Cost Controller

Sydney Water; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Remuneration

Hybrid Work Environment

Continuous Professional Growth

24/7 Wellbeing Support

Discounted Private Health Insurance

Family First: parental leave + childca

Fitness Passport

Novated Leasing

Job summary

Sydney Water is seeking a senior cost control professional to deliver project cost management for Major Projects, partnering with Project Managers and Engineers to keep delivery within approved budgets.

The role involves planning, estimating, budgeting, funding and cost control across the project lifecycle, with a focus on accuracy and governance in a fast-paced infrastructure environment.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in engineering, commerce, or a related discipline; 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.
• Strong knowledge of project accounting, cost planning, scheduling, reporting requirements, and briefing papers.

Responsibilities

• Support project teams by managing budgets, forecasts, cost-to-complete analysis, and cash flow to ensure projects are within budgets.
• Monitor and validate project costs, commitments, contractor claims, invoices, and compensation events for accuracy.
• Provide regular financial reporting, analysis and commentary to project leadership on performance and expenditure implications.
• Maintain and update cost control systems, records and contract commitments; educate teams on process and tools.
• Contribute to consistent cost control processes and support governance and contract reviews.

Skills

Budgets & forecasting

Cost control

Project accounting

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, commerce or related discipline

Job description

1 Smith St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia

Deliver cost performance and management for Major Projects, partnering with Project Managers and Engineers to ensure delivery within approved budgets.

• Be part of a client organisation delivering cutting‑edge water recycling and sustainable stormwater solutions that shape a greener, more resilient city.
• Enjoy flexible hybrid working arrangements across office and home environments.

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 Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role.

Ready to take the next step in your career? We’d love to hear from you!

• 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 Policy and 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.

At Sydney Water, we are passionate about making a difference to the lives of our customers and communities. We have a proud heritage and progressive future providing world class drinking water and services that are vital to our customers’ quality of life and safeguarding Sydney’s future. We see the world is changing, so we are changing too.

Our vision is to create better lives through world‑class services, and we believe that starts with our people. Our people and their jobs are as diverse as the communities we serve. Our diverse skills, mindsets and backgrounds work together on exciting and challenging projects that make a difference and help ensure Sydney remains one of the most iconic and liveable cities in the world.

We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and veterans.

1 Smith St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia