Published: November 23, 2025 | Updated for 2026 Trends
In 2026, Australia's employment scene emphasises hybrid arrangements, bolstered by Fair Work decisions mandating flexibility and 63% of the workforce favouring mixed models.
SMEs gain from 37% productivity enhancements and 50% recruitment savings, particularly amid shortages in professional fields (20% growth). SEEK reports over 6,000 remote listings monthly, with finance positions leading as enterprises expand post-economic stabilisation.
This expanded guide outlines the top 12 remote roles, weighted towards finance per forecast demands, with AUD compensation drawn from SEEK and LinkedIn benchmarks. Each entry details extended features and practical SME advantages, rooted in our client successes.
Now embedded with 37% of Australians working from home regularly, remote setups slash facility costs while broadening talent acquisition, including interstate and offshore options. SMEs leverage 50% expense reductions and ATO conformity through cloud applications like Xero for secure data sharing.
Drawbacks such as team isolation (affecting 32%) are countered by communication platforms that maintain regulatory integrity. Finance vacancies surge, projecting 41,200 additions by 2029, driven by scaling needs.
Prioritised by expansion rates from Department of Employment projections, these positions fit SMEs advancing beyond A$5M revenue, with flexible hours and tool-based delivery. Each role description includes more specifics on daily responsibilities, required skills, and typical tools used.
These part-time executives (8-20 hours monthly) deliver strategic financial planning, oversee cash flow forecasting, provide guidance on capital raising and mergers, conduct risk assessments, prepare board-level reporting, and advise on long-term business strategy using advanced tools like Xero dashboards and Excel models for data-driven recommendations. They often hold CPA or CA qualifications and bring experience from multiple industries to offer unbiased perspectives.
Salary: A$250-450 per hour.
Practical Examples:
- A Melbourne tech startup refines financial models remotely, accelerates venture funding by 75% to secure A$2M, and adjusts strategies for market fluctuations.
- Retail chains optimise expense ratios, identify growth opportunities, and enhance EBITDA by 40% through scenario simulations.
Responsible for daily ledger entries, bank reconciliations, payroll processing, superannuation allocations, accounts payable and receivable management, and quarterly BAS/IAS submissions via cloud software like Xero or MYOB, ensuring real-time accuracy and compliance with ATO guidelines. They typically hold certifications in bookkeeping and use automation to handle high-volume transactions efficiently, often integrating with CRM systems for seamless data flow.
Salary: A$45-85 per hour or A$800-3,000 monthly retainer.
Practical Examples:
- A Sydney hospitality venue handles 200 weekly transactions remotely, automates categorisations to cut errors by 60%, and saves A$15,000 yearly in discrepancies while maintaining GST compliance.
- Small manufacturers track supplier payments, prevent overdues, and avoid A$10,000 in ATO fines through proactive alerts. Our bookkeepers streamline admin, freeing owners for core activities.
Mid-level overseers (15-40 hours monthly) manage team workflows, produce detailed monthly management accounts, conduct budget variance analyses, implement robust financial controls and policies, integrate accounting systems for efficiency, and collaborate on audit preparations. They bridge day-to-day operations with strategic finance, often using tools like Power BI for visual reporting and requiring strong analytical skills.
Salary: A$120-220 per hour.
Practical Examples:
- A Queensland exporter establishes internal audits remotely, spots cost leaks to improve EBITDA by 20%, and aligns spending with revenue goals.
- Growing consultancies gain oversight on multi-project finances, reducing overruns by 25%.
Manages vendor invoices verification, payment schedules and approvals, customer billing generation, debt chasing and collections, cash flow optimisations with forecasting, and reconciliation of statements, using automation tools for batch processing, reminders, and integration with banking apps to minimise errors.
Salary: A$40-65 per hour.
Practical Examples:
- An online retailer automates invoice cycles, shortens days sales outstanding by 15, unlocks A$50,000 in tied capital, and minimises bad debts by 30% through credit checks.
- Service firms coordinate with suppliers nationwide, ensuring timely payments without on-site staff. This role bolsters liquidity for expansion.
Executes bi-weekly payroll runs, calculates wages and entitlements including overtime and allowances, processes terminations and final pays, tracks annual and sick leave accruals, guarantees Single Touch Payroll adherence with super fund integrations and reporting, and handles queries on payslips, often using dedicated payroll software like KeyPay.
Salary: A$50-75 per hour, with 15% demand rise.
Practical Examples:
- A professional services outfit manages 50 employees remotely, automates super contributions across providers, and averts A$8,000 in penalties via accurate filings.
- Seasonal businesses scale staffing flexibly, handling peaks without errors. Ensures compliance in dynamic teams.
Develops key performance indicators and benchmarks, generates detailed variance reports against budgets, builds interactive dashboards for real-time monitoring, supports commercial evaluations and pricing strategies, and conducts cost-benefit analyses using data visualisation software like Tableau or Power BI.
Salary: A$90-130K pro-rata.
Practical Examples:
- A software SME analyses monthly metrics remotely, uncovers A$100,000 in operational savings, and informs pricing adjustments for 10% revenue lifts.
- Retailers track category performance, optimising stock investments. Drives evidence-based strategies.
Prepares annual financial statements and tax returns, advises on maximising deductions and credits, structures business entities for tax efficiency, conducts tax planning sessions, navigates legislative changes, and represents clients in ATO audits, requiring deep knowledge of Australian tax laws.
Salary: A$100-150 per hour.
Practical Examples:
- A family-owned enterprise claims A$50,000 in allowable expenses, defers 20% of liabilities through planning, and structures for asset protection. Peaks during EOFY allow multi-client service. Minimises tax burdens legally.
Researches funding eligibility criteria, compiles detailed documentation and evidence, submits comprehensive claims for R&D tax offsets or government grants, tracks application progress, maximises refund amounts through optimisation, and provides post-claim support, often specialising in innovation sectors.
Salary: A$80-120 per hour, often project-based.
Practical Examples:
- A biotech firm secures A$200,000 in R&D incentives remotely, reinvests in development, and accelerates product launches.
- Startups access non-dilutive funds, supporting cash-strapped growth phases.
Handles calendar management and scheduling conflicts, books travel and accommodations, prepares board packs and meeting agendas, coordinates with stakeholders via email and calls, automates administrative routines with tools like Zapier, and organises digital filing systems.
Salary: A$50-70K pro-rata.
Practical Examples:
- Supports multiple executives by prioritising tasks remotely, frees 10 hours weekly for strategic focus, and organises board materials efficiently, improving overall productivity.
Guides new clients through product setups and training sessions, monitors account usage and satisfaction metrics, gathers feedback via surveys, implements retention strategies like upsell recommendations, and resolves issues proactively using CRM platforms.
Salary: A$70-95K.
Practical Examples:
- A SaaS provider conducts virtual sessions, increases customer lifetime value by 25% through proactive support, and reduces churn with tailored resources.
Designs multi-channel campaigns, optimises SEO with keyword research and site audits, manages ad budgets and bidding strategies, analyses performance metrics like ROI and conversion rates, creates content calendars, and adjusts tactics based on analytics tools like Google Analytics.
Salary: A$80-110K.
Practical Examples:
- An e-commerce brand boosts organic traffic by 30%, generates qualified leads, and ties efforts to sales uplifts through data tracking.
Codes custom applications and scripts, maintains websites and databases, provides remote troubleshooting and bug fixes, integrates tools like Xero APIs for automation, conducts security checks, and offers user training on new systems.
Salary: A$100-140K.
Practical Examples:
- Builds bespoke dashboards for SMEs, saves A$20,000 in vendor fees, and resolves issues swiftly to minimise downtime.
To build effective remote teams, start by defining clear job descriptions that outline required skills, tools, and expected outcomes, then leverage platforms like SEEK, LinkedIn, and Upwork with "remote Australia" filters to access broader talent pools, including interstate or offshore candidates for cost savings. Ensure Fair Work compliance by drafting contracts that cover intellectual property rights, working hours, data security, and reimbursement for home office setups like internet or equipment.
For hiring, conduct video interviews using tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to assess cultural fit and digital proficiency, and incorporate skills tests or trial tasks to evaluate real-world performance. Once hired, implement structured onboarding with virtual orientation sessions, access to company handbooks, and buddy systems for quick integration.
Foster communication through daily stand-ups via Slack or Teams, weekly check-ins for feedback, and asynchronous updates to accommodate time zones. Set outcome-based KPIs rather than hour-tracking, using project management tools like Asana for transparency, and promote wellbeing with mental health resources, flexible schedules, and virtual team-building events to combat isolation.
Regularly review performance with quarterly appraisals, provide ongoing training for upskilling, and use Employer of Record (EOR) services for international hires to handle payroll taxes, superannuation, and visa compliance without legal hassles.
Hybrid models will dominate, with 28% of workers adopting a four-days-in-office, one-day-remote structure, as 69% of employers offer flexible arrangements to attract talent amid labour shortages. Fully remote roles are declining, with 30% of companies planning to phase them out by year-end due to collaboration needs, though 53% of employees still work remotely part-time and 14% full-time, particularly in tech and finance sectors.
AI integration in remote tools will surge by 32%, enabling smarter collaboration platforms with automated meeting summaries, task prioritisation, and predictive analytics for productivity, while offshoring for SMEs grows, especially to regions like the Philippines for cost-effective talent in IT and admin.
Wellbeing initiatives become mandatory under Fair Work updates, focusing on mental health support, ergonomic assessments, and burnout prevention through capped hours and wellness stipends.
Skills demands shift towards digital literacy, self-management, and remote leadership training, with employment growth strongest in services (0.6% projected) requiring adaptable workers.
International hiring rises to 75% in tech firms, but with tighter policies on visas and data security. Overall, remote work evolves into a balanced ecosystem, blending flexibility with structured office returns to boost engagement and innovation.
Can SMEs refuse remote requests under Fair Work?
Yes, if justified by operational needs like role-specific collaboration, but workers may appeal to the Commission, where 70% of 2026 cases support flexibility. Document decisions thoroughly to mitigate risks; finance positions frequently qualify as tool-dependent and remote-viable. Scale Suite advises on policies that balance business and employee interests.
What tools best support remote finance teams in Australia?
Xero and Slack for secure sharing and alerts; Asana for workflow tracking; Teams for video consultations. These facilitate ATO compliance like STP automation and yield 50% fewer errors through real-time edits. Integrate with Zapier for custom flows; Scale Suite configures for 90% reliability and minimal latency.
How much can SMEs save on remote hires versus full-time?
Savings reach 50% or A$30-60K annually per position, excluding office leases and super contributions, according to Productivity Commission findings. Fractional arrangements amplify to 70% for senior roles like CFOs; quantify via initial ROI assessments, often showing payback in quarters.
What compliance risks arise with remote international hires?
Key concerns include ATO payroll taxes, 11.5% super obligations (rising to 12%), TFN validations, and work rights verifications. Opt for Australian talent to simplify; for offshore, ensure visa compliance and data security under privacy laws. Scale Suite oversees filings and audits to eliminate exposures.
How to measure remote team performance effectively?
Focus on outcomes like report accuracy or task completion rates rather than hours; utilise Asana for progress metrics and Xero for financial impacts. Address isolation (32% prevalence) with bi-weekly check-ins and virtual events; quarterly reviews incorporate feedback for adjustments, fostering retention.
The 2026 remote surge grants Australian SMEs access to specialised finance talent, trimming costs by 50% while elevating performance through flexible, skilled contributions.
From bookkeepers ensuring compliance to CFOs steering strategy, these roles enable adaptive scaling.
Scale Suite: Empowering SMEs with fractional finance solutions. Connect with us.
Scale Suite delivers embedded finance and human resource services for ambitious Australian businesses.Our Sydney-based team integrates with your daily operations through a shared platform, working like part of your internal staff but with senior-level expertise. From complete bookkeeping to strategic CFO insights, we deliver better outcomes than a single hire - without the recruitment risk, training time, or full-time salary commitment.
Considering hiring finance staff? Let's compare what you'd get with an internal hire versus our embedded team approach.
Our experts will show you the complete picture - costs, capabilities, and flexibility - so you can make the right decision for your business.
No lock-in contracts and 30 day money back guarantee.
