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Chief Financial Officer Salaries: AU Averages 2026
Explore the average range of a Chief Financial Officer salary in Australia by location:
- Sydney: $300k - $500k
- Melbourne: $180k - $400k
- Brisbane: $280k - $450k
- Perth: $300k - $450k
- Adelaide: $230k - $500k
CFO salary trends
Chief Financial Officer salaries in Australia remain highly differentiated, reflecting the breadth of accountability and strategic influence attached to the role. Salary movement at CFO level is typically less uniform than at mid-senior finance levels, with remuneration shaped by organisational complexity, capital structure, and governance expectations rather than overall market demand alone.
The role of Chief Financial Officer continues to be a pivotal position in Australia, across all sectors, from small enterprises to large corporations. It is important to note that while the role is typically in high demand, the level of demand can fluctuate based on industry trends and market conditions. To stay ahead in the ever-evolving market, it is crucial to keep your skills updated and gain expertise in areas such as technology integration, data analytics, and strategic leadership, as these competencies open greater opportunities and the most Chief Financial Officer jobs.
The average Chief Financial Officer salary in Australia varies across regions, but you can anticipate salary ranges between $240,000 and $450,000 depending on the following factors.
What factors influence the salary of a Chief Financial Officer?
Experience
CFOs with extensive executive leadership experience, particularly those who have guided organisations through periods of transformation, growth, or market volatility, command the highest salaries. Experience across mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, IPOs, restructures, or large-scale cost optimisation programs is especially valued, as is the ability to partner closely with CEOs and boards.
Qualifications
Professional qualifications such as CA or CPA are considered essential for most CFO roles in Australia. Many CFOs also hold MBAs or postgraduate qualifications in finance, strategy, or leadership, which further strengthen their earning potential and credibility at board level.
Industry
Industry has a significant impact on CFO remuneration. High-paying sectors include financial services, resources & mining, energy, infrastructure, and technology, where financial complexity, regulatory oversight, and capital requirements are high. In Western Australia, mining and energy companies consistently offer premium CFO packages due to scale and profitability.
Company size
CFO salaries increase substantially with organisational size and complexity. ASX-listed companies and multinational organisations typically offer the highest remuneration due to governance requirements, investor relations responsibilities, and operational scale. These companies can offer a salary range of $300,000 - $550,000. Whereas a smaller or privately owned businesses may offer lower base salary range between $180,000 and $300,000 but compensate with equity stakes, long-term incentives, or broader strategic influence.
Location
Location strongly influences CFO salaries across Australia. Sydney generally offers the highest remuneration, reflecting the concentration of corporate headquarters, financial institutions, and listed entities. A CFO salary in Sydney might range between $300,000 and $500,000, whereas those working in Perth might earn between $300,000 - $450,000.
FAQs: Chief Financial Officer
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What typical perks or benefits are associated with this role?
CFOs often receive a range of benefits in addition to their base salary. This varies depending on the company, industry, and role, but common perks include:
- - Bonuses and Incentives
- - Healthcare and Insurance
- - Retirement Plans
- - Flexible Work Arrangements
- - Professional Development
- - Qualification Reimbursement
- - Paid Time Off (PTO)
- - Travel Benefits
- - Company Discounts
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Are remote or freelance CFOs paid differently?
Yes, due to different compensation structures, freelance CFOs can be paid differently compared to full-time employees. Here are some factors that influence how freelance CFOs are compensated:
- - Hourly or project-based rates
- - Flat fees
- - Value-based pricing
- - Retainer Agreements
- - Geographic considerations
- - Industry specialisation
- - Market demand
- - Experience and reputation
- - Remote work flexibility
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What resources can I use to research Chief Financial Officer salaries?
The Robert Walters Salary Survey is an excellent tool for researching Chief Financial Officer salaries in Australia and includes:
Enhanced data - salary ranges and averages across large, medium and small enterprises
Hiring Trends - See what hiring trends look like for your industry in 2026
Talent Hotspots - Learn what skill sets will be in demand for the year ahead for each sector
Expectations - Explore how to attract and retain the best talent with the right offerings
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What expertise does Robert Walters have with hiring Chief Financial Officers?
Robert Walters has extensive expertise in placing Chief Financial Officers in prestigious companies across Australia, offering insights into what attracts top talent and how to craft effective job specifications.
If you have an immediate Chief Financial Officer requirement, submit a vacancy here, and one of our recruitment experts will be in touch.
Job specification template for a Chief Finance Officer position
Attracting and securing a top-tier Chief Financial Officer (CFO) starts with a compelling and strategic job description.
Our free download provides you with a best-in-class CFO job description template, expertly crafted by specialist Accounting & Finance recruiters. Designed to engage high-calibre executive talent, this template goes beyond the basics, offering structure and insights that position your opportunity as both attractive and commercially significant.
Download the template now and use the guide to tailor the specification to your organisation’s needs, ensuring you attract visionary CFOs who can lead your financial strategy and drive long-term success.
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Whether you’re looking for a new role or preparing for your end-of-year appraisal, the Salary Survey will arm you with everything you need to know to get what you deserve.
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Using a combination of our own data, publicly available insights and our recruitment experts, we build bespoke overviews of the salaries and benefits required to attract talent.