Job Description

The opportunity

Downer’s Utilities – Water Services business is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Controller to provide strategic financial oversight across a portfolio of complex construction and infrastructure projects.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, this role will play a critical part in driving project performance through financial governance, forecasting, budgeting, risk management, and insightful project reporting.

Working closely with project delivery teams and senior leadership, you'll ensure project financial outcomes are accurately monitored, controlled, and communicated while supporting continuous improvement across cost management processes and systems.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially astute professional who enjoys partnering with stakeholders, influencing project outcomes, and contributing to the successful delivery of essential water infrastructure projects.

What you'll do

• Lead project budgeting, forecasting, cost governance, and financial reporting across multiple projects.
• Analyse project performance, identify cost and schedule risks, and provide recommendations to improve outcomes.
• Facilitate risk and opportunity reviews while maintaining accurate financial controls and reporting frameworks.
• Oversee month-end processes, including cost accruals, cash flow forecasting, and budget transfers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across cost control systems, processes, and reporting practices.

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Career development and leadership opportunities within a growing business.
• Access to industry-leading projects supporting critical water infrastructure.
• A supportive team culture focused on collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Employee benefits including Perks@Downer offering financial, travel and wellbeing discounts.
• Access to development programs including THRIVE and EmpowHER
• Dedicated internal mobility and career progression pathways across Downer’s Energy & Utilities business.
• Opportunity to build your career with a Tier 1 ASX-listed organisation backed by extensive in-house capability and long-term project opportunities.

What we're looking for

• Extensive experience in project cost control, financial management, or project controls within construction, infrastructure, utilities, or engineering environments.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, earned value performance management (EVPM), and project financial reporting.
• Experience using cost management systems such as InEight, JDE, or similar platforms.
• Advanced Excel skills with strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• A collaborative and proactive approach with excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

About Energy & Utilities

Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our expertise spans in-house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.

How to apply

Click "Apply" to start your application. We look forward to hearing from you!