Cost Controller | Kewdale

Pacific Energy Ltd; Perth; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Energy Ltd. is seeking a proactive Cost Controller to join our project controls team in Australia.

You will embed with project teams, delivering cost control, forecasting and performance insights across renewable energy, battery storage and thermal power projects. You will work with Project Delivery, Commercial, Procurement and Finance to maintain transparent cost data, support decision-making and drive continuous improvement in cost management practices.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in accounting, finance, commerce, QE, engineering or project management.
• Experience in project cost control within energy or construction sectors.
• Strong knowledge of budgets, forecasts, cash flow and close-out.

Responsibilities

• Maintain project cost control frameworks: budgets, cost codes and reporting.
• Reconcile cost data across financial, ERP and project control systems.
• Coordinate monthly cost reporting and Forecast Cost to Complete (FCTC).
• Support Project Managers with cost analysis, forecasting and cash flow reporting.
• Monitor budgets, commitments and cost performance; flag risks and opportunities.
• Verify cost records; ensure accuracy and auditable data.
• Prepare cost reports and insights for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Delivery, Commercial, Procurement, Finance and Site teams.

Skills

Cost control

Forecasting

Cash flow management

Excel proficiency

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Reporting

Education

Accounting

Finance

Commerce

Quantity Surveying

Engineering

Project Management

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Pacific Energy is an Australian market leader in the provision of sustainable distributed energy.

As Australia's only end-to-end provider of all renewable energy technologies, with proven experience integrating solar, wind, battery energy storage and green hydrogen into new and existing systems, we deliver industry firsts that are leading the clean energy transition.

We're looking for a proactive and commercially minded Cost Controller to join our project’s team.

This is an opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, battery storage and thermal power projects, partnering closely with Project Managers and key stakeholders to provide accurate cost control, forecasting and performance insights that support successful project delivery.

With a strong growth pipeline and a broad range of projects underway, you'll gain valuable exposure to complex projects while building your project controls expertise in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Be the Difference at Pacific Energy

At Pacific Energy, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We foster a culture where collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged, and where people have the opportunity to grow their careers while contributing to meaningful projects.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible working arrangements, including a 9-day fortnight and 2 work-from-home days per week.
• Competitive salary package and employee benefits.
• Generous paid parental leave and wellbeing reimbursement benefits.
• Work across a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, battery storage and thermal power projects.
• Gain exposure to the full project lifecycle, from planning and procurement through to delivery and close-out.
• Partner closely with Project Managers and senior stakeholders, giving you visibility and influence across major projects.
• Opportunity to help drive continuous improvement and shape cost control practices within a growing business.
• Career development and progression opportunities as Pacific Energy continues to expand.

About the Role

As a Cost Controller, you'll provide dedicated cost control, analysis and assurance across projects throughout their lifecycle.

Working as an embedded member of the project team, you'll collaborate closely with Project Delivery, Commercial, Procurement and Finance stakeholders to maintain an accurate, transparent and auditable view of project performance. Your insights will help drive informed decision-making, identify potential risks and opportunities, and support successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain project cost control frameworks, including budgets, cost breakdown structures, cost codes and reporting processes.
• Reconcile project cost data across financial, ERP and project control systems to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Coordinate monthly cost reporting and Forecast Cost to Complete (FCTC) activities, including accruals, commitments, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Support Project Managers with cost analysis, forecasting and cash flow reporting.
• Monitor project budgets, commitments and cost performance, identifying risks, opportunities and emerging trends.
• Verify project transactions and cost allocations, ensuring accurate and auditable cost records.
• Prepare meaningful cost reports, commentary and project performance insights for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Project Delivery, Commercial, Procurement, Finance and Site teams to support project success.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across project controls, reporting and cost management practices.

About You

You're a detail-oriented and analytical professional who enjoys working closely with project teams and using data to support better decision-making.

You take ownership of your work, build strong stakeholder relationships and thrive in environments where accuracy, collaboration and continuous improvement are valued.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience in project cost control, project accounting or project controls within energy, engineering, construction, infrastructure, mining or similar project-based environments.
• Strong understanding of project budgets, commitments, accruals, forecasting, cash flow, change control, contingency management and project close-out.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with ERP, procurement and project control systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting reporting deadlines.
• Confidence communicating cost performance, challenging assumptions and providing meaningful project insights.
• Experience with SAP will be highly regarded.

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must have full Australian working rights.

At Pacific Energy, we’re committed to moving the world towards a clean energy future.

As Australia's only-end-to-end provider of all renewable energy technologies—including wind, solar, batteries and green hydrogen—we're delivering industry firsts through our collective belief that unified, we can transform the renewables landscape.

We have decades of experience to draw on, but we’re always looking for better ways to evolve, and new voices to guide us along our journey.

We’re headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, with opportunities in Kalgoorlie, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory. Come join us in our journey to create a brighter future, together.