending value beyond finance

Importantly, the benefits extend beyond the finance function. Across sales, customer service, supply chain and manufacturing, NetSuite 2026.1 introduces new AI-driven insights, improved user experiences and enhanced planning capabilities. Whether it is improving visibility across inventory, supporting production scheduling or helping teams identify emerging trends, the aim is the same: providing better information to support better decisions.

The key business benefits of NetSuite 2026.1

For many organisations, the value of these enhancements will not come from a single feature. It will come from removing the delays, extra steps and obstacles that slow down work as it moves between different processes, tasks or teams, allowing more time to focus on activities that add value.

NetSuite 2026.1 offers:

• Faster, more controlled month-end cycles
• Earlier visibility of risks and exceptions
• More accurate cash forecasting
• Reduced manual reconciliation effort
• Stronger operational alignment across finance, sales, supply chain and manufacturing
• AI driven insights that help teams act sooner with confidence.

Download the full NetSuite 2026.1 release guide

Download our NetSuite 2026.1 release guide for a comprehensive overview of the latest enhancements and their potential impact across finance, operations and the wider business.

How we can help

If you'd like to discuss the release in more detail, understand which enhancements are most relevant to your organisation, or explore how to maximise the value of your NetSuite investment, please contact Darren Birt or your usual RSM contact.

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