Cost Controller

Downer; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Perks@Downer discounts

Leadership programmes THRIVE & EmpowER

Internal mobility opportunities

Career development within Energy &

Job summary

Downer is seeking an experienced Cost Controller for its Water Services team in Energy and Utilities. You will support the financial performance of construction projects, partnering with project and operational teams to deliver clear cost information across the full lifecycle.

You will establish budgets and forecasts, perform month-end analysis, monitor costs and commitments, and drive continuous improvement in governance and reporting.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in project cost control within capital construction, infrastructure or utilities.
• Strong knowledge of forecasting, performance analysis and Earned Value Management.
• Proficiency with InEight and ERP systems such as JDE.
• Advanced Excel skills and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain project budgets and forecasts, analyzing movements against budget.
• Lead month-end cost control activities including accruals and cashflow forecasting.
• Monitor actual costs, commitments, POs and budget movements across WBS.
• Analyse project cost and schedule performance, identify risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with project teams to improve cost control processes and governance.

Skills

Cost control

Budgeting

Forecasting

Earned Value

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Tools

InEight

JDE

Microsoft Excel

Job description

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Cost Controller to join Downer’s Water Services team within our Energy and Utilities business.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will play an important role in supporting the financial performance of construction projects, partnering closely with project and operational teams to provide clear, accurate and timely cost information.

You will have visibility across the full project lifecycle, using your commercial and analytical expertise to understand project performance, identify emerging trends and provide insights that support informed decision making.

This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of project cost control in a complex delivery environment. From establishing budgets and forecasts through to month end reporting, cost analysis and continuous improvement, your work will help strengthen financial governance and support the successful delivery of essential infrastructure.

What you’ll do

• Prepare and maintain project budgets and forecasts within InEight and JDE, analysing movements against budget and previous forecasts
• Lead project month end cost control activities including accruals, cash flow forecasting and updates to project financial positions
• Monitor actual costs, commitments, Purchase Orders and budget movements across project Work Breakdown Structures
• Analyse project cost and schedule performance, including trends, risks, opportunities and forecasts at completion
• Partner with project teams to improve cost control processes, reporting, systems and financial governance

What we offer

• The opportunity to contribute to critical infrastructure projects within Downer’s established Energy and Utilities business
• Access to Perks@Downer, offering financial, travel and wellbeing discounts
• Access to leadership and development initiatives including THRIVE and EmpowHER
• Career development opportunities supported by Energy and Utilities’ dedicated internal mobility team, with a focus on progression, succession and redeployment opportunities where appropriate
• The opportunity to develop your career within a Tier 1 ASX listed organisation with extensive in house technical and delivery capabilities

What we’re looking for

• Extensive experience in project cost control, finance or project controls, ideally within capital construction, infrastructure or utilities environments
• Strong understanding of financial, accounting and cost control principles, with experience in project forecasting, performance analysis and Earned Value Performance Management
• Experience with InEight or similar project controls systems and JDE or a comparable ERP system
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills combined with strong analytical, reporting and problem solving capabilities
• A detail focused and proactive approach with strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships across project and operational teams

About Energy & Utilities

Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our expertise spans in house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.