Project Controller

Opportunity Overview

We are looking for a thorough and numbers-focused Project Controller to help deliver major defence and shipbuilding programs under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA). In this position, you will oversee financial, cost, schedule, and performance controls to help ensure projects stay on track, remain within budget, and comply with scope, governance, and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) standards.

You will work alongside Project Managers, Control Account Managers (CAMs), Finance, Procurement, and wider program teams to support performance evaluation, forecasting, risk tracking, and project decision-making. This is a strong opportunity to shape outcomes on one of Australia’s most important sovereign shipbuilding programs.

About Austal

Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, a Defence prime contractor, and a maritime technology partner. The company designs, builds, and supports defence and commercial vessels for leading operators worldwide, with operations in Australia, the USA, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Through the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new phase of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia, with a focus on innovation, sovereign capability, and long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.

This role offers the chance to contribute to projects of national importance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage financial control activities such as budgeting, cost monitoring, forecasting, and earned value analysis.
• Track project schedules, milestones, and key performance indicators.
• Set up and maintain Performance Measurement Baselines (PMB).
• Assist with Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBR) in line with contractual and EVMS obligations.
• Prepare reports and analyse data, including dashboards and performance summaries.
• Keep project information aligned across EVMS, IFS, P6, and related systems.
• Spot, assess, and report risks and opportunities across the program.
• Monitor resource demand and supply, and communicate any variances.
• Work across Finance, Procurement, Program Management, and Operations to support delivery.
• Improve project controls processes, reporting methods, and governance frameworks.

What You Will Need

• A bachelor’s qualification in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Between 2 and 5 years of experience in project controls, cost control, or financial analysis.
• Strong capability in cost estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Practical experience with Earned Value Management and performance measurement.
• Understanding of scheduling concepts such as critical path, sequencing, and dependencies.
• Advanced Excel ability plus experience using financial reporting tools.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to turn data into useful insights.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to Primavera P6 and/or IFS.
• Experience with Power BI, Power Query, or Pivot tables.
• Background in shipbuilding, manufacturing, construction, or defence programs.
• Understanding of Commonwealth reporting frameworks.
• Knowledge of contracts, variations, and milestone-based payment structures.
• Professional certification in project controls such as AACE or PMI, or progress toward one.

Why Join

• Competitive pay and benefits.
• Learning and professional development support.
• A collaborative and energetic workplace.
• Career growth opportunities within a growing organisation.

Inclusion Statement

Austal is committed to a safe and inclusive workplace. The company encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from all backgrounds, all age groups, all sexual orientations, and people with disability to apply.