Project Controls Engineer – Cost, Forecasting & Reporting

WeBuild; Cooma; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

WeBuild in Australia seeks a Cost Engineer/Cost Controller to lead cost performance systems, budgeting, and forecasting for major infrastructure projects.

You will apply EVM principles, manage CATS/IDD Tech and Primavera P6 integrations, and deliver accurate cost reporting to senior stakeholders. Collaboration with PMO and finance is essential, ensuring data integrity and timely risk escalation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in a cost engineering, cost control, or project controls role on major infrastructure or construction projects.
• Proficiency in cost performance software (e.g. CATS / IDD Tech, or equivalent) and Primavera P6 (preferred).
• Strong understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles including ACWP, BCWP, and BCWS.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with cost modelling and financial forecasting.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong numerical and analytical capabilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Valid working rights in Australia.
• Experience on large-scale civil infrastructure or major projects in Australia.
• Familiarity with SAP or equivalent ERP financial systems.
• Understanding of change management processes and their interface with cost control.
• Relevant professional certifications or memberships (e.g. AIQS, RICS, AACE).

Responsibilities

• Set up and manage CATS (IDD Tech) or similar cost performance software in line with project requirements.
• Configure and maintain the cost performance system to ensure accurate, consistent data capture and reporting.
• Support integration between cost performance systems and scheduling tools (Primavera P6).
• Develop and manage time-phased budgets aligned to the project schedule (tied to P6).
• Administer budget transfers and contingency drawdown in accordance with approved governance processes.
• Conduct budget validation to ensure integrity and alignment with the approved project baseline.
• Assess and report Actual Cost of Work Performed (ACWP) in accordance with Earned Value (EV) principles.
• Develop and maintain cost trends and forecasts tied to productivity metrics to provide forward-looking cost intelligence.
• Prepare escalation reporting to capture and communicate inflationary impacts on project costs.
• Coordinate and manage cost accruals in conjunction with the AFC function to ensure costs are accurately recorded in the correct period.
• Liaise with project teams and finance to validate accrual data and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

Skills

Cost engineering

Cost control

Project controls

Earned Value Management

ACWP/BCWP/BCWS

Excel

Forecasting

Communication

Reporting to senior stakeholders

Working rights Australia

Civil infrastructure experience

SAP

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field

Tools

Primavera P6

CATS / IDD Tech

SAP

Job description

WeBuild in Australia seeks a Cost Engineer/Cost Controller to lead cost performance systems, budgeting, and forecasting for major infrastructure projects.

You will apply EVM principles, manage CATS/IDD Tech and Primavera P6 integrations, and deliver accurate cost reporting to senior stakeholders. Collaboration with PMO and finance is essential, ensuring data integrity and timely risk escalation.