How to negotiate a treasury salary
- Know your worth
- Prepare for negotiation
- Master the conversation
- Leverage market trends
Calling all treasury professionals - are you seeking validation for your role in managing liquidity, risk, and financial strategy? Do you have a strong drive to progress your career and boost your salary?
Well, 2025 could be your year!
The hiring market for finance and accounting staff is slowly heating up again with one-third (34%) of firms planning to hire extra finance talent permanently and 33% opting to increase the number of contractors in their team in 2025*.
The news for treasury professionals gets better, with 24% of employers revealing they plan to hire treasury talent in 2025*.
However, with 70% of finance workers finding it more challenging to negotiate a pay rise compared to last year* it’s not all smooth sailing in the quest for salary success.
Whether you’re a treasury professional in the finance and accounting (F&A) industry or the financial services (FS) industry, knowing how to negotiate a treasury salary is paramount. It’s knowledge you can lean on when preparing for salary reviews, promotions, or considering a new job.
Combining ambition with action is a sure-fire way to swap frustration for validation and progress to higher-paying roles.
Consider this blog your guide to navigating the salary negotiation process in Australia. We’ll provide practical strategies and industry insights to simplify your treasury salary negotiations so you can yield positive financial returns for yourself (not just your organisation).
Treasury overview
Are you feeling the brunt of perception issues?
Perhaps you’re tired of being viewed as a ‘back-office function’ or frustrated about being undervalued compared to other finance functions such as FP&A or investment banking.
The circumstances can be challenging for treasury professionals, especially while trying to balance high-stress responsibilities with adequate financial rewards.
35% of finance workers say they expect a salary increase in the next 12 months based on consistency exceeding performance goals*.
Achieving fair compensation is pivotal for treasury experts. After all, they play a fundamental role in Australian businesses, helping to maintain strong financial relationships, secure capital and ensure that companies have the economic resilience to navigate challenges and new opportunities.
As a treasury professional, you serve as the conduit between your company and the wider financial market. You will oversee funding strategies, corporate investments and regulatory compliance to bolster financial planning efforts and operational efficiency.
It must be noted that there are two categories of treasury, one that falls under F&A and one that falls under FS. The differences lie in their focus, objectives and responsibilities which are outlined below:
F&A Treasury roles
Focus: Internal corporate financial management.
Objective: Managing an organisation’s liquidity, cash flow and risk to ensure operational stability.
Responsibilities:
Managing cash flow, liquidity, working capital, bank relationships and corporate funding.
Foreign exchange (FX) risk management.
Overseeing corporate investments and financial planning.
Ensuring regulatory compliance and reporting on cash movements.
FS Treasury roles
Focus: Treasury operations within banks, investment firms and financial institutions.
Objective: Managing risk, funding, and liquidity for financial products, clients and investment portfolios.
Responsibilities:
Managing liquidity and capital adequacy for banking operations.
Leading asset and liability management for financial institutions.
Structuring and managing financial products and derivatives.
Hedging interest rate, foreign exchange and credit risks.
Whether you work in F&A or FS, it must be noted that many factors can influence your treasury salary, including the three below:
Education and certification
In Australia, it’s generally expected that treasury professionals pursue a formal education to build their foundational skills.
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or Commerce is particularly valuable. While the attainment of a Postgraduate Degree is optional, it can be a valuable means to aid career advancement or specialisation.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, 49.1% of Corporate Treasurers hold a Bachelor’s Degree, while 34.5% hold a Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate.
In addition to tertiary study, treasury positions will typically require professional certification. In Australia, five professional certifications are highly recommended:
Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA)
Chartered Accountants (CA)
Financial Risk Manager
As outlined in the Robert Half Salary Guide, some of the most in-demand certifications and degrees in finance and accounting include:
CA/CPA
ACCA/CIMA
CTA/CFA
MBA
Skills
Formal education, practical experience and a commitment to continuous learning can help you build and grow your treasury skill set.
As a treasury professional in Australia, you’ll need a combination of technical, interpersonal and problem-solving skills to stay agile and adaptable in the finance sector.
Some essential technical skills include:
Proficiency with treasury technology and management systems – From SAP to Finastra, Kyriba to Quantum, expertise in treasury applications will help you boost accuracy and efficiency while streamlining processes.
Advanced regulatory knowledge - Familiarity with APRA, ASIC and other financial reporting requirements will ensure you’re not missing a trick in the world of finance, treasury and compliance.
Strong financial management capabilities – The ability to analyse and interpret financial data is vital for any treasury professional. Knowing how to effectively manage risk, cash flow and liquidity is central to their success.
Strong business acumen – An advanced understanding of financial markets, corporate financing and general business, can pave the way for significant career advancement, with opportunities to influence key business decisions.
Some essential soft skills include:
Problem-solving – To proactively analyse complex problems, think critically and implement effective solutions.
Attention to detail – To ensure an unwavering commitment to accuracy and precision.
Communication and collaboration – To liaise with multidisciplinary teams and distil complex financial concepts clearly and concisely.
Adaptability – To effectively manage and adjust to change (i.e., changing financial markets, regulations and tech developments).
Stakeholder management – To build prosperous partnerships, address concerns, influence decision making and align organisational goals.
Leadership and business partnering – To guide teams, contribute to strategic decision-making, influence key decision-makers and drive financial strategies within your organisation.
Experience
The extent of experience required for Australian treasury professionals can vary depending on the role’s seniority, the industry and specific employer requirements. Irrespective of your formal qualifications (or your categorisation as either a F&A or FS professional) organisations expect their treasury professionals to have a combination of hands-on experience, technical proficiency, problem-solving capabilities and adaptability.
Let’s review the expected experience for different levels of seniority.
Entry-level positions
Practical experience – Recent graduates who may have completed internships or relevant graduate programs or have spent time working in early-career roles.
Basic work experience – 0-2 years of relevant experience in a junior or support role to learn and build key skills.
Specialisations – Entry-level F&A professionals may have some exposure to corporate finance departments, whereas FS professionals may have exposure to banking, investment, or financial risk environments.
Mid-level positions
Professional experience – 3-7 years of hands-on experience, with a focus on strategic and risk management responsibilities.
Technical proficiency – Demonstrated ability to work with relevant treasury management platforms, treasury trading platforms, financial modelling and risk analytics software.
Demonstrated capabilities (F&A) - A proven track record of cash flow forecasting, FX hedging, debt management and working capital optimisation.
Demonstrated capabilities (FS) - Proven ability to manage liquidity risk, capital adequacy, stress testing and trading desk support.
Leadership experience (F&A) – Solid experience managing small teams, mentoring junior staff and engaging key stakeholders (i.e., CFOs and banks).
Leadership experience (FS) – Solid experience leading treasury projects and collaborating with traders, risk managers and regulators.
Senior-level positions
Professional experience – 7+ years of enterprise-level treasury experience with a deep understanding of financial strategy, risk management, regulatory compliance and relevant technical systems and processes.
Leadership experience – Demonstrated ability to lead and manage treasury teams, with a focus on guiding strategic decision-making at an executive level.
Advanced knowledge (F&A) – Extensive expertise in cash flow optimisation, debt financing, FX hedging and corporate risk management.
Advanced knowledge (FS) – Extensive expertise in liquidity risk, capital adequacy, regulatory compliance and balance sheet management.
Strategic contributions (F&A) – A history of impactful contributions, i.e. structuring corporate funding, managing financial risks and developing strategic treasury policy.
Strategic contributions (FS) – A history of impactful contributions, i.e. managing liquidity buffers, funding instruments, stress testing and trading support.
Understandably, more experienced treasury professionals can command higher remuneration due to their expertise, skills and ability to contribute strategically.
So, if you’re looking to progress your treasury career, there could be some major financial benefits.
What you need to know about a treasury salary
According to James Lindsay, Senior Practice Director at Robert Half and specialised financial services recruiter, the hiring market for treasury staff is gaining traction.
He says, “Businesses will be looking for treasury talent in 2025. In compiling our latest Salary Guide, we’ve discovered that 24% of employers are looking to hire treasury talent this year.”
While this is great news for treasury professionals, James acknowledges that it’s not uncommon for some treasury candidates to face challenges.
He says, “Treasury candidates are, typically, a very highly motivated cohort. They have clear ambitions to progress to more senior roles and they have the drive to get there by staying relevant and competitive through professional development.”
“That said, they do grapple with perception issues - many feel undervalued compared to other finance functions. It’s only right that they are chasing fair compensation in exchange for their experience and expertise.”
“Proud treasury professionals need to have the right level of validation - I want them to feel educated and empowered when they approach these major salary discussions,” says James.
When it comes to a treasury salary in Australia, it’s important to recognise that your earning potential is influenced by your level of experience, education and the industry you work in.
The Robert Half Salary Guide gives an insight into the salaries that treasury professionals in both F&A and FS can typically expect.
The relevant salaries for each category have been outlined below **:
Finance and accounting
Junior position (i.e., Treasury Accountant)
Beginner -$89k
Mid-level - $101.5k
Advanced -$117k
Mid-level position (i.e., Treasury Manager)
Beginner -$140.5k
Mid-level - $154.5k
Advanced -$178.5k
Senior position (i.e., Treasurer)
Beginner -$178.5k
Mid-level - $210k
Advanced -$240k
Financial Services
Junior position (i.e., Treasury Analyst)
Beginner -$87.5k
Mid-level - $107k
Advanced -$127k
Mid-level position (i.e., Treasury Manager)
Beginner -$137.5k
Mid-level - $159k
Advanced -$185.5k
Senior position (i.e., Treasurer)
Beginner -$232k
Mid-level - $278k
Advanced -$371k
Treasury encompasses a range of different positions – you’ll find all of the below within The Robert Half Salary Guide:
F&A Positions
Treasury Accountant
Treasury Manager
Treasurer
FS Positions
Treasury Analyst
Treasury Manager
Head of Treasury
Treasurer
Need help finding a job? Let Robert Half help you today.
As we enter 2025, James says it’s important to acknowledge the key treasury salary trends.
He says, “Overall, treasury salaries in 2025 vs 2024 are on track to remain relatively stable. That said, there has been some noticeable uplift in some senior treasury salaries (namely in the FS category). It signals a strategic shift by businesses to try and attract top-tier talent who can fill these positions and optimise business outcomes.”
James encourages all treasury professionals to review the latest data because, in some cases, there will be state-by-state variations.
“Your location can have a considerable impact on your salary. To give an example, a treasury salary in Perth sits 9% above the national average. When you consider factors such as competition, availability of talent and regional talent costs, it makes sense that some regions would need to offer more, ” he says.
“Take the time to identify the general salary range for your role and be mindful of the differences in the F&A and FS sectors. Of course, factors like education, skills and experience will have an impact but if you’re seeking a higher range, consider advancing your skills, experience and qualifications, ” says James.
Tips for negotiating a treasury salary
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to boost your salary (especially when you are making valuable contributions to your business). But, a lack of salary transparency can set you back.
When negotiating your treasury salary, it’s important to remember that research and effort can pay dividends.
If you take the time to review relevant data and build a unique value proposition, you can be on your way to securing the right compensation (and validation).
Ready to secure a fair package? Be sure to try our four tips below:
1. Know your worth
Understanding the current salary trends will help you to confidently navigate negotiations to make a compelling case.
Undertake your own research and consider how the offer fits in the context of the wider market. The 2025 Robert Half Salary Guide offers comprehensive salary data and insights to help you determine whether an offer is within the market range for your experience and position level.
If the offer is below the market averages or you feel you are worth more, it’s important to justify this to your employer or prospective employer.
But, as James cautions, always remember to be realistic.
He says, “Whether you work in the F&A sector or the FS sector, it’s important to recognise that both are highly competitive. It’s crucial to negotiate from an informed position. Be realistic - ask yourself whether you’re in a position to negotiate a higher salary or whether you need to build on some skills first.”
“If you’re not getting your ideal role or salary, ask for more feedback. Things like certifications and specialisations carry a lot of weight – certifications like Certified Treasury Professional or specialised skills like risk management and cash flow forecasting could be worthwhile exploring if you haven’t already.”
“Identify any regional or industry differences (as outlined in The Robert Half Salary Guide). Treasury jobs in the banking industry will pay differently to treasury jobs in the corporate finance sector.”
“You might be able to negotiate more based on your location. For example, treasury professionals in Melbourne or Brisbane can only expect a salary that’s 2% above the national average. However, if they were in Sydney, they could expect a salary 8% above the national average,” he says.
2. Prepare for negotiation
Before you start your negotiations, take the time to evaluate your contributions - evaluate your current role, job history, skills and measurable outcomes.
Be prepared to justify your desired salary - use quantifiable evidence to highlight your achievements, professional growth activities, and future aspirations while aligning them to the organisation’s objectives. Demonstrate your unique value through key metrics such as improved cash flow or risk mitigation.
James believes evidence is key.
“In preparing for negotiations, you must gather anything that can sharpen your competitive edge. Think carefully about your recent achievements, industry certifications or any niche skill that may increase your business appeal.”
“Remember, it’s not all about hard skills – shining a light on your soft skills is important too. Agility, adaptability and attention to detail go a long way in the treasury realm. In my experience, this kind of candidate is highly valuable in terms of their accuracy and their ability to work under pressure.”
3. Master the conversation
James believes preparation and assertiveness can help you master the conversation during your treasury salary negotiation.
He says, “When it comes to negotiation practice, I always recommend using scripts or templates tailored for common treasury negotiation scenarios. These are very effective - they can help you to articulate your value, respond to challenging questions, address counteroffers and handle common objections.”
“Many of my clients have prepared scripts to outline their skills, experience and market trends to justify their desired salary. It’s a tried and tested way to help you stay composed (and persuasive). At the very least, practising responses to tough questions can help you to pre-empt tricky questions.”
Remember, negotiation success hinges on how you conduct yourself, so maintain a collaborative yet confident approach.
Remain polite, positive, and professional throughout the process - be open to compromises and feedback, but take charge of the situation positively to help assert your confidence and preparedness for further negotiations.
4. Leverage market trends
2025 is set to bring about some significant market trends that are sure to impact treasury professionals. As outlined in the latest Robert Half Salary Guide:
Professionals in accounting, payroll and controlling are most in demand, with skills in financial analysis, business partnering, business intelligence tools and month-end management of most interest to employers.
With finance talent shortages across the board, healthcare, financial services, retail in the east and mining services in Western Australia are among the sectors with the highest hiring intentions.
Compensation remains a key priority for finance and accounting professionals. 34% are expecting pay increases to keep pace with the rising cost of living, and 33% would look for a new job if their expectations aren’t met.
Automation is a hot topic in the finance and accounting world, with 31% of firms encouraging their staff to explore generative AI tools for the enhancement of day-to-day routine tasks and to improve productivity.
James says it’s important to leverage these trends in your treasury salary negotiations.
“Continuous learning is key - keep abreast of in-demand treasury skills that can boost your unique value. Technological advancements are coming quicker than businesses can keep up with, and they want to know that their employees won’t fall behind the curve. Skills in AI, digital payments and automation tools can boost your appeal (and your salary).”
Above all, James says it’s important to consider the value beyond salary.
He says, “Employers have been guilty of creating their hiring roadblocks in the past. Look at how they might be trying to enrich the employee experience by offering things like career development opportunities, unique company culture and hybrid work options.”
“Evaluate the package as a whole – salary shouldn’t be your sole consideration. Things like flexible work hours, hybrid working models and extra annual leave entitlements can help to form the best package for you,” he says.
Contrary to misconceptions, a career in treasury isn’t limited to ‘numbers’. In the world of modern business, treasury is hardly a mere ‘back-office function’ – it’s a fundamental component of long-term financial health. With the power to influence key business decisions and contribute to lasting organisational success, it’s little surprise why treasury professionals are in high demand. By taking the time to equip yourself with the right information, you can negotiate to your advantage and earn fair compensation for your essential treasury skills and services.
Looking for treasury opportunities? Robert Half is ready to match your skills with some exciting opportunities.
*Source: The non-salary data presented is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in November 2024. The survey gathered responses from 500 hiring managers in finance, accounting, business support, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across Australia.
**The salaries listed in the salary tables represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or superannuation. We report salaries in three percentiles, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the treasurer earn?
According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, the salary for a Treasurer (F&A) sits around the below range**:
Beginner -$178.5k
Mid-level - $210k
Advanced -$240k
The salary for a Treasurer (FS) sits around the below range**:
Beginner -$232k
Mid-level - $278k
Advanced -$371k
What is a career in treasury like?
A career in treasury is dynamic, analytical, and highly strategic – it will see you working to maintain strong financial relationships, secure capital and ensure that companies have the economic resilience to navigate challenges and new opportunities.
As a treasury professional, you will serve as the conduit between your company and the wider financial market. You will oversee funding strategies, corporate investments and regulatory compliance to bolster financial planning efforts and operational efficiency.
What is the average treasury salary?
According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, the average treasury (F&A) salary sits around the below range**:
Beginner - $136K
Mid-level - $155,333K
Advanced – $178,500K
The average treasury (FS) salary sits around the below range**:
Beginner - $156,125K
Mid-level - $182,375K
Advanced – $221,750K
What factors influence a treasury salary?
Many factors can influence your treasury salary, particularly:
Education and certification
Skills
Experience
Location
How do I get a job in treasury?
In Australia, it’s generally expected that treasury professionals pursue a formal education to build their foundational skills.
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or Commerce is particularly valuable.
Along with formal education, practical experience and a commitment to continuous learning can help you build and grow your treasury skill set to secure the best jobs.
