Senior Cost Controller

Austal; Fremantle; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Career progression within the organis​

Job summary

Austal Defence Australia in Fremantle is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Controller to join the Enterprise PMO, supporting Landing Craft Projects under the SSA Program.

You will lead cost planning, forecasting, reporting and EVMS-based performance analysis, mentor Project Cost Controllers, and collaborate with Project Managers, CAMs, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering and Production to keep projects within budget.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong cost control, project controls or financial analysis experience.
• Proficient budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost management.
• Experience in an Earned Value Management environment.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Proven experience with EVMS frameworks and enterprise systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, monitor, and maintain project budgets and forecasts.
• Analyse cost performance, identify trends, risks, opportunities, and variances.
• Prepare accurate cost reports and support EVMS performance tracking.
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure effective cost planning and control.
• Lead and mentor Project Cost Controllers, driving capability and consistency.
• Ensure compliance with Cost Control Framework, EVMS requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across project controls and reporting.

Skills

Cost control

Project controls

Financial analysis

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Quality & reporting

Education

Finance/Accounting/Economics/Engineering degree

CPA / CMA / AACE or equivalent project controls certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

SAP

IFS

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Controller to join the Enterprise PMO within Austal Defence Australia, supporting Landing Craft Projects under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) Program.

In this role, you will be responsible for cost planning, forecasting, reporting, and performance analysis to ensure projects are delivered within budget. Working in an Earned Value Management (EVM) environment, you will provide financial insights that support informed decision-making while leading Project Cost Controllers and partnering closely with Project Managers, CAMs, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Production teams.

About Austal

Austal isAustralia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam.

Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.

What’s Involved

• Develop, monitor, and maintain project and program budgets and forecasts.
• Analyse cost performance, identify trends, risks, opportunities, and variances.
• Prepare accurate cost reports and support EVM performance tracking.
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure effective cost planning and control.
• Lead and mentor Project Cost Controllers, driving capability and consistency.
• Ensure compliance with Austal's Cost Control Framework, EVMS requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across project controls and reporting.

You’ll Need

• A degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in Cost Control, Project Controls, or Financial Analysis within a project delivery environment.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost management principles.
• Experience working within an Earned Value Management (EVM/EVMS) environment.
• Proven leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills.
• Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance.
• Experience in defence, shipbuilding, manufacturing, construction, or infrastructure sectors.
• Experience with IFS, SAP, Power BI, or similar enterprise systems.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, AACE, or equivalent project controls qualifications.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.

At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.