The Shift in the Financial Controller Role Across Funds Management, Superannuation & FinTech
The Shift in the Financial Controller Role In recent months, we’ve observed a marked rise in demand for Financial Controllers across Funds Management, Superannuation, and FinTech sectors. Compensation data aligns with this trend, reaffirming that these roles now command higher salaries and expectations. Compensation Trends: What the Numbers Show Average base packages for Financial Controllers…
Published on September 9, 2025
Hayley Ashall
The Shift in the Financial Controller Role
In recent months, we’ve observed a marked rise in demand for Financial Controllers across Funds Management, Superannuation, and FinTech sectors. Compensation data aligns with this trend, reaffirming that these roles now command higher salaries and expectations. Compensation Trends: What the Numbers Show
Average base packages for Financial Controllers range between A$150,000 and A$175,000, with senior roles frequently exceeding A$200,000. Total remuneration can reach up to A$265,000, particularly when candidates bring both technical depth and commercial leadership. This reflects an increasingly competitive market for financial leadership.
Why the Surge?
Three structural forces are reshaping the Financial Controller role:
- Industry Consolidation
Structural shifts, especially in superannuation and funds, have created demand for leader’s adept at navigating complex integrations and reinforcing financial governance. - Heightened Regulatory Expectations
With scrutiny on governance and oversight rising, Controllers are now critical in interpreting regulatory guidance and integrating it into operations. - Evolving Role Scope
Controllers are evolving from guardians of financial accuracy to strategic partners. They’re now expected to drive budgeting, forecasting, cross-functional collaboration, and business-led financial insights.
What Did the 2024 EY Survey Reveal?
EY’s 2024 “DNA of the Financial Controller” research offers compelling data on this evolution:
- A striking 86% of controllers expect their roles to change significantly over the next five years, with 26% anticipating a completely new and unfamiliar skill set.
- The most common vision for the future? Transitioning into roles that emphasize value creation, not just value protection or optimization, cited by 39% of survey respondents.
- The concept of the “Age of And” captures this dual expectation: maintain accuracy and compliance while also driving innovation, value, and strategic growth.
- A subset of “confident controllers” are already leading on technology and innovation: 37% of this group actively drive innovation, compared to 25% of their peers.
- Despite this, many controllers remain focused on cost efficiency (46%), rather than fully harnessing technology to create value.
What’s Happening in Super & Wealth?
The AFR Super & Wealth Summit (October 30, 2025) signals the urgency in this evolution:
- With Australia’s A$4 trillion superannuation system under growing regulatory scrutiny, funds are prioritizing governance, member outcomes, and longevity exposure.
- For Financial Controllers, this means their financial oversight roles are intertwined more than ever with strategy, in investment, risk, governance, and member-centric outcomes.
Key Takeaways for Finance Professionals & Businesses
For Senior Finance Professionals
- Benchmark Wisely: Understand where your compensation falls within market norms. Strategic leadership demands strategic remuneration.
- Own the Narrative: Use your CV and discussions to highlight not just governance and reporting skills, but also data insights, technology integration, and strategic advisory.
- Champion Future Skills: Familiarity with data analytics, AI, ESG frameworks, and digital financial processes will distinguish you as a future-ready controller.
For Businesses Hiring Controllers
- Redefine the brief: Prioritise candidates who offer both financial rigor and forward-looking strategy.
- Set expectations clearly: If you value innovation and transformation, say so—ambitious Controllers will respond.
- Support transformation: Enable your team with tools, data access, and training to evolve beyond traditional controllership.
Final Thoughts
Published on September 9, 2025
Hayley Ashall
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