Cost Controller

Pearl Recruitment Group; Australia; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Pearl Recruitment Group on behalf of a well-established Defence operator across Australia seeks an experienced Cost Controller to monitor budgets, forecast costs and maintain cost control across multi-project programs. The role works closely with the Construction Management team to ensure delivery within approved budgets.

You will oversee budgets, commitments, forecasts and cost performance, producing monthly cost reports and supporting procurement with cost tracking.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in a Cost Controller or Project Controls role
• Ability to prepare accurate financial reports, forecasts and cost analysis
• High level analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities

Responsibilities

• Monitor project costs against approved budgets
• Track commitments, actual expenditure and forecast final costs
• Prepare monthly cost reports, forecasts and financial updates
• Monitor project cash flow and financial commitments
• Identify cost variances, trends and commercial risks
• Maintain variation registers and monitor the financial impact of project changes
• Support procurement activities with accurate cost tracking
• Maintain project cost control systems and reporting registers
• Assist with project close-out, reconciliations and final cost reporting

Skills

Cost control

Budget forecasting

Financial reporting

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Job description

12th October, 2026

Our client is a well-established Defence operator delivering major projects across Australia. With a strong pipeline of work, they are seeking an experienced Cost Controller to join their team on a full time basis. Working closely with Construction Management team, you'll play a key role in monitoring project costs, preparing financial reports and ensuring projects are delivered within budget.

About the Role

This is a hands-on role where you'll provide financial oversight across projects by monitoring budgets, commitments, forecasting and cost performance throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor project costs against approved budgets and cost plans
• Track committed costs, actual expenditure and forecast final costs
• Prepare monthly cost reports, forecasts and financial updates
• Monitor project cash flow and financial commitments
• Identify cost variances, trends and commercial risks
• Maintain variation registers and monitor the financial impact of project changes
• Support procurement activities with accurate cost tracking
• Maintain project cost control systems and reporting registers
• Assist with project close-out, reconciliations and final cost reporting

About You

To be successful in this role you will have:

• 3+ years' experience in a Cost Controller or Project Controls role
• Ability to prepare accurate financial reports, forecasts and cost analysis
• High level analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities

What's on Offer

• Join a respected Defence company on a full time permanent basis
• Diverse, high-value projects
• Competitive salary package based on experience
• Modern office environment with excellent career development opportunities

If you're an experienced Cost Controller looking to take the next step in your career with a respected contractor delivering quality commercial projects, we'd love to hear from you. or contact us for a confidential discussion - Nick - 0433 746 992