Accounting & finance salaries in New Zealand: Top-paying roles
Key Takeaways
- Accountants' salary in New Zealand is an average of $83k per year, with higher pay in specialised roles.
- Roles like management, cost, forensic, systems, and fund accounting can offer salaries ranging from $100k–$125k.
- Senior finance roles such as head of finance ($185k–$205k), financial controller ($145k–$165k), finance manager ($130k–$150k), and financial analyst ($85k–$105k) earn the highest salaries in the sector.
- Accountants and finance professionals in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch tend to earn more, reflecting demand and cost-of-living differences.
The finance and accounting sector in New Zealand offers many rewarding career opportunities, from entry-level roles to leadership positions. These jobs play a key role in guiding organisations’ financial decisions and risk management. However, workforce shortages continue across the sector, driving strong demand for skilled professionals.
In this article, we explore roles with highest-paying finance and accounting salaries in New Zealand. Whether you’re considering a career in accounting or aiming to advance in the finance sector, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the skills needed to succeed in New Zealand’s dynamic financial landscape.
This guide covers:
Accounting and finance jobs in New Zealand and average salaries
Finance salary overview: Top roles in New Zealand
Explore more about accountant and finance salaries in New Zealand
Accounting and finance jobs in New Zealand and average salaries
In the table below, let’s explore some accounting and finance jobs and the average salaries earned across different positions:
JOB TITLE | AVERAGE SALARY ($) |
Accountant salary overview
The average accountant salary in New Zealand is $83k per year, with variations based on experience and organisation size. Accountants manage financial records and specialise in financial practices and problem-solving.
To practise as an accountant, a bachelor’s degree in accounting is required, followed by professional membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) or CPA Australia. They must also complete professional exams and undertake continuous professional development.
Accountants can specialise in areas like management, cost, forensic, systems, and fund accounting, which can offer higher earning potential due to their focused expertise:
- Cost Accountant: $100k–$115k
- Forensic Accountant: $100k–$110k
- Management Accountant: $100k–$120k
- Systems Accountant: $100k–$110k
- Fund Accountant: $110k–$125k
Accountant salaries vary depending on experience, industry, and location. Accountants in major cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch tend to earn higher salaries, owing to demand and cost of living differences.
Finance salary overview: Top roles in New Zealand
Here are some of the highest-paying finance jobs in New Zealand:
- Head of Finance
- Financial Controller
- Finance Manager
- Financial Analyst
These positions are among the highest paying in the finance sector due to their seniority, level of responsibility, and specialised expertise. Let’s take a closer look at these roles, starting with their typical pay and a quick summary of what each role involves.
Head of finance salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, heads of finance earn $185k–$205k annually. As leads of the finance team they produce detailed financial reports and develop strategies to enhance financial performance They oversee all financial operations, including forecasting, investments, and risk management, while ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals.
For head of finance roles, many employers require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. They also prefer candidates with CA ANZ (or equivalent) accreditation and several years of finance‑management experience.
Financial controllers’ salary in New Zealand
The financial controllers’ salary in New Zealand ranges from $145k–$165k per year. They oversee an organisation’s financial operations, lead budgeting and forecasting, manage compliance and reporting, and guide financial strategy at a senior level. The role also includes supervising finance teams and ensuring strong financial governance.
Financial controllers require a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, as well as significant experience in financial management. Many employers also prefer CA ANZ-accredited accountants, which involves formal study and 3 years of practical experience.
Finance managers’ salary in New Zealand
Finance managers in New Zealand earn $130k–$150k per year. They oversee an organisation’s financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, investments, and risk management. They analyse financial data to provide insights and guidance to senior management and work across banking, government, health, and financial sectors.
To practise as a finance manager in New Zealand, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or commerce is required. Many employers prefer Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) or Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA Australia) accreditation, which involves completing professional exams and gaining relevant practical experience in an approved workplace.
Financial analysts’ salary in New Zealand
Financial analyst salary in New Zealand ranges from $85k–$105k a year. Their role involves financial modelling, market and performance analysis, and ongoing monitoring of financial health. They forecast revenue and expenses, assist with budgeting, and recommend ways to improve financial efficiency and profitability.
Financial analysts require a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or a related field, alongside relevant finance/analytical experience. Candidates working toward or holding recognised credentials such as the CA ANZ or equivalent get higher professional credibility.
Explore more about accounting and finance salaries in New Zealand
See the bigger picture behind accounting and finance roles. SEEK’s Explore Careers shows New Zealand salary ranges, recent job growth, requirements, and job satisfaction.
Source: SEEK data, roles based on average advertised salaries of over $150,000 for job ads listed on SEEK from July 23 to June 24 to July 24 to June 25. A minimum threshold of job ads on SEEK is required for a role to appear in this table.
