Senior Cost Controller

James Fisher and Sons plc; Cockburn; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Novated car leasing options

Paid parental leave scheme

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

James Fisher and Sons plc in Australia seeks a Senior Cost Controller to drive financial performance, lead forecasting, budgeting, and insightful reporting, challenging costs and identifying risks and opportunities for informed decisions.

The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, with experience in cost allocation, contract interpretation, and collaboration with stakeholders to deliver cost efficiencies in a security-conscious environment.

Qualifications

• Senior cost controller/financial analyst experience
• Tertiary qualification in Commerce/Business
• Professional membership of accounting body desirable
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Attention to detail with ability to substantiate financial data
• Exposure to understanding customer contracts is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines

Responsibilities

• Lead quarterly forecasting and annual budgeting processes from planning to presentation
• Prepare financial reports, cost models, management commentary, revenue reporting, and business cases
• Deliver month-end variance analysis and monitor costs against forecasts
• Analyse contractual production costs and margins to identify cost-saving opportunities
• Ensure accurate allocation and coding of costs, POs, invoices, and variations
• Manage customer invoicing and support cash flow
• Support project planning through WBS and ETC reviews
• Contribute to risk management and continuous improvement initiatives

Skills

Financial analysis

Excel

Stakeholder communication

Contract interpretation

Workload prioritization

Problem solving

Education

Commerce/Business degree

Accounting body membership desirable

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Senior Cost Controller
Bibra Lake, WA
Full-time, Permanent

Please note that this role requires security checks.

The Role:

The Senior Cost Controller drives financial performance by providing insightful reporting, challenging costs, and identifying risks and opportunities. The role leads forecasting activities, supports annual budgeting, and works with stakeholders to deliver cost efficiencies and informed business decisions.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead the quarterly forecasting and annual budgeting process from planning through to final presentation.
• Prepare financial reports and insights, including cost models, management commentary, revenue reporting, and business cases.
• Deliver month-end variance analysis and monitor contract & project costs against forecasts and targets.
• Analyse contractual production costs and margins, identifying opportunities to improve cost performance.
• Ensure accurate allocation and coding of costs, purchase orders, invoices, and variations.
• Manage customer invoicing, ensuring timely submission and maximising cash flow.
• Support contractual & project planning through work breakdown structures and estimate-to-complete reviews.
• Contribute to risk management, governance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What we're looking for:

• Experience in a Senior cost controller/ financial analyst role or similar.
• Tertiary qualifications in Commerce / Business (or similar).
• Professional Membership of Accountancy body is desirable.
• Advanced computer literacy skills with the Microsoft Office suite including Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills with systematic and practical approach to problem solving.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately analyse and substantiate financial data.
• Exposure to understanding & interpreting customer contracts is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience prioritizing workload and meeting conflicting deadlines
• Confident communicator with strong presentation skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Why join us?

• Join a team of people who are passionate about their job.
• Opportunity to expand the role and obtain new skills and experience.
• Contribute to a growing and successful business with an exciting order book.
• Wellbeing programs - employee assistance program to support you and your immediate family with counselling and support as needed.
• Flexible working arrangements, including a condensed working week to support a half day every Friday.
• Generous paid community service leave to support your local community or serve as a defence reservist.
• Weekly fruit baskets to keep hunger at bay on busy days.
• Free on-site parking.
• Novated car leasing options available.
• Paid Parental Leave Scheme.

About Us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry.

At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry.