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Australia
Financial Controller salary guide Australia 2026
The median salary for a Financial Controller in Australia is $164,000, 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 $164,000. 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 CA or CPA qualification often positions you towards the top end of that spectrum.
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
Financial Controllers generally earn higher remuneration than Financial Analysts or Auditors due to their broader leadership remit. Their executive accountability also differentiates their earning potential from related roles like Financial Managers and Payroll Managers.
| Role | Range | Relative | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Controller You are here | $140,000–$190,000 | $164,000 | |
| Financial Manager | $117,000–$161,000 | $136,000 | |
| Payroll Manager | $102,000–$144,000 | $121,000 | |
| Financial Analyst | $97,000–$149,000 | $120,000 | |
| 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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