Cost Controller

Clough Limited; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Clough Limited in Christchurch is seeking a Cost Controller based in Templeton to support the Christchurch Men''s Prison Redevelopment Project. You will manage budgets, forecasts and cost reporting, ensuring accurate financial governance across the project.

Reporting to the Cost Control Manager, you will drive earned value analysis, KPI dashboards and proactive cost control improvements in collaboration with commercial and operations teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (Civil preferred) or Finance/Commerce or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in cost control or relevant construction or engineering project.
• Demonstrated experience with project control and financial management systems.
• Experience with SAP, CATS or equivalent enterprise systems will be highly regarded.
• Strong capability in financial reporting, forecasting and project performance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage project budgets, cost baselines and budget revisions.
• Lead rolling forecast process, including FAC, CTC and cashflow forecasting.
• Coordinate monthly financial close activities, including actual costs, accruals, reconciliations and cost allocations.
• Monitor project cost performance through budget, actual, forecast and earned value analysis, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Prepare and present accurate cost reports, financial analyses and management dashboards.
• Support project teams with financial guidance, cost analysis and decision-making support.
• Ensure compliance with consortium and group financial policies, procedures and cost control standards.
• Maintain project financial data within SAP, CATS and relevant project control systems.
• Assist with the development and continuous improvement of cost control processes, reporting tools and governance frameworks.
• Conduct cost control reviews and support audits to ensure project controls are effectively implemented across the site.
• Prepare project production statistics and monthly reporting.
• Support consistency and best practice across the Cost Control function.

Skills

Cost control

Budgeting

Forecasting

Earned value

SAP/CATS

Financial reporting

Stakeholder mgmt

Education

Engineering (Civil)

Finance/Commerce

Project controls

Tools

SAP

CATS

Job description

This role supports the delivery of the Christchurch Men's Prison Redevelopment Project, a significant infrastructure programme being delivered by the Southern Renewal Partners Consortium, comprising Webuild Leight Joint Venture and key project partners.

The project involves the renewal and expansion of critical correctional infrastructure, supporting the long-term needs of New Zealand's justice system through the delivery of modern, high-quality facilities and associated infrastructure.

Delivered within a complex and highly collaborative environment, the project brings together leading construction, engineering and operational specialists to achieve shared outcomes across safety, quality, programme performance and stakeholder expectations. The project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to infrastructure that will provide lasting community value while working alongside experienced professionals from across the consortium.

About the Opportunity

Joining the Southern Renewal Partners Consortium provides the opportunity to play a meaningful role in the successful delivery of the Christchurch Men's Prison Redevelopment Project.

You will be part of an integrated team working within a structured and professional project environment that values collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. The project offers exposure to large-scale infrastructure delivery, multidisciplinary teams and industry-leading systems and processes, creating excellent opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

About the Role

Based in Templeton, Christchurch and reporting to the Cost Control Manager, the Cost Controller will play a key role in the project's cost control function, supporting effective financial governance and providing accurate financial insights to assist decision-making across the project.

Working closely with project leadership, commercial teams and operational stakeholders, you will manage budgets, forecasts, cost reporting and earned value analysis while ensuring compliance with project and group financial requirements.

You will contribute to the successful financial performance of one of New Zealand's most significant infrastructure projects through proactive cost management, analytical reporting and continuous process improvement

Key Responsibilities

• Manage project budgets, cost baselines and budget revisions.
• Lead the rolling forecast process, including Forecast at Completion (FAC), Cost to Complete (CTC) and cashflow forecasting.
• Coordinate monthly financial close activities, including actual costs, accruals, reconciliations and cost allocations.
• Monitor project cost performance through budget, actual, forecast and earned value analysis, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Prepare and present accurate cost reports, financial analyses and management dashboards.
• Support project teams with financial guidance, cost analysis and decision-making support.
• Ensure compliance with consortium and group financial policies, procedures and cost control standards.
• Maintain project financial data within SAP, CATS and relevant project control systems.
• Assist with the development and continuous improvement of cost control processes, reporting tools and governance frameworks.
• Conduct cost control reviews and support audits to ensure project controls are effectively implemented across the site.
• Prepare project production statistics and monthly reporting.
• Support consistency and best practice across the Cost Control function.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring a strong analytical mindset and a passion for delivering accurate financial information that supports project success. You will be comfortable working within a fast-paced infrastructure environment and collaborating with diverse stakeholders across project functions.

You will also demonstrate:

• Proven experience in project cost control, project controls or financial management within construction, engineering or infrastructure environments.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, cost reporting and earned value management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy and governance.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a dynamic project environment.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Degree qualification in Engineering (Civil preferred), Finance, Commerce, Project Controls or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a similar cost control role, or relevant construction or engineering project experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with project control and financial management systems.
• Experience with SAP, CATS or equivalent enterprise systems will be highly regarded.
• Strong capability in financial reporting, forecasting and project performance analysis.

What We Offer

This role offers a unique opportunity to work within the Southern Renewal Partners Consortium, combining the expertise and capability of leading national and international organisations committed to delivering successful project outcomes.

We offer:

• The opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the Christchurch Men's Prison Redevelopment Project
• Exposure to industry-leading systems, processes and best practice
• A collaborative and inclusive team environment that values partnership, expertise and shared success
• Professional development opportunities across a diverse consortium structure
• Strong leadership, support and a commitment to employee wellbeing
• Competitive remuneration aligned to skills and experience

Working with Clough provides you with access to challenging projects and career opportunities, along with access to professional development through our various internal and external training programs.