Cost Controller

Austal-7; Fremantle; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional development

Supportive work environment

Career advancement

Job summary

Austal Defence Australia (ADA) is seeking a Cost Controller to oversee cost control across assigned projects within an Earned Value environment. You will monitor costs, maintain forecasts and CBS, and provide timely insights for decision-making in collaboration with PMs, CAMs, Supply Chain, Finance, Production and Engineering.

The role requires a relevant degree and 2-5 years' experience in cost control or project controls, with advanced Excel and ERP experience (IFS/SAP) desirable.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years' experience in cost control or project controls.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Experience in Earned Value Management (EVM) environments.
• Advanced Excel skills and financial/reporting experience.
• Exposure to defence, shipbuilding, manufacturing or project-based industries desirable.
• Eligible for Defence Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyse and report project costs to support delivery and financial objectives.
• Prepare and maintain cost forecasts, budgets and CBS for assigned projects.
• Identify cost drivers, risks, opportunities and variances with actionable insights.
• Support EVM reporting, KPI tracking and performance analysis across cost/schedule/scope.
• Ensure compliance with cost control frameworks, EVMS requirements and contracts.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of cost control processes and reporting.

Skills

Cost control

Budgeting

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Excel

Power BI

EVM

Reporting

Education

Degree in Finance/Accounting/Economics/Engineering

Tools

ERP systems (IFS/SAP)

Power BI

Job description

As the Cost Controller for Austal Defence Australia (ADA), you'll be responsible for overseeing cost control activities across assigned projects, ensuring accurate cost tracking, analysis and reporting to support delivery within budget and against project objectives.

Working within an Earned Value Management (EVM) environment, you will monitor performance, maintain cost forecasts, identify financial risks and variances, and provide timely insights to support decision-making. You will work closely with Project Managers, Control Account Managers (CAMs), Supply Chain, Finance, Production and Engineering teams to ensure effective cost management and project performance.

About Austal

Austal isAustralia’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.

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.

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

What’s Involved

• Monitor, analyse and report project costs to support project delivery, budget performance and financial objectives.
• Prepare and maintain cost forecasts, budgets and Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) for assigned projects.
• Identify cost drivers, risks, opportunities and variances, providing insights and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Support Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting, KPI tracking and performance analysis across cost, schedule and scope.
• Ensure compliance with cost control frameworks, EVMS requirements, internal policies and contractual obligations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance cost control processes, reporting accuracy and financial performance.

You’ll Need

• Degree qualification in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering or a related discipline.
• 2â5 years' experience in cost control, project controls or financial analysis within a project delivery environment.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, cost management and variance analysis.
• Experience applying cost control processes, ideally within an Earned Value Management (EVM) environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience preparing financial and performance reports.
• Experience within defence, shipbuilding, manufacturing, construction or other project-based industries (desirable)
• Exposure to ERP/project management systems (e.g. IFS, SAP), Power BI, Defence reporting environments, or relevant professional certifications (desirable)
• Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance

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.