Cost Controller

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Exposure to large-scale projects

Career development opportunities

Access to leadership programs

EmpowHER

Tier 1 ASX-listed organisation

Job summary

A leading Australian infrastructure provider is seeking an experienced Cost Controller to support financial management of capital construction projects. This role involves budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, requiring over 10 years of cost control experience. The successful candidate will collaborate with project teams to analyze cost performance and ensure governance. The company offers flexible working arrangements and career development opportunities within a Tier 1 ASX-listed organization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in cost control on capital construction projects.
• Strong understanding of project cost control and financial reporting principles.
• Experience with project controls and ERP systems.
• Advanced Excel skills with strong analytical and reporting capability.
• Proactive, detail-oriented with a focus on safety, governance and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, manage, and maintain project budgets and forecasts.
• Oversee month-end processes including accruals and project reporting.
• Analyse cost and schedule performance.
• Ensure commitments, purchase orders, and actual costs are allocated and controlled against WBS.
• Support governance, change management, and continuous improvement across project controls.

Skills

Cost control

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Analytical skills

Collaboration

EVPM

Tools

InEight

JDE

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Experienced Cost Controller supporting major Water Services construction projects. Flexible working, strong team culture, critical infrastructure work, and genuine career progression within a Tier 1 ASX-listed organisation.

Downer's Utilities - Water Services business is seeking an experienced Cost Controller to support the financial management of capital construction projects.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, this role is responsible for managing and reporting the financial position of one or more projects, ensuring accurate budgets, forecasts, and cost control processes are in place. You will work closely with project teams, management, and key stakeholders to support governance, decision-making, and continuous improvement outcomes.

This is a technically focused role, well suited to someone who enjoys detailed financial analysis while partnering with project and operational teams to deliver successful project outcomes.

What you’ll do

• Prepare, manage, and maintain project budgets and forecasts using InEight and ERP systems
• Oversee month-end processes including accruals, cash flow forecasting, and project reporting
• Analyse cost and schedule performance, identifying variances, trends, risks, and opportunities
• Ensure commitments, purchase orders, and actual costs are accurately allocated and controlled against WBS
• Support governance, change management, and continuous improvement across project controls

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements and supportive leadership
• Exposure to large-scale, complex Water Services infrastructure projects
• Strong internal mobility and career development opportunities across Energy & Utilities
• Access to leadership and development programs including THRIVE and EmpowHER
• The stability and opportunity of working for a Tier 1 ASX-listed organisation with deep in-house capability

What we’re looking for

• 10+ years’ experience in cost control on capital construction projects, ideally with subcontractor-heavy delivery models
• Strong understanding of project cost control, forecasting, EVPM, and financial reporting principles
• Experience with InEight, JDE, or similar project controls and ERP systems
• Advanced Excel skills with strong analytical and reporting capability
• A proactive, detail-oriented professional who values safety, governance, and collaboration

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 critical assets across water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial, and power generation sectors.

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.

How to apply

Click Apply to start your application. We look forward to hearing from you!