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About SA Water

SA Water is a successful, modern water utility wholly owned by the Government of South Australia. We employ more than 1,700 people across a broad range of disciplines who operate more than $14 billion worth of infrastructure to deliver essential water and sewerage services to more than 1.8 million South Australians.

With operations and offices across the state, our strength and expertise have been shaped by our history. For more than 165 years, South Australians have depended on us to innovate and deliver efficient and sustainable water services. With nationally and internationally recognised industry expertise, we’re focused on understanding and meeting our customers’ expectations.

As well as safely delivering smart and reliable services for our customers of today, we innovate to shape the water solutions of the future that will support thriving economies and healthy communities.

We are driven by our values; we value our people, we do work that matters, we keep it real, we know that our work has impact, and we are future focussed. Staying true to our values ensures that we consistently deliver positive outcomes for all South Australians.

About the job  

We are seeking a Project Cost Controller to support the effective financial management of major infrastructure projects and programs. This role plays a critical part in enabling accurate cost control, forecasting, reporting and capitalisation across a diverse project portfolio, including the Risk and Schedule aligned Cost Management, Risk Based Contingency Management, Risk and Opportunity Management.

Working closely with Project and Program Managers, Cost Analysts and the broader Infrastructure Management Office, you will help ensure projects are financially controlled, well-informed, and aligned with approved scope, schedule, budgets and governance requirements.

About the Person

You are an analytical and detail‑focused professional with experience in cost control and project financial management. You work confidently across multiple projects, partnering with Project and Program Managers to provide clear, accurate cost insights. With strong communication skills and a proactive approach, you manage priorities effectively and contribute to sound financial and project outcomes.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Set up and manage projects and programs in financial management systems to enable accurate cost tracking and capitalisation.
• Maintain work orders throughout the project lifecycle, including creation, updates and closure.
• Partner with Project and Program Managers to provide clear cost visibility and support accurate total outturn cost forecasts.
• Assist with cost control activities, including assessment of contractor claims, variations and preparation of accrual journals.
• Deliver timely, accurate cost and governance reporting, and analyse project costs to improve cost intelligence and future estimates.
• Maintain approved scope, cost and schedule changes to ensure baselines and forecasts align with current approvals and limits.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Relevant qualification in engineering, finance, business or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated business analysis capability within a multi‑project or program environment.
• High level of computer and reporting skills, particularly across the Microsoft Office suite.
• Proven ability to work effectively with limited supervision and manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence, build rapport and support changes to processes.
• Experience in cost control or management, project or business management, and/or project or program scheduling and planning.

Further information can be found in the attached PD – PD_Cost Control.docx

To apply, click 'Apply'. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume, by 5:00PM 28th of April. For enquiries, please contact Gregg Forte from the Talent Acquisition team on Gregg.forte@sawater.com.au

A great customer experience is best achieved by having a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community we serve. Applications are encouraged from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

Our Industry is like no other. Dive into the wonderful world of water and explore the boundless opportunities. Learn more about the water industry at careersinwater.com.au

Please note: We request that recruitment agencies do not submit candidates for this position, as they will not be accepted.