Financial Controller Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Financial Controllers in Sydney earn a median salary of $165,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $140,500 and $222,000. That sits 74% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 33 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 49th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↓ -2 listings vs last month
💰 Financial Controller · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$140,500 – $222,000
Median: $165,000
Jun $170k
Jul $165k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $140,250 – $223,500
Overall $140k–$222k Mid $140k–$223k $136k $154k $173k $192k $211k $230k
Moderate confidence 33 listings (-2 vs last month) · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 33 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 52.9% stated a salary directly. The remaining 47.1% 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%  $140,500 Median  $165,000 $222,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

The median fell $5,000 to $165,000 with listings flat at 33. No other city carries enough listings under this title to compare. At 73.7% above the city median this is one of the best-paid finance roles in Sydney, though it sits only $5,000 above finance manager at $160,000, which is a narrow gap for a step up in seniority. At 53% salary disclosure the figure is well supported.

Take Home Pay (based on median $165,000)

Weekly (net)
~$2,223
Monthly (net)
~$9,632
Annual (net)
~$115,583
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $183,975

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 $140,000 floor assumes CA or CPA qualification plus several years of management experience, so there is no direct entry. Finance manager at $160,000 and senior financial accountant roles are the usual feeders. Group consolidations, board reporting and audit ownership are what define the role.
Is $165,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Yes. At $165,000 a financial controller earns 73.7% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $2,223 a week against high living costs. The caveat is the narrow $5,000 gap to finance manager, so the promotion is worth less than the title suggests. The $222,000 ceiling is where the real difference shows.
How much does a Senior Financial Controller make in Sydney?
The ceiling is $222,000, 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

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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.