How to become a Finance Manager

Also called: Chief Financial Officer, Finance Director, Financial Controller

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the financial and accounting activities within an organisation.

Main tasks

• Determines, implements, monitors, reviews and evaluates budgetary and accounting strategies, policies and plans in consultation with other managers
• Provides financial information and interprets the implications for business performance and funding needs
• Coordinates the development, implementation and monitoring of accounting systems
• Directs the preparation of financial reports that summarise and forecast an organisation's financial position, such as income statements and balance sheets, and analyses future earnings and income
• Advises on investment strategies, sources of funds, and the distribution of earnings
• Delivers long-range profit forecasts, budgeting and financial reports
• Ensures compliance with financial legislation and standards

Ways in

• University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Accounting (FNS60222); Advanced Diploma of Financial Licensing Management (FNS60722); Advanced Diploma of Integrated Risk Management (FNS60822); Diploma of Accounting (FNS50222); Diploma of Credit Management (FNS51522); Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management (FNS50322); Diploma of Superannuation (FNS50722); Graduate Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (FNS80020)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $151,008 a year
• About 76,300 people work in this job group now, and about 93,000 are projected by 2035. (+21.9%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Corporate Services Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Policy and Planning Manager
• Research and Development Manager
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Regulatory Affairs Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Finance Manager?

Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Advanced Diploma of Accounting; Advanced Diploma of Financial Licensing Management.

How much does a Finance Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $151,008 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Finance Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 22% by 2035, from about 76,300 to about 93,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Finance Manager?

Usually. 75% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Finance Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04