November begins, for managers, the end of the year is not just about preparing for the holidays or closing the accounts. You must also anticipate expenses, monitor cash flow and start preparing the 2027 budget.
This year again, discussions around the finance bill (PLF) and the Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) are attracting attention. Decisions taken in the coming weeks could have consequences on taxation, social charges and business investments.
For VSEs and SMEs, the challenge is simple: know what to expect to avoid experiencing changes at the last moment.
1. November 2026: regulatory changes to watch out for
The beginning of November invites businesses to take stock of their obligations. But be careful: not all of the measures announced are necessarily applicable from November 1st. Some have yet to be adopted or be the subject of texts specifying their terms of application.
Compensations and social charges
Rules relating to work stoppages and workplace accidents can have consequences for employers’ expenses. Companies must therefore check the provisions that have actually come into force and their possible effects on pension contracts.
Conventional terminations and layoffs
The tax and social changes envisaged as part of the 2027 budget also deserve the attention of HR departments. A change in the rules applicable to severance pay can indeed change the cost of a departure for the employer.
Before reviewing their practices, however, companies must rely on the definitively adopted texts.
Business taxation
Budgetary debates can also modify the financial outlook for 2027. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is better to follow the official announcements and distinguish confirmed measures from proposals still under discussion.
2. Budget 2027: companies awaiting arbitration
The 2027 budget will be particularly closely monitored by leaders. Behind the announcements of savings and new revenues, a question arises: what will be the impact on companies’ costs and margins?
Several topics are worth monitoring.
Taxation of large businesses
Exceptional contributions and possible changes in corporate tax may weigh on the results of the groups concerned. Their maintenance or modification, however, depends on the provisions ultimately retained in the budget.
The CVAE: a calendar to check
The business value added contribution (CVAE) remains an important issue for businesses subject to it. Indeed, they must follow the timetable for its removal and check the texts in force, as well as possible modifications planned for 2027, in order to anticipate their impact on their budget.
For the companies concerned, this visibility is essential in order to establish realistic financial forecasts.
Social contributions
Another concern is the cost of labor. Any change in employer contributions or social security rules may modify company expenses.
Managers therefore have an interest in integrating these different parameters into their budget simulations, without taking for granted the measures that are still under discussion.
3. End of 2026: how can businesses prepare?
As the annual close approaches, managers must deal with several priorities. We must complete the exercise in good conditions while preparing for the first months of 2027.
The difficulties are not the same for everyone.
- In the construction industry, monitoring orders and collections remains essential.
- In commerce and catering, inventory and margin management requires special attention.
- In industry, investment decisions must take production costs into account.
As for service and technology companies, they must monitor their digital spending and the profitability of their projects.
| Sector | The main issues | Actions to favor |
|---|---|---|
| Building and public works | Payment deadlines and visibility on orders | Monitor receipts and anticipate cash flow needs |
| Commerce and catering | Inventories, demand and margins | Adapt supplies and control costs |
| Manufacturing industry | Production costs and investments | Evaluate projects and their profitability |
| Services and technologies | Digital spending and data security | Measure expected gains and limit risks |
Whatever their activity, companies have every interest in not waiting until the end of the year to take stock. Well-monitored cash flow and regularly updated forecasts allow you to react more quickly in the event of difficulty.
Leaders’ three priorities for November
To approach the final months of 2026 with greater visibility, three actions deserve to be undertaken now.
- Review cash flow forecasts. Tax and social security deadlines, loan repayments and possible payment delays must be included in the forecasts for the coming months.
- Prepare the 2027 budget without relying on uncertain assumptions. It is preferable to distinguish known expenses from possible new expenses and to plan several scenarios if necessary.
- Take stock of digital tools. Artificial intelligence can help teams save time, but its use must remain regulated to protect confidential company data.
Anticipate rather than endure
The end of the year is often a busy time for leaders. Between the latest goals to achieve, bills to pay and decisions to make for the following year, it’s easy to put off substantive issues.
However, this period also represents an opportunity to take a step back. By taking stock of their expenses, monitoring regulatory developments and preparing several budgetary hypotheses, managers can better anticipate unforeseen events.
Furthermore, the 2027 budget decisions will still have to be closely monitored. Until then, companies can already act on the elements they control: their cash flow, their expenses and their investment priorities.
