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Australia
Chief Financial Officer salary guide Australia 2026
The typical Chief Financial Officer salary in Australia is $240,000, with pay ranging from $185,000 at entry level to $319,000 for senior professionals.
Overview
What does a Chief Financial Officer earn?
The median salary of Chief Financial Officers in Australia is $240,000. Most roles fall within $185,000–$319,000, though baseline packages start around $185,000 for newer executive appointments. Senior leaders with formal CA or CPA credentials and capital-raising expertise can command upwards of $319,000.
Location
Chief Financial Officer salary by city
Location plays a key part in executive remuneration across Australia. Major corporate hubs like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher base salaries compared to regional markets.
What drives salary
Factors that affect Chief Financial Officer pay
Several factors influence what you can earn as a Chief Financial Officer. Your sector background, technical capabilities and executive leadership history all shape your earning potential.
Managing complex corporate structures and consolidated reporting attracts a significant premium from large enterprises.
Demonstrated experience securing debt and equity funding makes you highly valuable to private equity-backed firms and scaling companies.
Holding full CA or CPA status alongside a relevant Bachelor's degree remains essential for commanding top-tier remuneration.
Guiding businesses through operational restructuring and system implementations commands higher compensation across competitive markets.
High-demand sectors like retirement living and professional services offer higher base rates for sector-specific regulatory knowledge.
Comparison
How Chief Financial Officers compare to related roles
Chief Financial Officers sit at the executive level, commanding higher salaries than functional finance leaders. Comparing this benchmark against a Financial Controller or Financial Manager highlights the premium placed on board-level strategy, while benchmarks for a Payroll Manager or Auditor reflect distinct functional pathways.
| Role | Range | Relative | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Financial Officer You are here | $185,000–$319,000 | $240,000 | |
| Financial Controller | $140,000–$190,000 | $164,000 | |
| Financial Manager | $117,000–$161,000 | $136,000 | |
| Payroll Manager | $102,000–$144,000 | $121,000 | |
| Auditor | $68,000–$96,000 | $79,000 |
Employment Hero Job Data
Salary figures are derived from Employment Hero proprietary data. All figures represent base salary only and exclude bonuses, superannuation and other benefits. Last updated September 2026.
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