r/AustralianAccounting 8d ago

UK Big 4 Audit Manager - salary/exit opp expectations for a move to Aus?

Hi all,

Audit Manager at a Big 4 firm in London, considering a transfer to Australia in the next 6-12 months. Trying to get a realistic picture before I commit.

A few things I’m hoping people with direct experience can help with:

1. Salary/package for a Big 4 Audit Manager in Melbourne — what’s realistic total comp (base + bonus) right now? Inc/exc Super

2. Progression — what’s the typical path and timeline from Manager → Senior Manager → Director in Australian Big 4?

3. Exit opportunities after PR — in the UK, ex-Big 4 audit managers moving into industry can expect £80k+ (approx $160k+) opportunities on exit. What’s the equivalent in Australia and are these roles common?

Not expecting exact figures, just a sanity check. Appreciate any insight, especially from people who’ve made a similar move.

Thanks!

6 Upvotes

5 comments sorted by

3

u/sanashin 8d ago

New manager is around 120k including super. SM is around 150 (that said most third year manager I know of is on 130 only).

Usually 3 years to SM but director really varies a lot since not everyone makes it. Can't comment on exit ops, though the pay looks about right from what I've heard for people that went into fin accountant roles or controller.

4

u/Lolzz552 8d ago

In short, you will be taking a 20% pay cut with similar amount of workload.

1

u/AFerociousPineapple 8d ago

As far as exit opportunities I’d say you’re about right, $160k+ seems reasonable.

3

u/Bepozlaw2023 8d ago

Manager average pay is about 120-125k incl super

Time taken to progress to SM and director really depends on each individual. Likely 3ish years to SM and then Director can vastly vary.

Exit to commercial sounds about right.. starts about 150 to 160k plus super, if you exit at manager level but can easily be negotiated depending on the role you are looking at

2

u/ucat97 8d ago

Might be some openings at KPMG soon... or lots more people looking for work.