.png){kind=logo}
Finance Manager Salaries: AU Averages 2026
Explore the average range of a Finance Manager's salary in Australia by location:
- New South Wales: $150k - $170k
- Queensland: $150k - $160k
- Victoria: $140k - $160k
- South Australia $130k -$150k
- Western Australia: $150k - $160k
Finance Manager salary trends
Finance Manager salaries in Australia remain competitive, supported by ongoing hiring activity and continued focus on retention across mid-to-senior Accounting & Finance roles. Rather than broad salary inflation, employers are selectively reviewing remuneration to retain experienced Finance Managers, particularly where roles have expanded in scope or commercial responsibility.
Salary pressure continues to be most visible in Sydney and Melbourne, where demand for commercially minded Finance Managers remains strong and roles with broader accountability are more likely to sit at the upper end of market salary ranges. Perth also shows sustained salary momentum, particularly for Finance Managers supporting large, capital-intensive operations.
In Brisbane, Finance Manager salaries are generally aligned with other eastern-seaboard markets, reflecting steady demand across infrastructure, healthcare, and professional services. Adelaide typically experiences more moderate salary movement; however, Finance Managers in this market often benefit from greater role breadth, leadership exposure, and longer-term stability within sectors such as defence, manufacturing, and the public sector.
Across all locations, Finance Managers with strong commercial capability, particularly in business partnering, forecasting, and systems-driven reporting, continue to achieve salary outcomes at the upper end of published ranges. With mobility remaining a feature of the finance labour market, many professionals are actively reviewing salary positioning alongside role scope and progression opportunities.
What factors influence the salary for a Finance Manager?
Experience
In Australia, Finance Managers with seven to twelve years of accounting and commercial finance experience are highly sought after, particularly those who have led budgeting cycles, delivered business partnering insights, produced complex financial models, and managed enterprise-level reporting. Professionals who have overseen finance transformation projects, implemented new financial systems, or supported acquisition integration are especially valued, as these skills directly contribute to organisational performance and commercial growth.
Qualifications
Finance Manager salaries are also shaped by qualifications, with Australian employers placing strong emphasis on certifications such as CPA, CA, CIMA, or an MBA with a finance focus. These credentials demonstrate technical competence, adherence to professional accounting standards, and a commitment to ongoing development, all of which strengthen earning potential and competitiveness for senior finance roles.
Industry
Industry plays a significant role in determining Finance Manager salaries, with sectors like mining and resources, financial services, technology, and healthcare offering higher salary packages due to their scale, profitability, and operational complexity. In mining, for example, the high revenue potential and capital-intensive nature of the industry, particularly in Western Australia, drive demand for finance professionals with strong analytical and commercial capabilities. Similarly, technology and SaaS organisations value Finance Managers who can support rapid growth through data-driven forecasting, while healthcare continues to offer competitive salaries due to sustained sector expansion.
Company size
Company size is another key factor as large organisations, such as ASX-listed companies and multinationals, typically offer higher salaries due to the broader reporting requirements, larger finance teams, and more complex operational environments. Smaller businesses or high-growth startups may offer lower base salaries but often compensate with opportunities such as performance bonuses, equity options, or accelerated career progression, making them attractive for professionals seeking long-term growth.
Location
Location plays a key role in shaping Finance Manager salaries across Australia. Major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne continue to offer the highest salary ranges due to their concentration of national headquarters, large corporates, and complex commercial operations. Perth also remains highly competitive, particularly for Finance Managers supporting mining, energy, and resource-driven organisations where financial oversight and commercial analysis are critical.
Brisbane has seen steady growth in demand for Finance Managers as organisations expand across infrastructure, healthcare, and professional services, resulting in increasingly competitive salary packages compared to other capital cities. Adelaide, while typically offering slightly lower salary bands, remains an attractive market for Finance Managers due to its strong presence of defence, manufacturing, and public-sector organisations, often complemented by lifestyle benefits, shorter commute times, and flexible working arrangements. Regional locations may offer lower base salaries but frequently offset this with relocation assistance, broader role scope, or improved work-life balance.
-
What typical perks or benefits are associated with this role?
Finance Managers often receive a variety of benefits along with their base salary. These may include:
Bonuses and incentives: Often tied to performance metrics.
Healthcare and insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage.
Retirement plans: Access to pension schemes or 401(k) contributions.
Flexible work arrangements: Options for remote work or flexible hours.
Professional development: Support for ongoing training and certifications.
Paid time off (PTO): Generous vacation and sick leave policies.
Travel benefits: Travel allowances for business-related activities.
-
Are remote or freelance Finance Managers paid differently?
Yes, compensation structures for remote or freelance Finance Managers can differ from those of full-time employees. Factors influencing pay include:
Hourly or project-based rates: Freelancers might charge by the hour or per project.
Value-based pricing: Pricing based on the value provided to clients.
Market demand: High demand can drive higher pay.
Experience and reputation: More seasoned professionals often command higher rates.
-
What resources can I use to research Finance Manager salaries?
Download the free Robert Walters Salary Survey here to gain valuable insights into Finance Manager salary UK trends, including detailed information on Finance Manager salary London and other regional variations. Understanding these salary dynamics can help in setting realistic career and compensation expectations.
FAQs: Finance Manager
-
What is the average salary for a Finance Manager in Australia?
The average salary for a Finance Manager in Australia typically ranges from $130K to $170k per year. Compensation varies based on company size, industry sector, location, and the candidate’s technical and commercial skill set. Finance Managers in larger or more complex organisations may command higher salaries.
For a broader view of Finance Manager salaries, along with salary insights for roles across a wide range of industries and key locations in New Zealand and Australia, download the Salary Guide. -
What factors influence Finance Manager salaries?
Key factors include:
Company size: Large enterprises or ASX-listed organisations offer stronger pay packages.
Industry: Mining, technology, healthcare, and financial services are among the highest-paying sectors.
Location: Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth generally offer the most competitive salaries.Experience & qualifications: CPA/CA accreditation, commercial leadership, and systems expertise significantly improve earning potential.
-
Do Finance Managers receive bonuses or additional benefits?
Yes. Many employers provide annual performance bonuses tied to profitability, budget performance, or project outcomes, short-term incentive (STI) programs, equity or stock options (usually in high-growth or listed companies), and additional perks such as flexible work arrangements, paid professional development, and salary packaging options. -
What can I do to ensure my Finance Manager salary offer is competitive?
To attract and retain strong Finance Manager talent, employers should benchmark salaries using up-to-date market data, such as the Robert Walters Salary Guide, to ensure offers remain competitive within their state and industry. Incentives tied to financial performance, project delivery, or commercial outcomes can strengthen the overall remuneration package, while clearly defined progression pathways into roles such as Financial Controller, Head of Finance, or Finance Director help position the organisation as a place for long-term career growth.
In addition to financial rewards, non-monetary benefits, including flexible working arrangements, leadership development opportunities, and training in new finance systems or tools, play an increasingly important role in attracting high-calibre finance professionals and supporting ongoing retention.
To benchmark Finance Manager salaries against the latest market data, download the Salary Guide.
Job specification template for a Finance Manager position
Attracting and securing a top-tier Financial Manager starts with a well-crafted job description.
Our free download provides you with a best-in-class Finance Manager job description template, expertly crafted by specialist Accounting & Finance recruiters. Developed to attract the best talent, this template goes beyond the basics, offering insights and structure that elevate your job posting, ensuring you connect with highly qualified candidates quickly and effectively.
Download the template now and use the guide to customise the job specification for the position you’re looking to fill.
Hiring Manager? Benchmark your teams salaries
If you’re growing your team or simply need to retain the talent you have, the Salary Survey gives you the insights you need to have the right team in place to keep your business moving forward.
Candidate? Find out your salary with an individual salary guide
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.
Bespoke salary benchmarking
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.