Cost Controller

Sydney Water; Parramatta; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Professional growth programs

Wellbeing support

Discounted private health insurance

Parental leave (18 weeks) and childcar

Childcare allowance

Fitness Passport

Novated leasing

Job summary

Sydney Water is seeking a seasoned Cost Controller to lead budgeting, forecasting and cost management for major infrastructure projects in NSW. You will collaborate with project teams to ensure costs stay within approved budgets and drive financial discipline across the program.

The role requires at least seven years of cost control and budgeting experience within infrastructure or utilities, with strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in engineering, commerce, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in project estimating, cost control, budgeting, forecasting and analysis.
• Strong knowledge of project accounting, cost planning, scheduling, reporting requirements.
• Excellent communication skills with proven ability to present cost insights and analyses.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environments and implement effective controls.

Responsibilities

• Deliver budgets, forecasts, cost-to-complete analysis, and cash flow for Major Projects.
• Monitor costs, commitments, contractor claims, invoices, and compensation events against budgets.
• Provide regular financial reporting, analysis, and commentary to project leadership.
• Maintain and update cost control systems, records, and contract commitments.
• Support issue resolution, contract reviews, and adherence to Sydney Water policies and procedures.

Skills

Cost control

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Engineering or commerce degree

Project management qualifications

Cost control qualifications desirable

Job description

About us

At Sydney Water, we’re delivering critical water infrastructure to support our communities now and into the future. As part of our billion dollar investments over the next 10yrs, we’re building sustainable water solutions that ensure Sydney’s growth is supported with safe and reliable services. This is your chance to be part of something truly impactful.

About the role

The purpose of the position is to deliver project cost control services to Major Projects including planning, estimating, budgeting, funding, and controlling costs across the project lifecycle to enable the delivery of projects within the approved budget.

Your Responsibilities

• Support project teams by managing budgets, forecasts, cost‑to‑complete analysis, and cash flow to ensure projects are delivered within allocated budgets.
• Monitor and validate project costs, commitments, contractor claims, invoices, and compensation events to ensure accuracy, legitimacy, and alignment with approved budgets.
• Provide regular financial reporting, analysis, and commentary to project leadership, highlighting performance, trends, and expenditure implications.
• Maintain and update cost control systems, records, and contract commitments while educating project teams on correct processing and use of systems.
• Contribute to consistent cost control processes and support issue resolution, contract reviews, and adherence to Sydney Water policies and Delivery Management procedures.

To be successful in this role, you will bring

• Tertiary qualifications in engineering, commerce, or a related discipline/experience is a must with additional project management or cost control qualifications desirable.
• At least 7 years’ experience in project estimating, cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis within infrastructure or utilities environments.
• Strong knowledge of project accounting, cost planning, scheduling, reporting requirements, and the ability to prepare clear briefing papers and cost information packs.
• Excellent communication skills with proven capability in presenting cost insights, analysing complex issues, solving problems, and maintaining high attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in fast‑paced, multi‑stakeholder environments, driving positive business change and implementing effective controls and governance frameworks.

You must be an Australian CitizenorPermanent Residentat the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role.

• Work on landmark infrastructure projects that will shape Sydney's future.
• Collaborate with industry-leading professionals across government, utilities and construction.
• Be part of a supportive and high-performing team.
• Grow your career while gaining exposure to complex infrastructure interfaces and major project delivery.
• Make a real impact by supporting projects that benefit communities for generations to come.

Competitive Remuneration

We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately.

Hybrid Work Environment

We offer a hybrid work model that balances remote work and office collaboration, supporting our team's productivity and well-being.

Continuous Professional Growth

We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success.

24/7 Wellbeing Support

Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal.

Discounted Private Health Insurance

Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans.

Family First

Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a childcare allowance.

Fitness Passport

Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW.

Novated Leasing

Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options.

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. Your personal information may also be used to establish a Dayforce talent profile. Your personal information will be collected in accordance with Dayforce’s Terms and Privacy Policyand Sydney Water’sPrivacy Collection Statement – recruitment. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which include a criminal history check.