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Financial Controller

A Financial Controller directs finances, manages budgets, develops strategies, and analyzes data with strong organizational and leadership skills.

How do I become a financial controller

Get qualified to work as a financial controller with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Financial Controller generally earns $2,800 per week ($145,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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This industry has had a moderate increase in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 53,900 Financial Controllers in Australia compared to 50,100 five years ago. Financial Controllers may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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If you’re planning a career as a Financial Controller you could enrol in an Advanced Diploma of Accounting. This course covers topics including working with financial systems, preparing financial reports, auditing financial records and interpreting financial statistics. The qualification allows you to specialise in an area of accounting that best suits your career aspirations.

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Further reading

What can you do with a Diploma of Accounting?

29th September 2021

What can you do with a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping?

18th August 2020

Career Spotlight: Accounting and Taxation Professionals

9th October 2019

All financial controller courses

Financial Controller careers

A Financial Controller oversees the financial direction of a business or organisation. You’ll manage a financial department and balance company budgets. Financial Controllers are also responsible for creating a financial strategy and making accounting forecasts. You might analyse and review financial information and provide advice or make recommendations based on accounting data.

Financial Controllers need to be able to think ahead and make responsible plans for the future. You’ll need to be highly organised and able to oversee the finances of multiple departments at one time. Financial Controllers should have good problem solving skills and be able to think strategically. It’s important that you can communicate with people at all levels of your organisation and you should demonstrate good leadership skills.