Financial Controller Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Financial Controllers in Sydney earn a median salary of $170,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $150,000 and $203,000. That sits 79% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 35 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 53th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↓ -3 listings vs last month
💰 Financial Controller · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$150,000 – $203,000
Median: $170,000
May $182k
Jun $170k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $150,000 – $200,000
Overall $150k–$203k Mid $150k–$200k $145k $158k $170k $183k $196k $209k
Moderate confidence 35 listings (-3 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

Where does your salary sit?
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Bottom 10%  $150,000 Median  $170,000 $203,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Financial controller is the highest-paid role in this Sydney batch at $170k, 79% above the city's all-roles median, yet the number is falling: it dropped $12,500 in a month as listings slipped from 38 to 35. That combination of very high pay and softening demand suggests the top of the finance market is cooling. The $150k to $203k range is narrow for the level, reflecting a well-defined senior band.

Take Home Pay (based on median $170,000)

Weekly (net)
~$2,281
Monthly (net)
~$9,886
Annual (net)
~$118,633
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $189,550

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?
Financial controller is a senior role with no junior entry point, and the band starts at $150k. The path in runs through senior accounting and finance management: a CA or CPA plus experience owning the full accounting function and statutory reporting is the baseline, not the differentiator.
Is $170,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $170k the median runs 79% above Sydney's $95k all-roles median and nets around $119k after tax, comfortable even in a high cost of living city. The one caution is direction: pay eased this month, so this is a strong number that is drifting rather than climbing.
How much does a Senior Financial Controller make in Sydney?
Financial controllers in Sydney reach $203k at the top decile. Getting there means owning group consolidation, audit and board reporting for a larger entity, with the step up being CFO scope where commercial strategy rather than controllership drives pay.

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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.