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Australia
Financial Controller salary guide Australia 2026
The median salary for a Financial Controller in Australia is $165,000, typically ranging from $140,000 for entry-level positions to $190,000 for senior professionals.
Overview
What does a Financial Controller earn?
The median salary of Financial Controllers in Australia is $165,000. Most salaries sit within the $140,000–$190,000 band, starting around $140,000 for newer appointees and reaching $190,000 for experienced leaders. Holding credentials like a Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) qualification often positions you towards the top end of that spectrum.
Optional — pick a state first
Median for Financial Controller, nationally across Australia.
10th $140,000
25th $165,000
50th (median) $190,000
75th $224,000
90th
Figures above update by state/city. For a full breakdown by seniority, see the table below.
Location
Financial Controller salary by city
Location plays a key role in remuneration across Australia, with capital cities often offering higher rates to match market competition. Regional centres and smaller states present different packages depending on local business demand.
What drives salary
Factors that affect Financial Controller pay
Your pay as a Financial Controller reflects your technical depth and strategic contribution. Several core factors influence where your salary lands within the market range.
Holding a CA or CPA accreditation demonstrates technical mastery and opens pathways to upper salary tiers.
Controllers who translate complex numbers into strategic guidance command stronger packages from executive teams.
Navigating rapid company growth or resolving complex audit remediation increases your commercial value.
Modernising legacy financial workflows and building automated systems sets top-earning professionals apart.
Guiding distributed finance teams and cross-border functions broadens your operational oversight and compensation.
Comparison
How Financial Controllers compare to related roles
A Financial Controller typically earns well above a Financial Analyst or Auditor, reflecting the step up to whole-of-function leadership. Against Financial Managers or Payroll Managers, a Financial Controller commands higher pay due to their final accountability for statutory compliance, internal governance and board reporting.
| Role | Range | Relative | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Controller You are here | $140,000–$190,000 | $165,000 | |
| Financial Manager | $118,000–$162,000 | $138,000 | |
| Financial Analyst | $97,000–$149,000 | $120,000 | |
| Payroll Manager | $102,000–$141,000 | $120,000 | |
| Auditor | $68,000–$97,000 | $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 October 2026.
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