Cost Controller Lead
About the Opportunity
The Cost Controller Lead is accountable for the establishment, execution and assurance of cost control activities across assigned shipbuilding projects within Austal’s Defence programs. The role provides authoritative cost performance insight, ensuring budgets, forecasts and earned value metrics accurately reflect project status and support informed decision-making.
Operating within a highly governed Defence delivery environment, the role is responsible for applying the Cost Control Framework, maintaining cost baselines, analysing variances and risks, and integrating cost data with schedule and physical progress. The position works closely with Project Managers, Control Account Managers, Supply Chain, Production and Engineering to ensure cost performance is transparent, defensible and aligned to contractual requirements.
About Austal
Austal is Australia’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.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain project cost control structures, budgets and control accounts in accordance with approved frameworks and contract requirements.
- Track, validate and analyse actual costs, commitments and accruals to ensure accurate cost visibility and reporting.
- Develop and maintain cost forecasts, Estimates at Completion (EAC) and forward-looking financial projections aligned with schedule progress and production performance.
- Apply earned value management (EVM) or equivalent performance measurement techniques to assess cost efficiency, productivity and delivery risk.
- Perform variance analysis, trend assessment and risk identification, providing clear explanation of drivers and recommended corrective actions.
- Support baseline management, change impact assessment and cost implications associated with scope, schedule and execution changes.
- Ensure compliance with the Cost Control Framework, data quality standards and audit requirements applicable to Defence programs.
- Prepare and present cost performance reports, forecasts and financial insights to project leadership and senior stakeholders.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of cost control processes, tools and reporting capability across shipbuilding programs.
About You:
- Tertiary qualification in Finance, Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience in a complex project delivery environment.
- Demonstrated experience (typically 2â5 years) in cost control, project controls or financial analysis roles within Defence, shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing, infrastructure or similarly governed programs.
- Working knowledge of earned value management principles, cost forecasting and variance analysis.
- Proficiency in cost control systems, ERP platforms and associated financial reporting tools.
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret cost data and articulate performance drivers to non-financial stakeholders.
- High attention to detail, discipline in baseline control and a structured approach to problem solving.
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.
Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia
