Financial controller salary: award coverage versus award-free minimum rates
For an award-free adult financial controller, the legal minimum is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (before tax), with 12% super on top.
Understanding the financial controller salary in Australia
When researching a financial controller salary, it is essential to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated packages. This guide explains the pay floor that applies and how typical market rates compare, using current public figures from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, and Glassdoor.
Legal minimums: award-free versus award coverage
Most financial controllers are not covered by a modern award because they hold managerial or professional roles that fall outside award classifications. For award-free adult employees, the national minimum wage applies. As of 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (before tax). Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. Which minimum wage applies provides a full breakdown of rates.
If a financial controller is covered by an award—for example, the Clerks Award or Professional Employees Award—the award rate applies instead. Award rates are generally higher than the national minimum. However, many financial controllers are classified above the highest award level, meaning they are award-free. Always check your employment contract or use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to determine coverage. [Rate tables](/rates] show the current award minimums for various classifications.
Survey averages and negotiated salaries
Market data from Glassdoor reports an average base salary for a financial controller in Australia of $145,000 per year (approximately $73.37 per hour based on a 38-hour week). The typical range is $119,000 to $170,000 base, with additional cash compensation averaging $15,000. This is a survey average, not a legal minimum. Actual pay varies by experience, location, company size, and industry.
It is important to note that the legal minimum is far lower than the survey average. An award-free financial controller must be paid at least $26.44 per hour, but market rates are typically much higher. Employers often negotiate salaries well above the floor, and enterprise agreements can set higher minimums.
Superannuation guarantee
All salary figures discussed are before tax. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. For a financial controller earning $1,004.90 per week, the employer adds $120.59 in super, making the total employment cost $1,125.49 per week. Super is not included in the salary quoted in job advertisements or award rates.
Summary
When evaluating a financial controller salary, start by determining whether you are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. If award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is the floor. Market rates from Glassdoor suggest an average base of $145,000 per year, but this is a survey figure, not a legal requirement. Always consider super as an additional employer cost. For more details on how rates are calculated, see How the figures work.
Questions people ask next
What is the minimum wage for a financial controller in Australia?
If the financial controller is award-free (not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement), the minimum is the national minimum wage: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. If covered by an award (e.g., Clerks Award but typically financial controllers are above award classifications), the award rate applies and is usually higher. Always check your specific award or agreement.
Is a financial controller covered by a modern award?
Most financial controllers hold managerial or professional roles that are excluded from modern awards. Awards generally cover employees up to a certain classification level. If you have significant management responsibilities or a professional qualification, you are likely award-free. However, some financial controllers in lower-level roles may fall under the Clerks Award or Professional Employees Award. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to check coverage.
Does the superannuation guarantee is paid on top of the financial controller salary?
Yes. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee (super) on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a financial controller earning $1,004.90 per week, the employer adds $120.59 in super, making total employment cost $1,125.49 per week. Super is not part of the salary figure quoted in job ads or award rates.
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