Finance skills remain the most sought-after capabilities for interim leaders and experts, according to an Aug. 12 report from executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.
The 2026 Skills Index report, shared with Becker’s, analyzed the skills most frequently requested by clients for interim leaders and experts between July 2025 and June 2026. A Heidrick & Struggles spokesperson confirmed to Becker’s that healthcare organizations are among the firm’s clients and that their requests are reflected in the data.
Heidrick & Struggles places interim executives spanning the C-suite to director-level roles, along with management consultants, subject matter experts and special project leaders brought in during periods of transformation and change.
Several of the top 15 skills tie directly to health system executives’ current priorities. Financial strength remains a leading concern in 2026 as costs continue to climb and hospital leaders brace for further cuts heading into 2027 — a dynamic reflected in the top three skills on the list, all tied to financial controls, planning and analysis.
Post-merger integration, at No. 12, also stands out as systems continue to consolidate, with nearly 70% of hospitals now belonging to a health system. Clinical operations, at No. 14, rounds out the healthcare-specific skills on the list.
Here are the 15 most in-demand skills for interim leaders and experts, per Heidrick & Struggles:
1. Financial controls, accounting and audit
2. Project management
3. Financial planning, analysis and modeling
4. Program management office
5. Process optimization and transformation
6. Technology and systems implementation
7. Strategic planning
8. Growth strategy
9. Global human resources
10. Market access and value
11. Organizational design and workforce planning
12. Post-merger integration
13. Operational excellence
14. Clinical operations
15. Corporate and business unit strategy
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