iSydney

Finance Jobs Salary in Sydney, Australia

Sydney is Australia's largest financial centre and a major employment market for banking, financial services, investment management, insurance, accounting, risk, compliance, wealth management and fintech.

Finance salaries in Sydney vary substantially according to the occupation, experience, employer, industry, qualifications, technical skills and compensation structure. A financial analyst, financial accountant, investment professional, compliance officer and finance manager can therefore have very different salaries.

Quick answer:

There is no single salary that represents every finance job in Sydney. Current 2026 salary data from Robert Half provides Sydney-specific benchmarks for several finance occupations. A Financial Analyst is listed at approximately A$114,450–A$136,250, with A$125,350 at the 50th percentile. A Financial Controller in financial services is listed at approximately A$174,400–A$234,350, with A$201,650 at the 50th percentile.

For a Finance Manager in financial services, the Sydney benchmark is approximately A$152,600–A$190,750, while a Compliance Officer is approximately A$92,650–A$136,250.

These Robert Half salary figures are gross annual starting salaries and exclude bonuses, benefits and superannuation. They are salary benchmarks rather than guaranteed individual salaries.

A$125,350

Sydney financial analyst
50th percentile

A$168,950

Finance Manager in financial services
50th percentile

A$201,650

Financial Controller in financial services
50th percentile

Sydney Finance Salary Guide Contents

Finance Salary in Sydney: Overview

Finance is a broad career category. Sydney's financial-services market includes banking, investment management, wealth management, insurance, superannuation, accounting, financial analysis, corporate finance, risk management, compliance, financial crime, treasury and fintech.

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the Australian Financial and Insurance Services industry employed approximately 546,000 people and had median weekly earnings of A$2,163. The industry includes banking, insurance, superannuation and other financial services.

These are Australian industry figures rather than Sydney-only figures. Sydney, however, is one of Australia's major concentrations of financial-services employment, so Sydney-specific recruitment salary guides are particularly useful when assessing a local job offer.

Because finance contains many different professions, salary comparisons are more useful when made by occupation rather than by using one generic "finance salary".

Finance Jobs Salary in Sydney by Profession

The following table uses current 2026 Robert Half salary benchmarks where Sydney-specific data is available. Robert Half describes its 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles as representing candidates with different levels of experience and skills.

The figures are gross annual salaries and exclude bonuses, benefits and superannuation.

Finance profession Sydney salary benchmark 50th percentile
Financial Analyst A$114,450 – A$136,250 A$125,350
Senior Financial Analyst A$136,250 – A$163,500 A$141,700
Business Analyst – Finance & Accounting A$119,900 – A$141,700 A$130,800
Finance Manager – Financial Services A$152,600 – A$190,750 A$168,950
Financial Controller – Financial Services A$174,400 – A$234,350 A$201,650
Financial Accountant – Financial Services A$114,450 – A$136,250 A$125,350
Senior Financial Accountant – Financial Services A$141,700 – A$174,400 A$158,050
Compliance Officer A$92,650 – A$136,250 A$114,450
Compliance Manager A$147,150 – A$185,300 A$158,050
Operational Risk Analyst A$81,750 – A$136,250 A$114,450
Credit Risk Analyst A$65,400 – A$92,650 A$81,750

Source: Robert Half Australia 2026 salary data for Sydney. These are gross annual salary benchmarks excluding bonuses, benefits and superannuation. Different salary guides may use different methodologies, so the figures should be compared as market indicators rather than exact market rates.

Financial Analyst Salary in Sydney

Financial analysts work with financial data to help organisations understand performance, forecast future results, prepare budgets and make commercial decisions. They can work in financial services, corporate finance, investment businesses, consulting and many other industries.

The current 2026 Robert Half Sydney benchmark for a Financial Analyst is approximately A$114,450 to A$136,250, with A$125,350 at the 50th percentile.

For Senior Financial Analysts in Sydney, the benchmark is approximately A$136,250 to A$163,500, with A$141,700 at the 50th percentile.

Relevant skills include:

Read the complete Financial Analyst Salary in Sydney guide →

Investment Banker Salary in Sydney

Investment banking is a specialised part of Sydney's financial-services market. Investment bankers may work on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, corporate advisory, equity markets, debt markets and other transactions.

Investment-banking compensation can differ substantially from ordinary finance and accounting salaries because bonuses and transaction-related compensation can represent an important part of total remuneration.

There is therefore no single investment-banker salary that applies to every Sydney employee. Analysts, associates, vice presidents, directors and managing directors operate in different compensation markets.

When comparing an investment-banking offer, consider:

Read the complete Investment Banker Salary in Sydney guide →

Investment Analyst Salary in Sydney

Investment analysts research companies, securities, markets and industries. They may work for investment banks, asset managers, superannuation funds, private wealth businesses, family offices and other investment organisations.

Investment analyst compensation varies according to investment strategy, employer, experience and whether the role is connected with institutional investment or private wealth.

Useful skills include:

Read the Investment Analyst Salary in Sydney guide →

Portfolio Manager Salary in Sydney

Portfolio managers make investment decisions and manage portfolios according to investment objectives, risk parameters and client or institutional requirements.

Portfolio-management compensation can vary significantly according to assets under management, investment strategy, performance responsibilities, employer and seniority.

For this reason, portfolio-manager compensation should be assessed using a specialised investment salary benchmark rather than the average salary for the wider finance sector.

Read the Portfolio Manager Salary in Sydney guide →

Banking Jobs Salary in Sydney

Banking is one of the largest parts of the Australian financial-services industry. Sydney hosts substantial operations of Australia's major banks as well as international banks, investment firms, wealth managers and specialist financial institutions.

Banking careers include:

Private Banking and Wealth Management

Private banking and wealth-management professionals work with high-net-worth clients and may provide investment, lending and broader financial services. Compensation varies according to experience, client relationships, assets managed, responsibility and employer.

Corporate Banking

Corporate bankers work with businesses and institutions on lending, credit, cash management and other financial services.

Investment Banking

Investment banking includes areas such as mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, corporate advisory and transaction execution.

Retail Banking

Retail banking includes customer service, lending, branch banking, relationship management, operations and financial products for individuals and small businesses.

Investment and Asset Management Jobs in Sydney

Sydney's financial-services market includes investment managers, superannuation funds, asset managers, private wealth businesses and institutional investors.

Jobs in this part of finance can include:

Financial Investment Advisers and Managers

Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time earnings of A$2,582 per week for Financial Investment Advisers and Managers nationally, based on ABS earnings data for May 2025.

This is an Australian occupation figure rather than a Sydney salary and includes both advisers and managers, so it should not be treated as a direct Sydney portfolio-manager salary.

Accounting and Controlling Salaries in Sydney

Accounting is an important part of the wider finance employment market. Accountants work across banking, insurance, technology, property, healthcare, manufacturing, professional services and other industries.

Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time earnings of approximately A$2,003 per week for accountants nationally, based on May 2025 ABS earnings data.

Sydney-specific salary benchmarks can differ according to industry and seniority.

Financial Accountant Salary in Sydney

Robert Half's 2026 Sydney benchmark for a Financial Accountant in financial services is approximately A$114,450 to A$136,250, with A$125,350 at the 50th percentile.

The work can include:

Read the Financial Accountant Salary in Sydney guide →

Senior Financial Accountant Salary in Sydney

The 2026 Sydney benchmark for a Senior Financial Accountant in financial services is approximately A$141,700 to A$174,400, with A$158,050 at the 50th percentile.

Read the Senior Financial Accountant Salary in Sydney guide →

Finance Manager Salary in Sydney

Finance managers are responsible for financial planning, reporting, forecasting, budgeting, performance analysis and financial decision support.

For Finance Managers in financial services, the current 2026 Sydney benchmark is approximately A$152,600 to A$190,750, with A$168,950 at the 50th percentile.

Read the Finance Manager Salary in Sydney guide →

Financial Controller Salary in Sydney

Financial controllers have responsibility for financial reporting, controls, planning, accounting processes and financial performance.

The current 2026 Sydney benchmark for a Financial Controller in financial services is approximately A$174,400 to A$234,350, with A$201,650 at the 50th percentile.

Read the Financial Controller Salary in Sydney guide →

Risk Management and Compliance Salaries in Sydney

Risk management and compliance are major employment areas within Australian financial services. Banks, insurers, superannuation organisations, investment businesses and fintech companies all require risk and compliance functions.

Robert Half's 2026 Australian financial-services salary guide identifies ongoing skills shortages in risk and compliance and reports that regulatory requirements and technology are important influences on hiring.

Operational Risk Analyst Salary in Sydney

The current 2026 Sydney benchmark for an Operational Risk Analyst is approximately A$81,750 to A$136,250, with A$114,450 at the 50th percentile.

Related operational-risk benchmarks include approximately A$136,250–A$168,950 for an Operational Risk Manager and A$168,950–A$212,550 for a Senior Operational Risk Manager.

Read the Risk Manager Salary in Sydney guide →

Credit Risk Analyst Salary in Sydney

The current 2026 Sydney benchmark for a Credit Risk Analyst is approximately A$65,400 to A$92,650, with A$81,750 at the 50th percentile.

The benchmark for a Credit Risk Manager is approximately A$136,250 to A$158,050.

Read the Credit Risk Analyst Salary in Sydney guide →

Compliance Officer Salary in Sydney

The current 2026 Sydney benchmark for a Compliance Officer is approximately A$92,650 to A$136,250, with A$114,450 at the 50th percentile.

Compliance work can involve regulatory monitoring, policies, controls, regulatory change, reporting, investigations and financial-services obligations.

Read the complete Compliance Officer Salary in Sydney guide →

Compliance Manager Salary in Sydney

The current 2026 Sydney benchmark for a Compliance Manager is approximately A$147,150 to A$185,300, with A$158,050 at the 50th percentile.

At more senior levels, the benchmark for a Head of Compliance is approximately A$201,650 to A$299,750.

Read the Compliance Manager Salary in Sydney guide →

Financial Crime and AML

Financial crime professionals work on areas such as anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, transaction monitoring, fraud, customer due diligence and investigations.

Financial crime and AML roles are particularly relevant to banks, fintechs, payment companies, investment firms and other regulated businesses.

Finance Salary in Sydney by Experience

Experience is an important factor in finance compensation, but it is not the only one. Technical expertise, professional qualifications, employer, industry, management responsibility and revenue or client responsibility can all influence salary.

Experience Typical career stage Examples of roles
0–2 years Entry level Graduate, analyst, junior accountant, assistant
3–5 years Early career Analyst, accountant, associate, specialist
6–8 years Experienced professional Senior analyst, manager, specialist
9–12 years Senior professional Senior manager, senior specialist, VP-level roles
12–20 years Leadership / senior specialist Director, senior manager, senior investment professional
20+ years Executive / highly experienced Executive, managing director, head of function

Entry-Level Finance Salary in Sydney

Entry-level finance salaries vary significantly between professions. A graduate accountant, financial analyst, investment-banking analyst and technology-focused finance analyst may have different salary structures.

Common entry-level roles include:

Senior Finance Salary in Sydney

Senior finance professionals can move into management, specialist or revenue-generating roles. Salary progression is often affected by leadership responsibility, technical expertise, client relationships, business impact and the complexity of the organisation.

Senior positions can include:

Bonus, Superannuation and Total Compensation in Sydney Finance Jobs

Australian finance compensation should not be compared using base salary alone. Depending on the position, an employee may receive base salary, superannuation, annual bonuses, commissions, performance incentives and other benefits.

Robert Half's 2026 salary benchmarks used on this page are specifically described as gross yearly salaries that exclude bonuses, benefits and superannuation.

Important when comparing Sydney finance offers:

Always check whether an advertised figure is a base salary or a total remuneration package. In Australia, some job advertisements quote salary plus superannuation, while others quote a package that already includes superannuation.

The superannuation guarantee rate increased to 12% from 1 July 2025, so the treatment of superannuation can make a significant difference when comparing offers.

What Can Be Included in a Finance Compensation Package?

Finance Roles With Strong Salary Potential in Sydney

Compensation differs substantially between finance occupations. Roles with greater management responsibility, specialised technical knowledge, client responsibility, investment responsibility or regulatory accountability can have higher salary ranges.

Examples of senior or specialised finance careers include:

This does not mean that every employee in these professions receives a high salary. Actual compensation depends on seniority, employer, qualifications, performance, specialisation and the responsibilities of the position.

Finance Salary in Sydney vs Other Australian Cities

Sydney is one of Australia's major financial centres, but finance professionals can also consider Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra.

Salary differences between Australian cities can be affected by the industry mix, employer concentration, cost of living, specialisation and demand for particular skills.

Finance Jobs in Sydney for Foreigners

Sydney's finance industry includes international banks, multinational companies, global investment organisations and locally headquartered financial institutions. This creates opportunities for professionals with international backgrounds, but employment eligibility remains important.

International applicants should check:

Some financial-services roles may also have specific citizenship, security, regulatory or professional requirements.

Jobs in Sydney for Foreigners →

Do You Need Australian Qualifications for Finance Jobs?

Not every finance position requires an Australian qualification. Employers may accept relevant overseas degrees and professional experience, particularly for international finance, technology, investment and specialist roles.

However, particular regulated occupations can have additional Australian requirements. Financial advisers and other regulated financial-services roles should be checked against current ASIC and professional standards.

English Requirements for Finance Jobs in Sydney

English is the primary language used in Australia's financial-services industry. Strong written and spoken English is therefore important for most professional finance roles.

The required level depends on the position. Client-facing, advisory, compliance, legal and management positions can require particularly strong communication skills.

Finance Employers in Sydney

Sydney has a broad financial-services ecosystem containing major Australian banks, international banks, investment groups, wealth managers, insurers, superannuation organisations, fintech companies and professional-services firms.

Major Banking Employers

Other Finance Employers

Finance and Fintech Jobs in Sydney

Finance and technology increasingly overlap. Australian financial institutions employ technology professionals in software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, automation and digital banking.

This creates career opportunities for people who combine finance knowledge with technology skills.

IT Jobs Salary in Sydney →

Finance Jobs in Sydney Without Experience

People entering finance without substantial professional experience can consider graduate programs, internships, junior analyst positions, accounting roles, audit positions and support roles.

Useful skills for entry-level candidates include:

Jobs in Sydney Without Experience →

Qualifications for Finance Jobs in Sydney

Common educational backgrounds include:

Professional qualifications can also be useful depending on the career path. For example, accounting careers may benefit from CPA or CA qualifications, while investment careers may consider qualifications such as CFA. Requirements vary by employer and profession.

How to Increase Your Finance Salary in Sydney

Finance Salary and Cost of Living in Sydney

Sydney is one of Australia's most expensive major cities, particularly for housing. A finance professional should therefore compare salary with expected living expenses rather than looking only at gross annual income.

Important costs include:

  • Rent or mortgage
  • Utilities
  • Groceries
  • Transport
  • Health expenses
  • Childcare
  • Insurance
  • Entertainment
  • Education

Sydney Rent Prices →

Monthly Expenses in Sydney →

Cheapest Areas to Live in Sydney →

Finance Gross Salary vs Net Salary in Sydney

Finance salaries advertised in Australia are generally gross salaries before income tax. Your actual take-home pay depends on taxable income, tax offsets, Medicare levy, salary-sacrifice arrangements, HELP debt where applicable and other individual circumstances.

Superannuation should also be distinguished from take-home salary. Employer superannuation is generally paid into your super fund rather than being received as ordinary monthly cash salary.

For example, an advertised salary package of A$150,000 is not necessarily the same thing as A$150,000 base salary plus superannuation.

When comparing finance job offers, check exactly what the advertised number includes.

Calculate Gross Salary to Net Salary in Sydney →

Official Australian Salary Information

Jobs and Skills Australia publishes occupation and industry information using Australian labour-market and ABS data. Its Financial and Insurance Services industry profile provides national employment and earnings information.

For example, Jobs and Skills Australia currently reports:

  • Approximately 546,000 workers in Financial and Insurance Services nationally.
  • Median weekly earnings of approximately A$2,163 for the industry.
  • Median full-time weekly earnings of approximately A$2,582 for Financial Investment Advisers and Managers.
  • Median full-time weekly earnings of approximately A$2,003 for Accountants.

These figures are national rather than Sydney-specific and should therefore be used as Australian occupation or industry benchmarks rather than as exact Sydney salary figures.

For Sydney-specific salary comparisons, specialist recruitment salary guides can provide more geographically targeted benchmarks.

Jobs and Skills Australia – Financial & Insurance Services

Robert Half Australia – 2026 Financial Services Salary Guide

Robert Half Australia – 2026 Finance & Accounting Salary Guide

Financial Services Regulation in Australia

Australia's financial-services sector is regulated by several institutions. ASIC regulates companies, financial markets and financial-services businesses, while APRA has prudential responsibilities for banks, insurers and superannuation institutions.

ASIC states that businesses providing financial services generally need an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence unless an exemption applies or the business operates as an authorised representative of another licensee.

This regulatory environment creates employment opportunities in:

  • Compliance
  • Risk management
  • Regulatory affairs
  • Financial crime
  • Internal audit
  • Governance
  • Legal services
  • RegTech
  • Operational resilience

The Financial Accountability Regime is another important part of the regulatory environment for banking, insurance and superannuation organisations. It is jointly administered by ASIC and APRA.

ASIC Financial Services

Finance Salary Negotiation in Sydney

Salary negotiation is especially important in finance because remuneration may contain several components.

Before accepting an offer, check:

It is also useful to compare your offer with a current Sydney salary benchmark for the exact occupation and seniority rather than comparing it with a generic finance salary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finance Salaries in Sydney

What is the average finance salary in Sydney?

There is no single reliable average for all finance jobs in Sydney because the sector includes accountants, financial analysts, bankers, investment professionals, risk specialists, compliance professionals, controllers and finance managers. Current 2026 salary benchmarks vary substantially by occupation.

How much does a financial analyst earn in Sydney?

The 2026 Robert Half benchmark for a Financial Analyst in Sydney is approximately A$114,450 to A$136,250, with A$125,350 at the 50th percentile. The figures exclude bonuses, benefits and superannuation.

How much does a senior financial analyst earn in Sydney?

The current Sydney benchmark for a Senior Financial Analyst is approximately A$136,250 to A$163,500, with A$141,700 at the 50th percentile.

How much does a finance manager earn in Sydney?

For Finance Managers in financial services, the current Sydney benchmark is approximately A$152,600 to A$190,750, with A$168,950 at the 50th percentile.

How much does a financial controller earn in Sydney?

The 2026 Sydney benchmark for a Financial Controller in financial services is approximately A$174,400 to A$234,350, with A$201,650 at the 50th percentile.

How much does a compliance officer earn in Sydney?

The current Sydney benchmark for a Compliance Officer is approximately A$92,650 to A$136,250, with A$114,450 at the 50th percentile.

How much does a compliance manager earn in Sydney?

The current Sydney benchmark for a Compliance Manager is approximately A$147,150 to A$185,300, with A$158,050 at the 50th percentile.

How much does an operational risk analyst earn in Sydney?

The 2026 Sydney benchmark for an Operational Risk Analyst is approximately A$81,750 to A$136,250, with A$114,450 at the 50th percentile.

How much does a credit risk analyst earn in Sydney?

The current Sydney benchmark for a Credit Risk Analyst is approximately A$65,400 to A$92,650, with A$81,750 at the 50th percentile.

How much does a financial accountant earn in Sydney?

The current Sydney benchmark for a Financial Accountant in financial services is approximately A$114,450 to A$136,250, with A$125,350 at the 50th percentile.

Are finance jobs well paid in Sydney?

Finance contains a wide range of occupations with substantially different salary levels. Senior financial control, management, specialist risk, investment and compliance roles can have very different compensation structures from entry-level accounting and support positions.

Can foreigners get finance jobs in Sydney?

International professionals can apply for finance jobs when they have the appropriate Australian work rights and meet the employer's requirements. Visa conditions, sponsorship availability, qualifications and professional requirements should be checked for each position.

Do finance jobs in Sydney require Australian qualifications?

Not every finance role requires an Australian qualification. Overseas degrees and professional experience may be accepted, particularly for international and specialist positions. Some regulated roles have additional requirements.

Do finance jobs in Sydney require professional certification?

It depends on the occupation. Accounting, investment, financial advice, risk and compliance roles can have different educational and professional requirements. Employers may value qualifications such as CPA, CA, CFA or specialist compliance certifications depending on the position.

Does a Sydney salary include superannuation?

Not necessarily. Australian job advertisements can quote base salary plus superannuation or a total remuneration package that includes superannuation. Always check the wording of the offer.

How much is superannuation in Australia?

The superannuation guarantee rate increased to 12% from 1 July 2025. The way superannuation is presented in a particular employment offer should still be checked carefully.

What is the difference between gross and net finance salary?

Gross salary is the amount before personal income tax and other applicable deductions. Net salary is the amount available after applicable deductions. Superannuation is generally treated separately from ordinary take-home pay.

What is the highest-paying finance job in Sydney?

There is no single salary that applies to every person in a finance profession. Senior investment, portfolio-management, executive, financial-control, compliance-leadership and other specialised positions can have substantially different compensation structures, particularly when bonuses or incentives are included.

Is Sydney a major financial centre in Australia?

Yes. Sydney has a large concentration of banks, financial-services businesses, investment firms, professional-services firms, insurers, wealth managers and fintech companies. The broader Australian Financial and Insurance Services industry employed approximately 546,000 people according to current Jobs and Skills Australia data.

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Last reviewed: September 2026. Salary figures are market indicators and can change as new salary data becomes available. Sydney-specific figures on this page are primarily based on current 2026 Robert Half salary benchmarks. National occupation and industry statistics are identified separately. Actual compensation varies according to occupation, experience, employer, industry, qualifications, responsibilities, bonuses, superannuation and individual circumstances.