From Auditor to CFO: finance salaries in 2025 uncovered

The finance sector offers a wide range of career opportunities, whether you are taking your first steps into the job market as a finance professional or reaching the top in financial management. Charlotte Jacobs, senior manager at Swiss recruitment specialist Robert Walters, explains the salaries and trends anno 2025 for some current positions in the finance sector.  

Internal auditor  

Experience as an internal auditor often forms the basis for further growth within finance. As an internal auditor, you can expect a salary of CHF 110k-150k gross per year on average. For internal auditor managers who already have several years of experience within audit, the salary can rise to an average of CHF 150k-190k gross per year.  

(Group) Controller  

“For auditors from the Big 4, moving to a job as controller is a logical and common next step,” Charlotte knows. “These professionals bring a strong foundation in financial reporting, broad knowledge of sectors and strategic insight, which is valuable in controller roles. They appreciate the shift from control to strategy, greater autonomy and responsibility, and often a better work-life balance. Moreover, former Big 4 talent is in high demand, thanks to their reputation and expertise.”  

In the first years as a controller, gross annual salary is typically between CHF 120k-160k. As experience increases and the controller develops as a business partner, the salary grows. As a group controller, you can count on an average salary of CHF 140k-180k gross per year, supplemented by interesting fringe benefits.  

Financial management  

Charlotte: “In 2025, automation and sustainability will continue to radically transform the financial sector. Organisations wanting to meet these challenges must invest in their internal talent and focus on developing leadership potential. Finance professionals who position themselves as strategic business partners and specialise in ESG compliance and strategic insight will have plenty of opportunities to accelerate their careers.” 

For finance managers, the gross annual salary is between CHF 140k-190k. If you grow into the role of finance director, you can expect a gross annual salary of CHF 200k-250k. As chief financial officer, the salary ranges between CHF 220k-450k gross per year.  

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