Australia boasts a stable and resilient economy, making it an attractive destination for finance professionals. The country's well-regulated financial system is consistently ranked among the best globally, providing a secure foundation for long-term career growth.
From investment banking and financial planning to insurance underwriting and risk management, the sector offers a wide range of roles. This diversity allows professionals to find a career path that aligns with their skills and interests.
Many international financial institutions have a significant presence in Australia. Working in this environment offers the chance to engage in global markets, gain cross-border experience, and build a network of international contacts.
Australia’s finance, banking, and insurance industries are supported by strong governance and oversight from institutions such as the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This creates transparency and trust within the industry.
The sector is experiencing consistent demand for skilled workers, especially in areas like financial technology (FinTech), compliance, cybersecurity, and data analysis. This demand translates into competitive salaries and robust job security.
With the rapid growth of FinTech and InsurTech startups, Australia is becoming a hub for financial innovation. Professionals in the sector can expect to work with cutting-edge technologies and be part of the digital transformation shaping the future of finance.
Australia offers strong pathways for continuing education and professional certification. Institutions such as CPA Australia, FINSIA, and the CFA Institute support career advancement through accredited programs and networking opportunities.
Australian cities consistently rank among the most livable in the world. Finance professionals benefit from a healthy work-life balance, modern infrastructure, and access to quality healthcare and education systems.
Australia isn’t just a destination; it’s a launchpad for international careers in finance, banking, and insurance. With its globally connected markets and multicultural cities, Australia offers a dynamic environment where international candidates can thrive and lead.
Australia actively welcomes skilled professionals through various visa programs, especially in sectors like finance and insurance. If you bring expertise in accounting, fintech, risk management, or compliance, your skills are not just wanted—they're in demand.
Sydney and Melbourne are financial powerhouses in the Asia-Pacific region. Whether you're advising clients in wealth management or analyzing global markets in investment banking, you’ll be working at the heart of international finance.
Australia’s finance and insurance sectors value continuous learning. International professionals can access industry-recognized certifications (like CPA, CFA, or ANZIIF) while gaining hands-on experience in highly regulated and innovative environments.
Where else can you join cutting-edge FinTech projects one day and work on high-stakes insurance modeling the next? Australia offers the best of both worlds—stability from strong governance and excitement from fast-paced digital transformation.
Australia’s workforce is a blend of cultures and perspectives. International professionals are valued not just for their technical skills, but for the global insight they bring. Collaboration here goes beyond borders.
While you’re building your career, you’re also living in one of the safest, cleanest, and most beautiful countries in the world. Whether it’s surfing at Bondi Beach after work or exploring rainforests on weekends, Australia offers unmatched work-life harmony.
For many international candidates, a job in finance or insurance can be the first step toward a new life. Skilled employment in these sectors often aligns with Australia’s long-term migration needs, offering clear routes to permanent residency.
Roles: Financial Analyst, Finance Manager, CFO, Mergers & Acquisitions Analyst
These professionals manage company finances, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning to drive business growth and profitability.
Roles: Chartered Accountant, External Auditor, Internal Auditor, Tax Advisor
Essential for ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards. Many roles require CPA or CA qualifications.
Roles: Investment Banker, Equity Analyst, Corporate Finance Associate
Specialists who work with large corporations, government bodies, and investors to raise capital, manage assets, and provide strategic financial advice.
Roles: Branch Manager, Relationship Manager, Loan Officer, Credit Analyst
Focuses on serving individual and business clients with everyday banking needs, credit, and loan services.
Roles: Risk Manager, Compliance Officer, AML/KYC Analyst, Internal Controls Specialist
These professionals protect financial institutions from legal, regulatory, and reputational risks through monitoring and risk mitigation strategies.
Roles: Underwriter, Claims Assessor, Actuary, Superannuation Consultant
Insurance professionals assess risk and design policies, while superannuation experts help manage retirement funds—a major industry in Australia.
Roles: Financial Planner, Wealth Manager, Investment Advisor, Portfolio Manager
Work with individuals and families to manage their finances, investments, and retirement planning.
Roles: Product Manager, Data Analyst, Blockchain Specialist, Cybersecurity Analyst
A fast-growing area combining finance and technology, offering opportunities in app development, digital payments, robo-advisory, and AI-driven financial services.
Roles: Treasury Analyst, Liquidity Manager, Cash Flow Manager
These roles are crucial in managing a company’s capital, funding strategies, and currency exposure.
Roles: Actuary, Risk Analyst, Pricing Analyst
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to study uncertain future events—especially useful in insurance and superannuation.
Job Title |
Avg. Salary (AUD) |
Avg. Salary (USD) |
Avg. Salary (INR) |
---|---|---|---|
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
250,000 |
167,500 |
14,000,000 |
Investment Banker |
200,000 |
134,000 |
11,200,000 |
Actuary |
180,000 |
120,600 |
10,080,000 |
Risk Manager |
160,000 |
107,200 |
8,960,000 |
Compliance Manager |
150,000 |
100,500 |
8,400,000 |
Finance Manager |
145,000 |
97,150 |
8,120,000 |
Financial Analyst |
120,000 |
80,400 |
6,720,000 |
Data Analyst (Finance) |
115,000 |
77,050 |
6,440,000 |
Financial Planner |
110,000 |
73,700 |
6,160,000 |
Portfolio Manager |
140,000 |
93,800 |
7,840,000 |
Insurance Underwriter |
100,000 |
67,000 |
5,600,000 |
Claims Manager |
105,000 |
70,350 |
5,880,000 |
Superannuation Consultant |
110,000 |
73,700 |
6,160,000 |
Commercial Banker |
125,000 |
83,750 |
7,000,000 |
Treasury Analyst |
115,000 |
77,050 |
6,440,000 |
Credit Analyst |
100,000 |
67,000 |
5,600,000 |
Financial Controller |
155,000 |
103,850 |
8,680,000 |
Wealth Manager |
130,000 |
87,100 |
7,280,000 |
AML/KYC Analyst |
95,000 |
63,650 |
5,320,000 |
FinTech Product Manager |
135,000 |
90,450 |
7,560,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details / Requirements |
---|---|
Work Visa |
Must hold a valid visa with work rights (e.g., Subclass 482 – TSS, Subclass 189/190 – Skilled Migration). |
Educational Qualification |
Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field. |
Professional Certifications |
Preferred/required certifications: CPA Australia, CA ANZ, CFA, FINSIA, RG146 (for financial advice roles). |
English Language Proficiency |
IELTS (usually 6.0–7.0+ overall) or equivalent (PTE, TOEFL) depending on visa and employer requirements. |
Recognition of Overseas Qualifications |
Degrees may need assessment by bodies like CPA Australia, VETASSESS, or ACS. |
Work Experience |
1–5+ years typically required; more for mid/senior roles. Australian experience preferred but not mandatory. |
Background Checks |
Must pass police checks, employment verification, and (for some roles) credit checks. |
Compliance Knowledge |
Understanding of Australian regulations (e.g., ASIC, APRA, AML/CTF laws) is often required or advantageous. |
Technology Skills |
Familiarity with industry tools (e.g., Excel, Xero, SAP, Tableau, financial modeling, SQL) is often required. |
Registration / Licensing |
Financial advisers and insurance brokers must register with ASIC and meet RG146training standards. |
Soft Skills |
Strong communication, analytical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability are essential. |
Occupation on Skilled List |
Roles like Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst are on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
Oversee financial strategy, manage budgets, ensure compliance, and guide corporate financial planning. |
Investment Banker |
Advise on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising; perform valuations and financial modeling. |
Financial Analyst |
Analyze financial data, prepare reports, support budgeting and forecasting for business decisions. |
Finance Manager |
Manage company finances, supervise finance teams, and oversee reporting, budgeting, and controls. |
Accountant |
Prepare financial statements, handle tax compliance, audits, and maintain financial records. |
Auditor (Internal/External) |
Examine financial statements for accuracy; ensure compliance with regulations and standards. |
Risk Manager |
Identify, evaluate, and manage financial, operational, and compliance risks across the business. |
Compliance Officer |
Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., AML, KYC, ASIC guidelines). |
Actuary |
Analyze statistical data to calculate insurance risks, premiums, and financial forecasts. |
Credit Analyst |
Evaluate creditworthiness of individuals or companies; approve or recommend loan decisions. |
Branch Manager |
Manage daily banking operations, lead teams, grow branch performance, and ensure customer satisfaction. |
Financial Planner |
Provide clients with tailored advice on investments, retirement, insurance, and tax planning. |
Wealth Manager |
Handle high-net-worth portfolios, offer investment and estate planning solutions. |
Portfolio Manager |
Manage investment portfolios, make asset allocation decisions, monitor market trends. |
Insurance Underwriter |
Assess applications, determine coverage terms, calculate premiums based on risk analysis. |
Claims Assessor |
Evaluate insurance claims, verify documentation, calculate payouts, and detect fraud. |
Superannuation Consultant |
Advise individuals and companies on retirement fund management and regulatory compliance. |
Treasury Analyst |
Manage cash flow, liquidity, foreign exchange exposure, and debt strategies. |
AML/KYC Analyst |
Monitor financial transactions, verify customer identity, and flag suspicious activities. |
FinTech Product Manager |
Oversee development of digital finance products (apps, platforms), liaise between tech & business teams. |
Job Profile |
Education Requirement |
Experience |
Certifications/Registrations |
Work Visa/Other Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
Bachelor's/Master's in Finance/Accounting |
10+ years (senior) |
CPA/CA, MBA preferred |
PR or Employer-sponsored visa (e.g., Subclass 482) |
Investment Banker |
Bachelor’s in Finance/Economics |
3–5+ years |
CFA preferred |
High-skill visa eligibility |
Financial Analyst |
Bachelor’s in Finance/Commerce |
2–4 years |
CPA, CFA (optional) |
Skills assessment via CPA Australia |
Finance Manager |
Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance |
5+ years |
CPA or CA ANZ |
Listed in Skilled Occupation List |
Accountant |
Bachelor’s in Accounting |
2–3 years |
CPA or CA ANZ required |
Required for Subclass 189/190 visa |
Auditor (Internal/External) |
Bachelor’s in Accounting or Audit |
2–4 years |
CPA, CA ANZ or equivalent |
ANZSCO Code 221213 (Skilled visa applicable) |
Risk Manager |
Bachelor’s in Risk/Finance |
5+ years |
FRM, PRM (optional) |
Recognized on Skilled Occupation List |
Compliance Officer |
Bachelor’s in Business/Finance/Law |
3–5 years |
AML/CTF certification (AUSTRAC standards) |
Strong local regulation knowledge preferred |
Actuary |
Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science/Math |
3+ years |
FIAA or Actuaries Institute Australia |
Skills assessed by Actuaries Institute |
Credit Analyst |
Bachelor’s in Finance/Accounting |
2+ years |
None mandatory |
Work visa or PR |
Branch Manager |
Bachelor’s in Business/Banking |
4–6 years |
Leadership training, banking compliance certs |
Employer sponsorship or PR |
Financial Planner |
Bachelor’s + Financial Planning course |
2–4 years |
RG146 compliance, FASEA approved degrees |
Must register with ASIC |
Wealth Manager |
Bachelor’s in Finance/Economics |
4–6 years |
RG146, CFP (preferred) |
Strong understanding of local markets essential |
Portfolio Manager |
Bachelor’s in Finance/Economics |
5+ years |
CFA highly recommended |
Often requires local experience |
Insurance Underwriter |
Bachelor’s in Insurance/Risk/Finance |
2–3 years |
ANZIIF (preferred) |
Recognized in insurance migration pathways |
Claims Assessor |
Diploma/Bachelor’s in Insurance/Health |
2+ years |
ANZIIF Certification |
Required for roles in health, life, general insurance |
Superannuation Consultant |
Bachelor’s in Finance or related field |
3+ years |
SMSF Adviser certification |
Knowledge of Australian Super law required |
Treasury Analyst |
Bachelor’s in Finance/Accounting |
2–4 years |
CPA, CFA optional |
Employers prefer local work exposure |
AML/KYC Analyst |
Bachelor’s in Law/Finance |
2+ years |
AML/CTF (AUSTRAC compliance training) |
Regulated under AML Act; mandatory compliance understanding |
FinTech Product Manager |
Bachelor’s in IT/Finance/Business |
3–5 years |
Agile, Scrum, Product Management certs |
Technology and finance domain knowledge important |
Career Level |
Years of Experience |
Typical Roles |
---|---|---|
Entry-Level |
0–2 years |
Graduate Accountant, Junior Analyst, Credit Assistant, Claims Processor |
Early Career |
2–4 years |
Financial Analyst, Compliance Associate, Loan Officer, Assistant Auditor |
Mid-Level |
4–7 years |
Finance Manager, Risk Analyst, Senior Accountant, Relationship Manager |
Senior-Level |
7–10 years |
Portfolio Manager, Senior Risk Manager, Insurance Underwriter, Audit Manager |
Executive/Leadership |
10+ years |
CFO, Head of Compliance, Chief Risk Officer, Investment Director |
Company Name |
Industry Sector |
Known For |
International Hiring Support |
---|---|---|---|
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) |
Banking & Financial Services |
Retail banking, wealth management, and institutional banking |
Actively supports skilled visa sponsorship |
Westpac Banking Corporation |
Banking & Financial Services |
Corporate and consumer banking, financial planning |
Offers roles for skilled migrants and graduates |
National Australia Bank (NAB) |
Banking & Financial Services |
Business banking, personal finance, and capital markets |
Regularly hires international finance professionals |
ANZ Banking Group |
Banking & Financial Services |
Retail, commercial, and institutional banking |
Global hiring programs and sponsorship options |
Macquarie Group |
Investment Banking & Asset Management |
Investment banking, asset finance, risk advisory |
Global presence, skilled migrant sponsorship |
AMP Limited |
Financial Planning & Insurance |
Superannuation, life insurance, wealth management |
Recruits experienced financial advisors |
Suncorp Group |
Banking & Insurance |
General insurance, banking, and life insurance |
Supports overseas-qualified professionals |
IAG (Insurance Australia Group) |
Insurance |
Underwriting, claims management, risk assessment |
Open to skilled international insurance talent |
Deloitte Australia |
Audit, Tax & Financial Advisory |
Consulting, corporate finance, risk advisory |
Offers graduate & experienced global talent programs |
PwC Australia |
Audit, Risk, and Advisory |
Audit, consulting, tax, and deal advisory |
Skilled migration hiring, supports CA/CPA pathways |
EY Australia |
Audit, Advisory, Tax |
Financial services consulting, tax, compliance |
Visa sponsorship and global mobility programs |
KPMG Australia |
Consulting & Advisory |
Audit, tax, financial services advisory |
Actively recruits skilled international professionals |
Allianz Australia |
Insurance & Risk Management |
General and life insurance |
Global brand, values actuarial and finance skills |
QBE Insurance |
Insurance |
Commercial, personal, and specialty insurance |
Recruits actuaries, underwriters, and analysts |
HSBC Australia |
Banking & Wealth Management |
Retail banking, trade finance, and private banking |
Global mobility and visa support programs |
Citi Australia |
Investment & Corporate Banking |
Institutional banking and capital markets |
Hires global candidates in trading and advisory |
Zurich Australia |
Insurance |
Life, commercial, and general insurance |
Open to insurance specialists and actuaries |
REST Superannuation |
Superannuation |
Retirement fund services |
Recruits fund managers and financial analysts |
Mercer Australia |
Consulting & Superannuation |
Investment consulting, actuarial services |
Hires superannuation and investment professionals |
Link Group |
Financial Services & Admin |
Fund administration, corporate market solutions |
Open to tech-finance and fund admin professionals |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (AUD/year) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|---|---|---|
Accountant |
80,000 – 100,000 |
Bachelor’s in Accounting, CPA/CA certification |
PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, CBA |
Manage financial records, tax filings, audits, and compliance |
Financial Analyst |
90,000 – 120,000 |
Bachelor's in Finance/Economics, CFA (optional) |
Macquarie, NAB, Westpac, ANZ |
Analyze financial data, prepare reports, support decision-making |
Finance Manager |
120,000 – 150,000 |
CPA/CA, 5+ years experience |
Deloitte, BHP, Suncorp, Telstra |
Oversee budgets, forecasts, financial strategy, and reporting |
Investment Banker |
150,000 – 200,000+ |
Bachelor's in Finance/Economics, CFA (preferred), 3–6 yrs exp. |
Macquarie, Citi, HSBC, UBS |
Raise capital, conduct valuations, manage M&A transactions |
Compliance Officer |
90,000 – 130,000 |
Degree in Finance/Law, AML/CTF certifications |
ANZ, CBA, Westpac, NAB |
Ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., ASIC, AUSTRAC), manage internal policies |
Risk Manager |
120,000 – 160,000 |
Degree in Risk/Finance, FRM/PRM (preferred) |
QBE, IAG, NAB, Suncorp |
Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks |
Actuary |
140,000 – 180,000 |
Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science, FIAA/Actuaries Institute membership |
Allianz, Zurich, TAL, AMP |
Calculate insurance risks, premiums, and forecast financial outcomes |
Credit Analyst |
80,000 – 110,000 |
Bachelor's in Finance or Economics |
HSBC, NAB, Westpac |
Assess loan applications and credit risk profiles |
Auditor |
90,000 – 120,000 |
CPA/CA, experience in internal or external auditing |
PwC, EY, KPMG, Deloitte |
Evaluate financial statements, identify risks, ensure regulatory compliance |
Portfolio Manager |
130,000 – 160,000+ |
CFA, Bachelor's/Master’s in Finance |
BlackRock, Vanguard, Macquarie |
Manage client or institutional investment portfolios |
Financial Planner |
90,000 – 120,000 |
RG146 certification, FASEA compliance |
AMP, IOOF, Mercer |
Provide clients with investment, retirement, and tax advice |
Wealth Manager |
110,000 – 140,000 |
Bachelor’s in Finance, CFP (preferred) |
NAB, ANZ, HSBC, AMP |
Advise high-net-worth clients on financial planning and investment strategies |
Insurance Underwriter |
85,000 – 110,000 |
ANZIIF membership preferred, experience in insurance |
QBE, IAG, Allianz, Zurich |
Evaluate risks and determine insurance terms and pricing |
Claims Assessor |
75,000 – 95,000 |
Degree or diploma in insurance or health/life sciences |
AIA, Suncorp, Medibank |
Process and validate insurance claims and customer eligibility |
Superannuation Consultant |
90,000 – 115,000 |
Bachelor’s in Finance/Business, SMSF certification (preferred) |
Mercer, REST, Sunsuper |
Advise on retirement fund strategies and compliance with superannuation laws |
Treasury Analyst |
90,000 – 115,000 |
CPA/CFA preferred, Bachelor's in Finance |
Telstra, Rio Tinto, Woolworths |
Manage cash flow, liquidity, foreign exchange exposure |
Branch Manager |
100,000 – 130,000 |
Banking experience, leadership skills |
Westpac, NAB, ANZ |
Oversee daily branch operations, sales, compliance, and staff management |
AML/KYC Analyst |
85,000 – 105,000 |
Knowledge of AML/CTF Act, AUSTRAC, compliance certifications |
HSBC, Macquarie, ANZ |
Monitor transactions, conduct customer due diligence |
FinTech Product Manager |
110,000 – 140,000 |
Degree in IT/Finance, Agile/Scrum certifications |
Xero, Afterpay, Zip, Wise |
Lead development of digital finance products and platforms |
Internal Controls Analyst |
85,000 – 110,000 |
Degree in Accounting or Risk, SOX/COBIT knowledge preferred |
Deloitte, PwC, NAB |
Monitor and improve internal financial and operational controls |
Visa Type |
Visa Subclass |
Duration |
Key Features |
Eligibility for Finance Roles |
---|---|---|---|---|
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa |
Subclass 482 |
Up to 4 years |
Employer-sponsored; allows full-time work |
Suitable for Accountants, Financial Analysts, Auditors, Risk Managers |
Skilled Independent Visa |
Subclass 189 |
Permanent |
Points-tested; does not require sponsorship |
Eligible for skilled finance roles listed on MLTSSL |
Skilled Nominated Visa |
Subclass 190 |
Permanent |
State-nominated; points-based |
For professionals in demand in specific states |
Skilled Work Regional Visa |
Subclass 491 |
5 years (path to PR) |
Regional sponsorship; pathway to permanent residency |
Suitable for regional employers in finance/insurance |
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) |
Subclass 186 |
Permanent |
Employer-sponsored direct entry or transition stream |
For experienced professionals (3+ years in nominated occupation) |
Graduate Temporary Visa |
Subclass 485 |
18 months – 5 years |
For international graduates from Australian universities |
Entry-level roles in accounting, finance, banking |
Training Visa |
Subclass 407 |
Up to 2 years |
For workplace-based training to enhance skills in nominated occupation |
Limited to specific training positions |
Business Innovation & Investment Visa |
Subclass 188 |
4 years + PR pathway |
For investors, senior executives, entrepreneurs |
Ideal for finance entrepreneurs and wealth managers |
Global Talent Visa |
Subclass 858 |
Permanent |
For highly skilled professionals in targeted sectors |
Applicable to FinTech, Actuarial, and Data Science roles |
Working Holiday Visa |
Subclass 417 / 462 |
12 months |
For young adults (18–35); some work rights but limited to non-permanent roles |
Not suitable for long-term finance roles |