It’s all about the people.
Salary is one of the most searched topics in Australian accounting and finance, yet reliable, current information is surprisingly hard to find. Published salary guides vary widely, and the actual salary you can command depends on your role, location, industry, qualifications, and the specific organisation you are working in.
Having placed senior finance professionals across Australia for years, I see the actual salaries offered and accepted every day. What follows is a practical guide to current salary ranges across key accounting and finance roles in Australia, including the factors that push salaries toward the top or bottom of these bands.
Graduate accountants and junior finance analysts typically earn between $55,000 and $72,000 per year (base salary, excluding superannuation). Graduates starting at Big Four firms often sit toward the lower end of this range but benefit from exceptional training, structured career progression, and the prestige that comes with their employer brand.
Bookkeepers and accounts assistants typically earn between $50,000 and $68,000 depending on experience and the complexity of the role. Payroll officers range from $60,000 to $80,000, with demand for experienced payroll professionals remaining consistently strong.
Senior accountants with three to six years of experience and progress toward or completion of CPA or CA qualifications typically earn between $90,000 and $110,000. Management accountants fall in a similar range, though those with strong FP&A skills and exposure to business partnering often command salaries at the higher end.
Finance Analysts and FP&A Analysts in mid-market organisations typically earn between $95,000 and $115,000. Those working in financial services, mining, or large ASX-listed companies often earn above this range, with additional bonuses that can be material.
Tax accountants in this experience bracket earn between $90,000 and $115,000, with those specialising in corporate tax or international tax at the higher end. Audit seniors in public practice typically earn between $85,000 and $105,000, though this varies significantly by firm size and city.
Finance Managers typically earn between $120,000 and $150,000, depending on team size, organisation complexity, and industry. Those who have moved beyond pure reporting into genuine commercial and strategic roles command salaries toward the top of this band and beyond.
Financial Controllers in medium to large organisations typically earn between $140,000 and $200,000. For ASX 200 businesses or complex multi-entity structures, total packages including short-term incentives can push well above this range.
Finance Business Partners at senior levels earn between $120,000 and $165,000. This is one of the fastest-growing areas of demand in Australian finance, and salaries are reflecting that. Employers consistently report difficulty finding strong business partners who combine financial rigour with genuine commercial capability.
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) represent the broadest salary range in finance. Small to medium businesses typically pay CFOs between $160,000 and $280,000. Mid-market CFOs in ASX-listed companies or private equity-backed businesses typically earn between $250,000 and $450,000 including short and long-term incentives. For CFOs of ASX 100 companies, total remuneration packages regularly exceed $1 million.
General Managers of Finance, Group Financial Controllers, and Heads of FP&A in large organisations typically earn between $180,000 and $300,000 in total package terms, again with significant variability depending on the organisation's size, sector, and performance structure.
Treasurer roles in large corporates and financial institutions earn between $160,000 and $350,000 depending on the organisation. Treasury is a specialised discipline and qualified treasurers with AFMA or FINSIA accreditation are in short supply, which keeps salaries competitive.
Sydney and Melbourne command the highest finance salaries in Australia, typically running 10 to 20 percent above comparable roles in Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. The higher cost of living in these cities is partly responsible, but the concentration of ASX-listed companies, financial services firms, and professional services organisations also drives demand.
Brisbane is growing rapidly as a finance hub, particularly as major infrastructure projects, the 2032 Olympic Games preparation, and population growth attract corporate headquarters. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are also seeing increased demand for senior finance professionals as the region's economy diversifies beyond tourism.
Perth remains a strong market for resources and mining finance professionals, where FIFO arrangements and resource-sector bonuses can push total packages significantly above base salary levels.
CPA and CA qualifications add a meaningful salary premium at every level. Research consistently shows that CPA and CA members earn 15 to 25 percent more than non-members in equivalent roles. For candidates who are mid-career and still working toward their professional membership, completing the program should be a financial priority.
The CFA designation commands the highest premium in investment and financial markets roles, where it is often a de facto requirement for progression. CFAs in portfolio management, equity research, or corporate advisory typically earn well above the accounting profession average at equivalent levels of experience.
Salary in accounting and finance in Australia is highly variable, but the direction of travel is clear. Specialised skills, professional qualifications, and the ability to operate commercially are consistently rewarded. If you are benchmarking your salary or preparing to negotiate a new package, speaking with a specialist finance recruiter who works in your market every day is the most reliable way to understand your true market value.
