Senior Cost Controller

Austal Ships; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Austal is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Controller to join the Enterprise PMO in Western Australia, supporting Landing Craft projects under the SSA Program. You will lead cost planning, forecasting, reporting, and analysis in an EVMS environment, partnering with Project Managers and cross-functional teams to keep programs on budget.

You will mentor Project Cost Controllers, ensure compliance with the Cost Control Framework, and drive continuous improvement across project controls.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Cost control

Project controls

Budgeting

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Advanced Excel

Education

Finance/Accounting/Economics/Engineering degree

CPA/CMA/AACE certifications

Tools

IFS

SAP

Power BI

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.

Learn more at austal.com/ssa

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.

Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia