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Highest Paying Finance Jobs in Canada 2024

What are the highest paying finance jobs in Canada?

In the fast-paced finance world, the allure of high-paying careers attracts many ambitious professionals. The financial sector is an everchanging landscape, with numerous finance jobs that not only pay well but also facilitate professional and personal growth. If you’re looking to start your career in finance or figuring out which finance jobs pay the best in your sector, here’s a guide to five of the highest paying roles in the field. This data is sourced from the Robert Walters 2024 Salary Survey, which includes salary and market insights for permanent positions in Toronto, Canada across various disciplines.

Why are these roles the best paying finance jobs?

When making a career move in the financial sector, consider more than just the monetary value. Why do these roles stand out most to you? What interests you most in a job? Whether it's analyzing market trends, financial planning for long-term organizational success, or an interest in the fast-paced world of investments, understanding your personal interests is crucial before anything else.

5 of the highest paid positions in finance

1.       Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Salary range 2024: $250k - 450k

With significant responsibility, CFO roles come with some of the best compensation packages in finance careers. CFOs oversee all financial operations of an organization, including accounting and financial reporting. They manage all aspects of financial matters and decision-making. The required years of management experience depend on the company's size and the duties involved. Many Chief Financial Officers have an MBA, a Masters, or another advanced degree.

2.       Director, Investment Operations

Salary range 2024: $150k - 195k

Acting as a bridge between your organization and investors, Directors of Investment Operations maintain and develop positive public images for the organization from a financial perspective. Professionals in this role must understand and communicate the firm's strategy, business model, financial performance, and value creation process effectively to shareholders and external stakeholders.

3.       Group Financial Controller

Salary range 2024: $155k - 200k

The Group Financial Controller ensures strong accounting and reporting throughout the group, including overseeing and monitoring an effective control environment and providing strategic information and advice to the management team. Group Financial Controller roles offer great career development potential, progressing into finance directors, CFOs, and COOs.

4.       Vice President of Finance & Operations

Salary range 2024: $200 – 250k

This role merges financial expertise with operational leadership, overseeing strategic financial planning, budgeting, and enhancing operational efficiencies within organizations. The VP of Finance & Operations plays a pivotal role in shaping both financial strategies and streamlining day-to-day operations to drive overall success. This position requires exceptional leadership and team management skills, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.

5.      Head of Tax

Salary range 2024: $230k - 345k

Another top-paying role, the Head of Tax orchestrates strategic financial maneuvers to ensure adherence to tax regulations and optimize fiscal outcomes. This executive position is characterized by its high level of responsibility, requiring a strong understanding of intricate tax laws, regulations, and a keen ability to guide the organization through a dynamic landscape.

How to stand out and pursue a top paying role in finance

1.       Express genuine interest in interviews

Expressing your genuine interest in a role is key to standing out. Discuss with the hiring manager exactly how your passion for finance aligns with the specific complexities of the position. For example, citing the opportunity to leverage your analytical skills and why this would be beneficial to you, or mentioning your desire to work in a more fast-paced, high-stakes environment can highlight your personal interest. This can make you a strong contender for the best paying finance jobs.

2.       Identify what makes you different

Employers want to know why they should choose you over anyone else they are interviewing for these high paying careers in finance. Highlight your unique skills, experiences, and qualifications that make you a strong contender for these high-paying roles. Whether it's your track record of successful investments, your ability to navigate complex financial models, or your knack for strategic planning, emphasize how your strengths align with the job's demands.

3.       Think about more than just the monetary value

The attraction of high-paying finance jobs is undoubtedly enticing, but remember, it's not just about the financial rewards. Aside from the salary, consider what about this job attracts you most. Finding a role that aligns with your interests, values, and finance career aspirations is paramount for long-term satisfaction and success. As you navigate the landscape of lucrative finance positions, keep your eyes on roles that not only promise financial gratification but also resonate with your professional ambitions.

4.       Understand your worth

Before interviewing for any finance jobs, it’s important to recognize your personal worth when it comes to salaries. Our Salary guide is your definitive guide to what’s happening in your industry, and where it’s heading next, including which finance jobs pay the most. We arm you with the facts and analysis to take bold decisions, fine tune the next steps in your career search and outsmart your competition when it comes to talent attraction and retention.​

Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your finance career, or preparing for your end-of-year appraisal, the Salary Survey will arm you with everything you need to know to get what you deserve.

Looking for the next step in your finance career? Explore the latest roles in finance we are currently hiring for today with our expert finance recruitment agency.

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FAQs

Top-paying finance jobs often require advanced degrees such as an MBA or a Master’s in finance or accounting, along with certifications like CPA or CFA. Significant management experience, strong leadership skills, and a proven financial management track record are also crucial for roles like CFO or VP of Finance & Operations.

Canada’s finance job market is robust and competitive, similar to leading financial hubs like the USA and UK. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver offer numerous opportunities in banking and investment. Canadian qualifications and experience are highly regarded globally, providing a strong foundation for international finance careers. Interested to learn more about the market? Contact the Toronto team today, and a member of the finance team will reach out to discuss current trends in more detail.

Emerging trends impacting finance salaries include the rise of fintech, blockchain, and AI, which demand specialized skills and often higher pay. ESG investing is creating new high-paying roles in sustainable finance. Additionally, the shift to remote work is leading companies to offer competitive packages to attract top talent from various locations.

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