Compare courses from top Australian unis, TAFEs and other training organisations.

How to Become A Director of Finance

2 Courses

Icon representing Director Of Finance career
Displaying 2 of 2 courses
What is a Director of Finance

A Director of Finance is one of the most exciting senior roles in business. They lead the financial side of an organisation, from budgets and reporting to long-term strategy.

This role gives you the chance to shape a company’s future. Directors of Finance work with CEOs, boards, and department heads to keep money working hard. They spot trends, flag risks, and unlock growth opportunities.

Key tasks include managing audits, reporting on financial performance, and driving investment decisions. The work is varied, fast-paced, and always meaningful.

The Australian Government’s Your Career platform rates future demand for Finance Managers as Strong (2025). If you love numbers and want to lead, a Director of Finance role could be your goal.

Explore study options in Business Management

Career Outlook for Director of Finance

A Director of Finance is a senior role that attracts experienced finance professionals. Most people in this role are in their mid-40s, reflecting the experience needed to get there (Your Career, 2025). The role is almost always full-time, with an average of 45 hours per week.

The employment outlook is strong. Around 78,200 people work in Finance Manager and Director roles across Australia (Your Career, 2025). Future demand is rated Strong by the Australian Government. The financial and insurance services sector is the top employer. Directors of Finance are also found in health, government, and corporate sectors. Average annual salaries range from $160,000 to $255,000 (SEEK Career Advice, 2025). This is one of the best-paid careers in Australia.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Director of Finance

A Director of Finance oversees the full financial function of an organisation. Most people who reach this level have 10 to 15 years of finance experience. The path starts with a relevant degree, builds through professional certification, and advances through senior leadership roles.

Steps to Become a Director of Finance

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business

Start with a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business, or Bachelor of Finance at an Australian university. Choose an accounting or finance major. These degrees take three years full-time and cover financial analysis, budgeting, corporate finance, and business law. Look for degrees accredited by CPA Australia or CA ANZ. This builds a direct path to professional certification.

Step 2: Gain Entry-Level Finance Experience

Work in roles such as graduate accountant, financial analyst, or assistant accountant after completing your degree. Build two to three years of hands-on experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance. This early experience is essential before moving into more senior positions. Focus on developing technical accuracy and an understanding of how organisations manage money.

Step 3: Earn a Professional Accounting Credential

Complete the Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) program through CPA Australia, or the Chartered Accountant (CA) program through CA ANZ. Both programs take around three years part-time and require three years of supervised work experience. These credentials are the industry standard for senior finance roles in Australia. Most employers expect a CPA or CA at Director level.

Step 4: Progress into Senior Finance Roles

Move into roles such as Finance Manager, Financial Controller, or Senior Finance Business Partner. These positions build the budget management, risk oversight, and team leadership skills needed at Director level. Aim to manage teams and lead financial reporting cycles. Most people spend five to eight years in these roles before reaching Director level.

Step 5: Apply for Director of Finance Roles

With solid credentials and 10 or more years of relevant experience, you are ready to pursue Director of Finance positions. Target roles across your preferred sector, including corporate, government, health, or not-for-profit. Stay current by maintaining your CPA or CA membership and taking part in professional development events. Active involvement in networks such as CPA Australia or CA ANZ will also help your career advance.

What does a Director of Finance do?

A Director of Finance handles a wide range of tasks every day. They analyse financial reports, manage budgets, and oversee accounting operations. They work closely with other teams to line up financial goals with the wider business strategy. Compliance, audits, and risk reviews are also part of the job. Strong leadership and sharp analytical skills are essential to handle it all well.

Tasks

A Director of Finance plays a key role in steering an organisation’s financial success. This role blends strategic planning, financial oversight, and team leadership to keep the business healthy and growing.

  • Financial Planning – Develops financial strategies to support the organisation’s goals.
  • Budget Management – Oversees budgets to make sure funds are used efficiently.
  • Financial Reporting – Prepares and presents financial reports for stakeholders.
  • Compliance Oversight – Ensures the organisation meets all financial regulations and standards.
  • Team Leadership – Manages and mentors finance staff to build a strong team.
  • Risk Management – Spots financial risks and sets strategies to manage them.
  • Cash Flow Management – Monitors cash flow to keep the organisation financially healthy.
  • Strategic Analysis – Uses financial data to support long-term planning and decisions.
  • Stakeholder Communication – Keeps all stakeholders informed on financial performance.
  • Investment Oversight – Reviews investment opportunities and manages the organisation’s portfolio.

Skills for Success

To become a Director of Finance, you need sharp analytical skills and a solid grip on financial principles. Budgeting, forecasting, and reporting are core parts of the job.

Strong leadership skills are also key so you can manage teams and work across the business. Communication matters too. You will often explain financial data to non-finance colleagues. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure will take you far.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong analytical and numerical skills
  • Financial reporting and analysis
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Leadership and team management
  • Clear communication with all stakeholders
  • Strategic thinking and planning
  • Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance
  • Risk identification and management
  • Financial software and data tool proficiency
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Problem-solving under pressure
  • Stakeholder engagement and relationship building
  • Adaptability to changing financial environments
  • Commitment to professional development

Average Salaries

Directors of Finance in Australia earn between $160,000 and $255,000 a year. The average salary is around $190,000 (source: SEEK Career Advice, 2025). Pay is higher in large organisations, the private sector, and major cities. Experience, professional credentials such as CPA or CA, and industry type all affect earnings.

min $160 K

max $255 K

av $190 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.