Highest paying finance jobs in Australia

Key Takeaways 

• Finance offers some of the most lucrative salary pathways in Australia, from analytical roles to senior leadership positions. 
• The highest paying finance jobs pay between $120k and $260k a year, depending on specialisation and experience. 
• Accountant, financial analyst, and financial planner roles remain in high demand nationwide. 
• SEEK’s salary data shows strong earning potential in corporate finance, accounting, and advisory careers across Australia.

Australia’s finance and accounting sector remains one of the country’s strongest job markets, offering clear pathways into some of the highest paying finance jobs. Demand is rising not only for traditional accounting and analytical roles but also for finance business partners with advanced communication skills and the ability to work with large, complex data sets. Kelly Wee, business director for accountancy and finance at Hays Singapore, notes in ACCA Magazine that organisations across South-East Asia and APAC increasingly seek finance business partners who can interpret data and deliver insights that guide strategic decisions. With this shift driving new opportunities across the region, many jobseekers are exploring the highest paying accounting jobs and broader finance salary trends to understand where strong career progression and earning potential are emerging in Australia. 

• Highest paying finance jobs in Australia 
• How much do accountants earn in Australia 
• Highest paid accountants in Australia 
• Explore more finance salaries in Australia 

Highest paying finance jobs in Australia 

Australia’s finance salaries reflect a mix of foundational accounting roles, analytical positions, and senior leadership pathways: 

 
How much do accountants earn in Australia 

So, how much do accountants earn today? SEEK data shows the average accountant salary in Australia typically ranges from $80k to $95k per year, with earnings influenced by experience, certification, industry and whether the role sits in public practice or commercial accounting. 

Accountant salaries by city & region (Australia) 

• Kalgoorlie, Goldfields & Esperance leads regional earnings, averaging around $131,250, making it one of the most lucrative locations for accountants in Australia. 
• Launceston & the North East follows with an average salary of $110,450, supported by strong demand in commercial, industrial, and public-sector accounting roles. 
• The Fleurieu Peninsula & Kangaroo Island region also offers competitive salaries of around $109.5k, driven by growing needs across tourism, agriculture, and small-business advisory. 
• Albury and Port Macquarie–Mid North Coast both report average earnings of $105k, reflecting steady demand for accountants across regional commercial and community sectors. 
• Other strong regional centres, including Bunbury & South West and Dubbo & Central NSW, offer average salaries between $97.5k and $100k, giving accountants strong opportunities outside major metropolitan areas. 

Accountant salaries by state (Australia) 

• The Australian Capital Territory records the highest statewide average at around $88,750, supported by consistent demand within government, policy, and regulatory finance roles. 
• Western Australia follows at approximately $87,500, driven by mining, resources, and large-scale infrastructure projects. 
• New South Wales and Queensland both sit at around $85k, reflecting strong commercial and professional services markets. 
• Victoria reports an average salary of $82.5k, while South Australia follows closely at $81k, offering steady opportunities within manufacturing, public sector, and SME accounting. 
• The Northern Territory and Tasmania record lower statewide averages of $78k and $72.5k, respectively, though skills shortages in regional areas may support faster progression for early-career accountants. 

These figures show that while major states like NSW and Queensland offer strong employment opportunities, several regional centres provide even higher earning potential for accountants willing to relocate or explore roles in high-demand markets. 

Highest paid accountant 

Below are key specialised pathways, each contributing to the top tier of earning potential in the finance sector. 

Financial Controller salary 

Financial Controllers are senior finance leaders responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, and the integrity of a company’s financial systems. They oversee accounting teams, guide internal controls, support strategic planning, and ensure the business meets all regulatory and audit requirements. 

• Average salary: AUD $160k-$180k per year  
• Earnings can increase significantly in larger organisations, where the scale of operations, reporting complexity, and leadership responsibilities drive compensation well above the national average. 

Head of Finance salary 

Heads of Finance lead the full finance function within an organisation, overseeing financial strategy, long-term planning, cash flow management, and high-level commercial decision-making. They partner closely with executive teams, guide performance across divisions, and ensure financial sustainability at a strategic level. 

• Average salary: AUD $180k-$200k per year  
• Salaries rise sharply in mid-to-large companies or ASX-listed environments, where broader commercial influence and higher accountability significantly elevate total remuneration. 

Financial Planner salary 

Financial Planners help individuals and businesses manage wealth, prepare for retirement, and optimise long-term financial outcomes. They assess client needs, provide tailored advice on investments and superannuation, and navigate regulatory and compliance requirements across financial advice. 

• Average salary: AUD $120k-$140k per year  
• High performers can earn substantially more, especially where advisory fees, commissions, and strong client portfolios contribute to well-above-average total compensation. 

Financial Analyst salary 

Financial Analysts evaluate financial performance, forecast trends, and support commercial decision-making across budgeting, reporting, and strategic initiatives. They work closely with operational and executive teams to provide insights that drive profitability and business growth. 

• Average salary: AUD $105k-$125k per year  
• Earnings can rise as skills broaden and responsibilities increase, particularly in companies offering structured development pathways toward full accountant or analyst roles. 

Assistant Accountant salary 

Assistant Accountants support daily accounting operations, including reconciliations, reporting preparation, ledger management, and month-end processes. They work closely with senior accountants and finance managers to maintain accurate financial records and support broader finance activities. 

• Average salary: AUD $60k-$70k per year  
• Earnings can rise as skills broaden and responsibilities increase, particularly in companies offering structured development pathways toward full accountant or analyst roles. 

Finance Broker salary 

Finance Brokers act as intermediaries between clients and lenders, helping individuals and businesses secure suitable financing solutions. They assess client needs, compare loan products, negotiate terms, and guide customers through the lending process across mortgages, commercial loans, or asset finance. 

• Average salary: AUD $115k-$135k per year  
• Top brokers can earn significantly more through commissions and performance-based incentives, particularly in competitive lending markets or high-value commercial finance sectors. 

Explore more finance salaries in Australia 

Whether you’re exploring senior pathways like Head of Finance or Financial Controller, or considering entry-level opportunities such as graduate or assistant accounting roles, Australia’s finance sector continues to offer strong earning potential across multiple specialisations. 

If you’re keen to learn more and plan out your career path, you can explore our career insights and get access to salary comparison tools to explore up-to-date salary information across various finance and accounting roles. Compare how your current position measures up, and identify potential new career paths in Australia’s growing finance industry. 

Source: SEEK data, roles based on average advertised salaries of over $150,000 for job ads listed on SEEK from July 23 to June 24 to July 24 to June 25. A minimum threshold of job ads on SEEK is required for a role to appear in this table.