Cost Controller

Austal-7; Fremantle; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Austal Defence Australia (ADA) is seeking a Cost Controller to oversee cost control across projects in a dynamic defence environment. You will monitor costs, prepare forecasts and CBS, and work with PMs, CAMs, and cross-functional teams to ensure delivery within budget and objectives.

In this role you will support EVMS reporting, track KPIs and drive continuous improvement in cost management. This position is based in Australia at Austal Defence Australia facilities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or related field.
• 2-5 years in cost control or project controls.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyse and report project costs to support delivery and budget.
• Prepare cost forecasts, budgets and CBS for assigned projects.
• Identify cost drivers, risks and variances with recommendations.
• Support EVMS reporting, KPI tracking across cost, schedule and scope.
• Ensure compliance with cost control frameworks and contractual obligations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of cost control processes.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Education

Finance/Accounting/Economics/Engineering degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

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.