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About the Company

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.

We operate in a geographically and climatically diverse service area, with sites and locations from Ceduna through to Port Augusta, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, across to the Riverland, down to Mount Gambier, and most places in between.

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 looking for an experienced and influential Senior Project Cost Controller to lead cost management, financial governance, and performance assessment across a complex and diverse capital portfolio. In this pivotal role, you will shape how we plan, manage and optimise investment in critical infrastructure—ensuring strong financial discipline, robust reporting, and continuous improvement in cost control practices.

About the Person

You are a highly skilled cost management professional with a strategic mindset and the ability to influence at all levels. You enjoy supporting teams, improving processes, and delivering insights that support positive decision-making.

Additional Key Responsibilities are:

• Build strong working relationships, provide clear direction, support capability development, and drive a constructive and positive culture.
• Ensure financial policies, procedures and internal controls are embedded across capital delivery teams, including expert oversight of contractor claims, variations and cost alignment.
• Maintain correct project setup, drive continuous improvement in cost control processes, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and support accurate capitalisation.
• Lead accurate cost forecasting across the capital portfolio, ensuring contingency aligns with risk, and that accruals, commitments and expenditures are precise and auditable.
• Provide expert evaluation of cost and schedule metrics, identify trends and emerging issues, uplift reporting processes, and support improved cost intelligence with cross‑functional teams.
• Enhance cost, schedule and risk management disciplines through streamlined systems, reduced manual processes, and uplifted commercial and financial acumen in the team.
• Ensure all changes to scope, cost and schedule are governed and accurately maintained within systems, keeping baselines aligned with approved project and program parameters.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Relevant finance and/or business qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Strong applied business analysis skills in a multi‑project environment.
• Advanced computer and reporting skills, particularly with MS Office.
• Ability to work effectively with limited supervision.
• Strong communication, influence and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following cost control, project/program management, schedule or business management.

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

Further information can be found in the attached PD - Senior Project Cost Controller - PD .docx

To apply, click 'Apply'. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume, by 5:00PM 20th of March. 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. 

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