State of the Stack 2026 is the definitive playbook for finance leaders who want to build or optimise their tech stack for the year ahead.
This week, we'll explore one section of the report in detail: CFO Techstack's App Map 2.0, our new, interactive map of the apps finance leaders are actually using, with Xero at the core.
If you haven't already, you can download the report here!
FEATURED ARTICLE
State of the Stack 2026: App Map 2.0
As part of State of the Stack 2026, we released our App Map 2.0.
The CFO Techstack App Map charts the apps that finance teams use to build a best-in-class tech stack, with Xero + Mayday at the core.
Why the App Map?
Maps play an integral role in human history. They are a lagging indicator of progress; of discovery. They chart what has been built; what has been learnt. Prior to that point there has just been instinct and a compass.
The CFO Techstack App Map exists to do the same for the modern finance function: to chart the apps finance teams are using to build a best-in-class tech stack, with Xero at its core.
More than a directory, it captures the routes finance teams have actually taken, the tech stack combinations that stick, and the learnings earned through real implementation. It’s community-sourced and never pay-to-play. Every recommendation is grounded in what finance leaders actually use, drawn from the CFO Techstack community and the real stacks we document week after week.
The history of the App Map
We first launched the App Map in July 2024 to cut through the noise of 1,000+ apps and consolidate the ecosystem down to the best 40, organised by the foundational pillars of a modern finance tech stack.
For 2026, we’re proud to unveil the next chapter: the App Map 2.0, an interactive platform that brings those recommendations to life.
Featuring in the App Map is now earned solely through evidenced adoption, where apps rise because they appear repeatedly in ‘How I Stacked It’, our ongoing series where finance leaders share the real tech stacks behind their finance function.
Navigating the App Map 2.0
App Map 2.0 is organised around four strategic pillars:
Core Infrastructure
Reporting
Operations
Planning
These pillars represent the fundamental jobs of a modern finance function, from the month-end close to long-term strategic planning.
In the App Map 2.0, each of these four pillars is broken down into categories that represent the core capabilities finance teams need as they scale. For example, the Reporting pillar is made up of "Consolidated Reporting" and "Management Reporting".
For every category, the App Map shows:
The Featured App: The app with the highest number of appearances in our How I Stacked It case study series.
And Notable Mentions: Other high-performing apps frequently cited by our community.
From here, you are able to click through to find out more about each app, and also see real-life examples of finance leaders who are using it, as listed in their 'How I Stacked Its'.
Nathan Humphreys, Financial Controller at Truvi, shares his tech stack.
Truvi is a risk management solution for short-term rentals that provides peace of mind to property owners by verifying guests and protecting against damages. Users can screen every booking in seconds, get transparent risk intelligence, and resolve damage claims in days instead of weeks.
As Financial Controller, Nathan Humphreys designs and implements systems, processes and controls that strengthen the financial foundation of the business. His role spans operational finance, including monthly close, reporting, cash flow management, and compliance, as well as developing forecasting models and KPI dashboards that drive data-led decision making.
Here's what Nathan and his team are using:
Xero for Core Accounting: As a startup scaling at pace, Xero was a natural choice for us. Its ease of use and strong app ecosystem allow the finance team to grow alongside the business.
Mayday for Intercompany: We use Mayday for intercompany reconciliations and recharges, saving multiple hours each month-end. Its intuitive interface and clear colour-coded system make it easy to review and manage balances at a glance.
Airwallex for Banking & Spend: Airwallex underpins company spending, customer card collection, and day-to-day banking operations. Centralised approval workflows, clear signatory matrices, and strong controls allow the business to operate confidently from a single platform. Following a recent significant investment round, Truvi expects to expand its use of Airwallex further.
Personio for Payroll:Personio is used as the core HR platform, managing holidays and people data. Its integration with Xero makes payroll processing straightforward and efficient.
Hyperline for Billing: Hyperline has been game changing for us in the finance team, allowing usage billing to be sent out much faster than what any human could do has really pushed the team forward in where we are today vs where we was when I joined in June 24.
Power BI for Reporting: Day-to-day reporting is delivered through Power BI, following significant groundwork by the Data team to ensure accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of insights across the business.
Keen to share how you stack it? Email: emily.lockyer@getmayday.com
Ask the CFO is a free, live Zoom session hosted by Lowell Mora, Founder of Impact CFO. Each session combines focused insights with open conversation, giving you the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and walk away with actionable next steps.
In this session, Rob Stepen brings decades of experience as a business owner and advisor working with small to mid-sized businesses. Lowell and Rob will have a practical discussion on outsourcing HR and when it makes sense for growing companies.
CFOs are operating in an environment of compounding uncertainty. Inflation remains stubborn, fiscal deficits are rising, and tariff threats are reshaping trade flows. At the same time, internal transformation is accelerating; AI is changing finance teams and skills shortages are constraining growth.
To address this evolving environment, EY and the Financial Times will convene senior executives, policymakers and industry leaders in Dublin. This high-level morning briefing will examine the forces reshaping global business strategy and the finance function.
THE STACK EXCHANGE
🧵 This week's top threads, from The Stack Exchange
The Stack Exchange is a Slack forum for connecting with peers, sharing insights, and staying updated on apps and industry events, helping you transform your finance function into a strategic powerhouse.
Here are this week's top 3 discussions from The Stack Exchange:
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