Project Costing and Finance Specialist

Downer Professional Services; Canberra; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development programs

Healthcare discounts

Reservist Leave

Job summary

A leading defence consulting firm is seeking a Project Costing and Finance Specialist in Canberra. This full-time role involves developing strategic cost models, preparing financial documentation, and engaging with stakeholders for Defence projects. The ideal candidate will have expertise in cost modeling and financial analysis. Join the team to contribute to critical projects that safeguard Australia's future.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop, refine, and manage complex cost models for Defence projects.
• Skilled in preparing finance tables for CABSUB and conducting cost variance analysis.
• Experience supporting Investment Committee submissions and establishing project budgets.
• Ability to liaise with Defence stakeholders and respond to assurance questions.
• Competent in producing asset valuation models and maintaining financial artefacts.

Responsibilities

• Build and refine project cost models for Investment Committee submissions.
• Prepare finance tables for monthly reporting and support reporting activities.
• Conduct deep dives with Navy Capability Cost Assurance and support CCB Technical Reviews.
• Provide financial input for contract change proposals and budget establishment.
• Liaise with Defence personnel and deliver strategic cost advice.

Skills

Advanced Cost Modelling Expertise

Financial Analysis & Reporting Skills

Strategic Planning & Budgeting Knowledge

Stakeholder Engagement & Assurance Capability

Tool Proficiency & Technical Documentation

Tools

ACEIT

SAP ARC

ERP systems

Job description

Project Costing and Finance Specialist role at Downer Professional Services

Downer Professional Services provided pay range

This range is provided by Downer Professional Services. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

A$75,000.00/yr - A$107,000.00/yr

Join our Downer Professional Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia’s future.

Downer Professional Services is comprised of two business units, our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice and Team Downer, a major service partner to Defence. Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for our clients in Defence and National Security.

We currently have an opportunity for a Project Costing and Finance Specialist in Canberra to work on Maritime Integrated Warfare Systems projects.

What You’ll Do

This role offers a broad scope, with key role responsibilities including:

• Strategic Cost Model Development: Build and refine project cost models for Investment Committee and Government submissions, including AMCIP tables, DRN/DSN-compliant CCT models, and Gate 2 artefacts.
• Financial Documentation & Reporting: Prepare finance tables for CABSUB, PES, MAA, MSA, and PDS; support monthly reporting through PPRIP, DFG, and IPT reports.
• Cost Assurance & Review Activities: Conduct deep dives with Navy Capability Cost Assurance, support CCB Technical Cost Assurance Reviews, and respond to formal assurance questions.
• Project Finance & Budgeting Support: Provide financial input for contract change proposals, asset valuation models, Section 23 escalation calculations, and budget establishment during BEs and AEs.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Advisory: Liaise with ASCA, DSTG, CCB, and Navy personnel; deliver strategic cost advice and participate in TEWG and Central Agency workshops.

What You’ll Bring

• Advanced Cost Modelling Expertise: Proven ability to develop, refine, and manage complex cost models for Defence projects, including DRN/DSN-compliant CCT models, AMCIP tables, and Gate 2 artefacts.
• Financial Analysis & Reporting Skills: Skilled in preparing finance tables for CABSUB, conducting cost variance analysis, and supporting monthly reporting across PPRIP, DFG, and IPT formats.
• Strategic Planning & Budgeting Knowledge: Experience supporting Investment Committee submissions, Section 23 escalation calculations, and establishing project budgets during BEs and AEs processes.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Assurance Capability: Ability to liaise with Defence stakeholders (ASCA, DSTG, CCB, Navy), respond to CCB assurance questions, and contribute to TEWG evaluations.
• Tool Proficiency & Technical Documentation: Competent in using ACEIT, SAP ARC, and ERP systems; capable of producing asset valuation models and maintaining financial artefacts aligned with Defence frameworks.

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain a minimum Negative Vetting 1 or higher Security clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement.

More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Why Downer Professional Services

At Downer Professional Services, we’re not just a workplace - we’re a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country’s only sovereign prime, we’re committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia’s interests.

What is means to belong at Downer Professional Services

• Meaningful work: Help to deliver critical Defence projects that protect Australia and shape its future.
• Professional development: Access career mapping, accelerated learning programs, and shared learning through our Communities of Practice.
• Great perks: Enjoy discounts on healthcare, retail, vehicles, and more through Perks@Downer.
• Veteran support: Benefit from initiatives like up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to stay connected post-service.

You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.

We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Accounting/Auditing, Finance, and Information Technology

Industries

Defense and Space Manufacturing

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