Cost Controller

About the Opportunity

Based in Henderson, the Project Cost Controller plays a key role in supporting the successful delivery of complex maritime projects. You will provide cost control, analysis, and reporting to ensure projects are delivered within budget and aligned to financial objectives.

Working within Austal's Programs function, you will contribute to cost tracking, forecasting, and performance reporting in an Earned Value Management (EVM) environment. This role offers the opportunity to partner with Project Managers, Finance, Engineering, and Operations to provide insights that support informed decision-making and improve project outcomes.

This is an excellent opportunity for a developing professional with 2-5 years' experience in cost control or project finance, looking to grow their career in a structured project delivery environment.

About Austal

Austal is Australia's global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world's leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam. With operations spanning multiple sites, Austal offers diverse career opportunities in trades, maintenance, engineering support, project services, corporate functions and operational delivery.

Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We're driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.

Learn more at austal.com/ssa

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.

What's Involved

• Review estimated costs for project and program delivery.
• Analyse cost performance to identify key trends and issues.
• Identify and communicate cost drivers, risks, and opportunities.
• Support reporting on actuals vs. budget and forecast variances.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of project/program cost budgets.
• Prepare cost budget packs and develop the Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS).
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support cost control, mitigate potential overruns, and drive process improvements.
• Maintain regular and effective communication with key stakeholders
• Prepare cost forecasts and track expenditures accurately.
• Ensure data used for performance monitoring is current and accurate across systems.
• Support timely and accurate cost reporting to enable delivery within budget.
• Develop cost inputs for KPI tracking and variance analysis in an Earned Value
• Document, assess and analyse drivers for variances across cost, scope, schedule and resources to support impact analyses and information for project decision making.
• Support the accurate forecasting of future costs.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders and Finance to maintain budget alignment with financial objectives.
• Adhere to established cost control processes and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of cost control processes and reporting efficiency.
• Promote sound cost management practices across the program.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, contract terms, and financial regulations.
• Stay informed on industry best practices in cost control and financial management.
• Work closely with Finance, Procurement, Project/Program Management, and
• Serve as a key point of contact for cost control matters on assigned projects or programs.

You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or a related field
• 2-3 years' experience in cost control, project controls, or financial analysis within a project-based environment
• Sound knowledge of cost management principles, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Experience applying cost control processes and procedures, preferably in an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) environment.
• Proven ability to apply cost management principles through accurate budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to drive financial performance and control cost.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and exposure to financial or project reporting tools
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders
• Eligibility to obtain a Defence Security Clearance

Desirable

• Experience in the shipbuilding, manufacturing, construction, or defence sectors.
• Exposure to Defence project environments or Commonwealth of Australia reporting frameworks.
• Experience in defence, construction, manufacturing, or similar industries
• Familiarity with systems such as SAP, IFS, or Power BI
• Working toward or holding a relevant certification (eg: CPA, CMA, AACE, or project controls accreditation) is an advantage.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.

At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.