Federal Finance Pay Guide
Official salary information, agency comparisons, and guides for Australian Government Finance roles.
Federal Government Finance Salaries
Australia’s Official APS Finance Salary Hub · Comprehensive Guide to Roles, Pay Scales, EAs & Career Pathways
Average APS Finance Salary
$108,500
Highest Finance Salary
$450,000+
Highest Paying Agency
PM&C / Treasury
APS Levels Covered
APS 2 – SES
Finance Roles Tracked
30+ Profiles
Enterprise Agreements
15+ Agencies
Last Verified
24 July 2026
Featured Federal Finance Role Guides
Financial Analyst Salary Guide →
Official APS5, APS6, and EL1 Financial Analyst pay scales, 11 agency comparisons, and interactive take-home calculator.
Senior Financial Analyst Salary Guide →
Deep-dive into APS6, EL1, and EL2 Senior Financial Analyst salary bands ($98,500 – $195,000+), PGPA Act governance, and senior leadership pathways.
Financial Analyst Career Guide →
The complete blueprint to entry-level starting salaries, Sydney vs Melbourne pay, CPA vs CA ANZ qualifications, software tools, and career progression.
Finance Manager Salary Guide →
Detailed pay scales across APS6, EL1, and EL2 classifications, take-home calculator, and responsibilities.
Finance Business Partner Salary Guide →
Executive advisory pay rates, CPA/CA accreditation milestones, and strategic advisory career flows.
Payroll Officer Salary Guide →
Complete guide to APS3–APS6 Payroll Officer salaries ($67,875 – $118,780+), agency comparisons, enterprise agreements, and career progression.
Senior Accountant Salary Guide →
Complete guide to APS6–EL2 Senior Accountant salaries ($97,500 – $182,500+), agency comparisons, enterprise agreements, and career progression.
Senior Financial Accountant Salary Guide →
Complete guide to APS6–EL2 Senior Financial Accountant salaries ($98,500 – $185,000+), AASB standards, and ANAO audit flows.
Procurement Officer Salary Guide →
Official APS4–EL1 Procurement Officer salary bands, agency comparisons, 15.4% super, take-home calculator, and CPR guidelines.
Finance Officer Salary Guide →
Official APS3–EL1 Finance Officer salary bands, agency comparisons, 15.4% super, take-home calculator, and career progression.
Internal Auditor Salary Guide →
Official APS4–EL2 Internal Auditor salary bands, agency comparisons, 15.4% super, take-home calculations, and audit career pathways.
Tax Officer Salary Guide →
Official APS3–EL2 Tax Officer salary bands, agency comparisons, 15.4% super, take-home calculations, and career progression.
What is Finance in the Australian Public Service (APS)?
The Finance Profession in the Australian Federal Government manages over $700 billion in annual Commonwealth expenditure and revenue. Finance professionals in the APS work across every federal department, statutory authority, and government business enterprise, ensuring that public money is budgeted, spent, audited, and reported in full compliance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).
Unlike private sector finance—which focuses primarily on corporate profitability and shareholder returns—government finance centers on stewardship of public funds, policy outcome delivery, long-term fiscal sustainability, and transparent parliamentary accountability to the Australian public.
Key Functions of Government Finance
Corporate Finance & Accounting
General ledger maintenance, balance sheet reconciliations, statutory financial reporting under AASB standards, and ANAO audit liaison.
Budget Management
Formulating internal division budgets, portfolio Estimates submissions, policy costing models, and Department of Finance CBMS reporting.
Procurement & Contracting
Managing Commonwealth procurement tenders, contract negotiations, panel arrangements, and enforcing Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs).
Financial Governance & Audit
Maintaining internal financial controls, risk management frameworks, fraud investigations, and PGPA Act compliance checks.
Revenue & Tax Administration
Collecting federal revenues, managing GST and fringe benefits tax compliance, fee-for-service cost recovery, and ATO tax assessments.
Grants & Funding Management
Assessing grant applicant financial viability, managing acquittal processes, funding agreement compliance, and GrantConnect reporting.
Payroll & Remuneration
Processing fortnightly pay runs for 180,000+ public servants, superannuation contributions, salary packaging, and EA interpretations.
Financial Analysis & Business Partnering
Advising Division Heads and Branch Directors on strategic resource allocation, cost-benefit analyses, and program business cases.
The APS Finance Career Framework
A structured career progression path from entry-level administrative assistance through to executive strategic leadership (Chief Financial Officer).
Finance Assistant
Data entry, invoice processing, basic accounts queries
Finance Officer
Reconciliations, procurement processing, travel acquittals
Senior Finance Officer
Variance analysis, financial modeling, complex payroll
Financial / Management Accountant
Statutory accounting, division budget formulation, audit testing
Finance Business Partner / Manager
Strategic advisory to Directors, managing finance teams
Director of Finance
Branch leadership, agency balance sheet oversight, ANAO liaison
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Executive board member, multi-billion dollar budget accountability
APS Finance Classification Level Guide
Explore base salary bands, employer superannuation (15.4%), take-home estimates, core responsibilities, and typical job titles across every APS finance classification level:
$60,500 – $66,500
Est. Fortnightly Take-Home: $1,910 – $2,075
Entry-level transactional processing, routine invoice entry, basic data checking, and answering general accounts queries.
Typical Finance Titles:
$67,875 – $74,800
Est. Fortnightly Take-Home: $2,110 – $2,295
Processing accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, bank reconciliations, and travel allowance calculations.
Typical Finance Titles:
$77,865 – $86,500
Est. Fortnightly Take-Home: $2,365 – $2,580
Preparing monthly reconciliations, assisting with budget monitoring, executing standard procurements, and reviewing grant acquittals.
Typical Finance Titles:
$88,085 – $97,400
Est. Fortnightly Take-Home: $2,615 – $2,845
Conducting variance analysis, building financial models, preparing statutory returns, and managing complex payroll/procurement issues.
Typical Finance Titles:
$98,500 – $118,780
Est. Fortnightly Take-Home: $2,875 – $3,375
Senior financial analysis, managing division budget submissions, leading audit teams, and advising branch heads on spending.
Typical Finance Titles:
$125,000 – $145,000
Est. Fortnightly Take-Home: $3,520 – $3,995
Assistant Director / Manager level. Directing financial policy, managing agency budget teams, leading major procurement projects.
Typical Finance Titles:
$152,000 – $185,000
Est. Fortnightly Take-Home: $4,150 – $4,920
Director of Finance / Chief Financial Officer in smaller agencies. Strategic financial oversight, CBMS management, ANAO liaison.
Typical Finance Titles:
$220,000 – $450,000+
Est. Fortnightly Take-Home: $5,750 – $10,800+
Chief Financial Officer / First Assistant Secretary Finance. Ultimate accountability for multi-billion dollar portfolio budgets.
Typical Finance Titles:
Finance Roles & Salary Comparison Table
Search across 30+ official federal finance job profiles. Filter by category or keyword to compare base pay, fortnightly take-home, 15.4% superannuation, and career progression options.
| Role Name | Stream | APS Level | Base Salary Range | Est. Take-Home (Ft) | 15.4% Super (Mid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance Manager → | Accounting | APS 6 – EL 2 | $98,500 – $185,000 | $4,013 | $21,830/yr |
| Government Accountant | Accounting | APS 4 – EL 1 | $77,865 – $142,500 | $3,205 | $16,968/yr |
| Financial Accountant | Accounting | APS 5 – EL 1 | $88,085 – $145,000 | $3,371 | $17,948/yr |
| Management Accountant | Accounting | APS 6 – EL 2 | $98,500 – $178,000 | $3,930 | $21,291/yr |
| Assistant Accountant | Accounting | APS 3 – APS 4 | $67,875 – $86,500 | $2,342 | $11,887/yr |
| Senior Accountant → | Accounting | EL 1 – EL 2 | $125,000 – $178,000 | $4,241 | $23,331/yr |
| Senior Financial Accountant → | Accounting | APS 6 – EL 2 | $98,500 – $185,000 | $4,013 | $21,830/yr |
| Finance Officer → | Accounting | APS 3 – EL 1 | $67,875 – $151,200 | $3,188 | $16,869/yr |
| Budget Officer | Budget | APS 4 – APS 6 | $77,865 – $118,780 | $2,895 | $15,142/yr |
| Budget Analyst | Budget | APS 6 – EL 1 | $98,500 – $142,500 | $3,475 | $18,557/yr |
| Budget Manager | Budget | EL 1 – EL 2 | $125,000 – $182,000 | $4,288 | $23,639/yr |
| Payroll Officer → | Payroll | APS 3 – APS 5 | $67,875 – $97,400 | $2,485 | $12,726/yr |
| Senior Payroll Officer | Payroll | APS 5 – APS 6 | $88,085 – $118,780 | $3,029 | $15,929/yr |
| Payroll Manager | Payroll | EL 1 – EL 2 | $125,000 – $175,000 | $4,206 | $23,100/yr |
| Procurement Officer → | Procurement | APS 4 – APS 6 | $77,865 – $118,780 | $2,895 | $15,142/yr |
| Procurement Specialist | Procurement | APS 6 – EL 1 | $98,500 – $142,500 | $3,475 | $18,557/yr |
| Senior Procurement Officer | Procurement | EL 1 | $125,000 – $142,500 | $3,821 | $20,598/yr |
| Contract Officer | Procurement | APS 4 – APS 5 | $77,865 – $97,400 | $2,615 | $13,495/yr |
| Contract Manager | Procurement | APS 6 – EL 1 | $98,500 – $142,500 | $3,475 | $18,557/yr |
| Revenue Officer | Revenue | APS 3 – APS 5 | $67,875 – $97,400 | $2,485 | $12,726/yr |
| Debt Recovery Officer | Revenue | APS 3 – APS 5 | $67,875 – $97,400 | $2,485 | $12,726/yr |
| Tax Officer → | Revenue | APS 3 – EL 1 | $67,875 – $142,500 | $3,074 | $16,199/yr |
| Compliance Officer (Finance) | Revenue | APS 4 – APS 6 | $77,865 – $118,780 | $2,895 | $15,142/yr |
| Financial Analyst → | Financial Analysis | APS 5 – EL 1 | $88,085 – $151,200 | $3,453 | $18,425/yr |
| Senior Financial Analyst → | Financial Analysis | APS 6 – EL 2 | $98,500 – $195,000 | $4,130 | $22,600/yr |
| Finance Business Partner → | Financial Analysis | APS 6 – EL 2 | $98,500 – $185,000 | $4,013 | $21,830/yr |
| Commercial Analyst | Financial Analysis | EL 1 – EL 2 | $128,000 – $185,000 | $4,359 | $24,101/yr |
| Internal Auditor → | Audit | APS 5 – EL 1 | $88,085 – $142,500 | $3,339 | $17,755/yr |
| Audit Officer | Audit | APS 4 – APS 6 | $77,865 – $118,780 | $2,895 | $15,142/yr |
| Risk Officer (Finance) | Audit | APS 6 – EL 1 | $98,500 – $142,500 | $3,475 | $18,557/yr |
| Fraud Control Officer | Audit | APS 5 – EL 1 | $88,085 – $142,500 | $3,339 | $17,755/yr |
| Treasury Officer | Treasury | APS 5 – EL 1 | $88,085 – $142,500 | $3,339 | $17,755/yr |
| Cash Management Officer | Treasury | APS 4 – APS 6 | $77,865 – $118,780 | $2,895 | $15,142/yr |
| Investment Officer | Treasury | EL 1 – EL 2 | $128,000 – $190,000 | $4,417 | $24,486/yr |
| Grants Officer | Grants | APS 4 – APS 6 | $77,865 – $118,780 | $2,895 | $15,142/yr |
| Funding Officer | Grants | APS 5 – EL 1 | $88,085 – $142,500 | $3,339 | $17,755/yr |
| Grant Assessment Officer | Grants | APS 5 – APS 6 | $88,085 – $118,780 | $3,029 | $15,929/yr |
Finance Career Categories
Explore federal government finance specialization pillars. Select any category to view entry requirements, role responsibilities, and future profile deep dives:
Accounting
Statutory financial statement preparation, general ledger management, AASB accounting compliance, and ANAO audit readiness.
Roles Covered:
- Government Accountant
- Financial Accountant
- Management Accountant
- Assistant Accountant
- Senior Accountant
Budget
Portfolio budget strategy, internal division allocations, Estimates submissions, and Department of Finance CBMS reporting.
Roles Covered:
- Budget Officer
- Budget Analyst
- Budget Manager
Payroll
Fortnightly salary processing for Commonwealth staff, STP Phase 2 reporting, EA interpretation, and HR system management.
Roles Covered:
- Payroll Officer
- Senior Payroll Officer
- Payroll Manager
Procurement
Commercial acquisitions, AusTender contract management, supplier panel arrangements, and Commonwealth Procurement Rules.
Roles Covered:
- Procurement Officer
- Procurement Specialist
- Senior Procurement Officer
- Contract Officer
- Contract Manager
Revenue
Administering public sector revenue streams, fee-for-service cost recovery, debt management under PGPA Act, and ATO compliance.
Roles Covered:
- Revenue Officer
- Debt Recovery Officer
- Tax Officer
- Compliance Officer
Financial Analysis
Financial modeling, strategic division advice, SAP/GovERP business analysis, and commercial project evaluation.
Roles Covered:
- Financial Analyst
- Business Analyst (Finance)
- Finance Business Partner
- Commercial Analyst
Audit
Conducting internal audits, evaluating financial controls, PGPA risk framework management, and fraud prevention.
Roles Covered:
- Internal Auditor
- Audit Officer
- Risk Officer (Finance)
- Fraud Control Officer
Treasury
Departmental cash flow management, daily bank accounts, OPA drawdown requests, and special account investments.
Roles Covered:
- Treasury Officer
- Cash Management Officer
- Investment Officer
Grants
GrantConnect administration, financial acquittal reviews, applicant viability assessments, and Commonwealth Grant Rules.
Roles Covered:
- Grants Officer
- Funding Officer
- Grant Assessment Officer
APS Finance Salary & Take-Home Calculator
Calculate your exact fortnightly take-home pay, tax deductions, 15.4% superannuation, and total employer cost.
Calculator Inputs
Remuneration Breakdown
Federal Agency Finance Comparison & Leaderboard
Compare finance salary scales, Enterprise Agreement terms, working conditions, and hybrid work policies across 13 major Commonwealth agencies:
| Agency | Finance Pay Band | Enterprise Agreement | WFH Policy | Super | Agency Focus / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Finance | $70,500 – $185,000 | 2024–2027 | Hybrid (3 days home) | 15.4% | Lead agency for Commonwealth financial framework and GovERP. |
| Australian Taxation Office (ATO) | $68,750 – $182,500 | 2024–2027 | Hybrid (3 days home) | 15.4% | Largest employer of accountants, tax officers, and auditors in APS. |
| Department of the Treasury | $72,100 – $192,000 | 2024–2027 | Hybrid (Flexible) | 15.4% | Top-tier macroeconomic, fiscal policy, and budget analysis salaries. |
| Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (PM&C) | $73,000 – $195,000 | 2024–2027 | Hybrid (Flexible) | 15.4% | Highest base salary scales among central policy agencies. |
| Department of Defence | $67,500 – $178,000 | 2024–2027 | Hybrid (2 days home) | 15.4% | Massive procurement, major capital projects, and military finance. |
| Services Australia | $66,200 – $174,000 | 2024–2027 | Subject to approval | 15.4% | High volume payment processing, payroll operations, and internal audit. |
| Department of Health & Aged Care | $68,100 – $179,500 | 2024–2027 | Hybrid (3 days home) | 15.4% | National health funding, PBS budget modelling, and grants management. |
| Department of Home Affairs | $67,900 – $178,900 | 2024–2027 | Hybrid (3 days home) | 15.4% | Border finance, customs revenue compliance, and security clearance roles. |
| Department of Education | $68,300 – $180,200 | 2024–2027 | Hybrid (3 days home) | 15.4% | University funding models, school grant allocations, and financial policy. |
| Department of Infrastructure, Transport & Regional | $69,400 – $183,100 | 2024–2027 | Hybrid (3 days home) | 15.4% | Capital infrastructure grants, transport asset accounting, and project audit. |
| Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry | $67,800 – $177,500 | 2024–2027 | Hybrid (3 days home) | 15.4% | Biosecurity fee-for-service cost recovery and levy revenue administration. |
| Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) | $69,100 – $182,000 | 2024–2027 | Hybrid (3 days home) | 15.4% | Legal financial governance, court cost administration, and trust accounting. |
| Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA - Benchmark) | $75,000 – $210,000+ | Statutory Body | Hybrid (2 days home) | 14.0% – 15.4% | Central bank benchmark (non-APSC Enterprise Agreement). |
Finance Career Roadmaps
Select a specialized finance stream to view step-by-step career milestones from junior entry through to executive leadership:
Accounting Stream Path
Assistant Accountant
General ledger entry, bank reconciliations, accounts payable ($67k - $86k)
Financial Accountant
Financial statement prep, asset accounting, month-end closing ($88k - $118k)
Senior Accountant / Manager
Managing financial reporting teams, ANAO audit liaison ($125k - $145k)
Director Financial Operations / CFO
Strategic financial governance, agency balance sheet ownership ($152k - $350k+)
Skills, Certifications & Government Systems
Key qualifications, technical skillsets, and enterprise software systems required to build a successful career in Commonwealth public sector finance:
Professional Qualifications
CPA Australia
The leading accounting qualification in the APS. Essential for EL 1 and EL 2 financial reporting and CFO roles.
CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants)
Highly valued across Treasury, Finance, ATO, and major public sector consulting practices.
IPA (Institute of Public Accountants)
Recognized professional accounting status across all Commonwealth agencies.
Bachelor of Commerce / Accounting / Finance
Standard baseline degree required for APS 4+ finance specialist classifications.
Diploma of Accounting / Financial Services
Ideal pathway entry qualification for APS 2 – APS 4 finance officers.
Government Systems & Software
GovERP / SAP S/4HANA
The standardized Commonwealth financial management system being rolled out across departments.
TechnologyOne
Widely used financial and corporate management software in statutory agencies and medium departments.
Oracle Financials
Core ERP system powering financial ledgers in major agencies like Defence and Home Affairs.
CBMS (Central Budget Management System)
Department of Finance system used by agencies to submit budget estimates and reporting.
Aurion & Chris21
Primary public sector payroll software engines used for processing APS salaries.
Power BI & Microsoft 365
Industry standard tools for financial data visualization, dashboarding, and reporting.
Employment Benefits & Working Conditions
15.4% Superannuation
Generous employer super contribution paid on top of base salary — 4.9% higher than private sector standard.
Hybrid & Flexible Work
Formal work-from-home arrangements (typically 2–3 days per week) enshrined in modern agency EAs.
Purchased Leave (4+4)
Ability to purchase up to 4 additional weeks of annual leave per year via regular salary deductions.
Study Assistance
Financial support and paid study leave for CPA, CA ANZ, or postgraduate finance qualifications.
Salary Packaging
Pre-tax salary sacrifice options for superannuation, novated car leases, and portable electronic devices.
Executive Release / TOIL
Time Off In Lieu provisions for APS 1–6 staff and flexible executive release for EL officers working extra hours.
Featured Financial Analyst Guides & Salary Deep-Dives
Explore our comprehensive editorial guides and salary benchmarks for Financial Analysts in the Australian Public Service and commercial sectors:
Financial Analyst Salary Guide →
Official Australian Government salary guide for APS5, APS6, and EL1 Financial Analysts. Features an interactive take-home pay calculator across 11 Commonwealth departments.
View Salary Calculator & EA Scales →Senior Financial Analyst Salary Guide →
Deep-dive into APS6, EL1, and EL2 Senior Financial Analyst salary bands ($98,500 – $195,000+), PGPA Act governance, and senior leadership pathways.
View Senior Salary Scales →Financial Analyst Career Guide →
The complete guide to entry-level starting salaries, Sydney vs Melbourne pay, CPA vs CA ANZ qualifications, software tools (SAP/Power BI), and career progression.
Read Complete Career Blueprint →APS Finance Resources & Download Centre
Access verified salary tables, career handbooks, and comparison sheets for official government finance roles:
Finance Salary Summary (PDF)
Complete breakdown of APS 2 to SES finance salary bands.
Download PDF →APS Finance Handbook
Official guide to PGPA Act compliance and career steps.
Download PDF →Career Roadmap Chart
Visual progression poster for Accounting, Budget, and Procurement.
Download PDF →Agency Comparison Sheet
Detailed EA and salary comparison matrix across 13 departments.
Download PDF →Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Get authoritative answers to common questions about salaries, qualifications, software, and career growth in Australian Federal Government finance:
What does a Finance Officer earn in the Australian Federal Government?
An APS Finance Officer typically earns between $77,865 (APS 4 entry) and $118,780 (APS 6 senior level), plus a mandatory 15.4% employer superannuation contribution.
Which federal agency pays the highest finance salaries?
Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (PM&C) and the Department of the Treasury consistently feature among the highest base salary tables in the APS, followed closely by the Department of Finance.
What is the salary for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the APS?
CFO salaries depend on agency size. In smaller statutory agencies, an EL 2 CFO earns $152,000 to $185,000. In major departments (e.g. ATO, Defence), the CFO is an SES Band 2 or 3 receiving $280,000 to $450,000+ per year.
Is CPA or CA required to work in APS Finance?
CPA or CA ANZ qualification is generally required for promotion to EL 1 (Manager) or EL 2 (Director) roles in accounting and financial reporting. However, entry and mid-level roles (APS 3 to APS 5) require a bachelor degree or relevant experience.
How does 15.4% superannuation work for APS finance employees?
The 15.4% employer super contribution is paid in addition to your advertised base salary. For example, on a base salary of $100,000, your employer contributes $15,400 per year into your super fund, bringing your total package to $115,400.
What software do Commonwealth finance teams use?
The main financial management systems are SAP (GovERP), TechnologyOne, and Oracle. Payroll is managed through Aurion or Chris21. Budgeting teams also use the Department of Finance Central Budget Management System (CBMS).
Can federal finance staff work from home (WFH)?
Yes. Most Commonwealth departments offer hybrid working policies allowing staff to work from home 2 to 3 days per week, subject to operational requirements.
What is the difference between a Finance Officer and a Budget Officer?
A Finance Officer typically handles statutory accounting, general ledger, reconciliations, and financial reporting under AASB standards. A Budget Officer focuses on internal agency budget allocation, variance tracking, and CBMS submissions to the Department of Finance.
What security clearance is needed for finance jobs in the government?
Most standard finance roles require a Baseline security clearance. Senior roles handling sensitive portfolio budgets, Defence procurement, or Cabinet submissions require Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) or NV2.
How long does it take to progress from APS 4 to EL 1 in Finance?
With a relevant finance degree and progress towards CPA/CA, motivated public servants typically progress from APS 4 to EL 1 within 4 to 6 years through merit-based job applications.
Official Data Sources
All salary ranges, Enterprise Agreement conditions, and superannuation details on this hub are compiled directly from the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) Remuneration Report, Department of Finance Frameworks, individual departmental Enterprise Agreements (2024–2027), Australian Taxation Office (ATO) guidelines, and official statutory determinations.
Data last verified 24 July 2026 · AussieSalary Commonwealth Financial Careers Portal
Calculate your exact take-home pay
Use the APS Salary Calculator to see your fortnightly take-home pay, 15.4% super, and pre-tax salary sacrifice contributions.
Open APS Salary Calculator →Data last verified 1 July 2026 · Source: APSC Remuneration Report 2025