Financial Controller Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Financial Controllers in Sydney earn a median salary of $187,500 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $160,000 and $252,500. That sits 97% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 30 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 46th percentile by listing volume in Sydney
💰 Financial Controller · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$160,000 – $252,500
Median: $187,500
Aug $195k
Sep $187k
↓ Trending down

Based on 2-month data, short-term movement only.

Mid level $160,000 – $252,500
Overall $160k–$252k Mid $160k–$252k $155k $176k $197k $218k $239k $260k
Moderate confidence 30 listings · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 30 job listings for this role and city, 96.7% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 53.3% stated a salary directly. The remaining 46.7% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $160,000 Median  $187,500 $252,500  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

The median fell $7,500 to $187,000 with listings flat at 30. Melbourne is the only other market with enough listings to compare and it sits at $160,000, giving Sydney a $27,000 lead. At 97.4% above the city median this is the highest-paying finance role in Sydney and one of the highest-paying non-executive titles in this report. At 53% salary disclosure the figure is well supported. The $160,000 floor is exactly what finance managers earn as a median.

Take Home Pay (based on median $187,500)

Weekly (net)
~$2,475
Monthly (net)
~$10,726
Annual (net)
~$128,708
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $209,062

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Financial Controller in Sydney?
The $160,000 floor assumes CA or CPA qualification plus several years of management experience, so there is no direct entry. Finance manager at $160,000 is the usual feeder, meaning the floor here equals the median there. Group consolidations, board reporting and audit ownership are what define the role.
Is $187,500 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $187,000 a financial controller earns 97.4% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $2,475 a week against high living costs. It pays $27,000 more than finance management in the same city, a clearer step than the equivalent gap in most markets. Melbourne pays $27,000 less for the same title.
How much does a Senior Financial Controller make in Sydney?
The ceiling is $252,000, reached through group-level responsibility at larger organisations rather than a different title. Company size and entity complexity are the levers. CFO and head of finance roles sit above this range but rarely appear in advertised listings.

Other roles in Sydney

Financial Controller salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $187,500 0%
Melbourne $160,000 -15%

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.