Principal Cost Controller

In addition to hands-on cost control, the Principal Cost Controller helps improve systems and processes across the program, supports data visualisation in partnership with Business Intelligence specialists, and mentors cost control team members to build capability. Working from our modern corporate offices in the heart of the CBD, this opportunity is offered as a two-year fixed-term contract with possible extension.

The Principal Cost Controller plays a key role in managing and controlling cost performance across the Cross River Rail program. Working closely with project teams, contractors and key stakeholders, this position ensures project costs are accurately forecast, monitored and reported, supporting successful delivery within budget and in line with contractual obligations.

You will develop and maintain integrated cost and schedule performance reports, lead cost auditing to ensure financial integrity, and provide expert analysis on risks, trends and interdependencies. The role also contributes to program-wide insights through clear reporting, variance analysis and recommendations that support informed decision-making at all levels.

• Manage cost control and forecasting and reporting across assigned Cross River Rail project works
• Assess contractor performance and provide analysis of progress, variance and forecast cost impacts
• Support visualisation of cost data in coordination with Business Intelligence analysts to enhance reporting quality
• Prepare detailed cost reports, cash flow forecasts, variance and performance analyses
• Collaborate closely with project teams, contractors and internal stakeholders to maintain accurate and timely cost data
• Identify, analyse and report cost trends, risks and potential overruns to project teams and management
• Support the maintenance of the master program control budget and ensure alignment with project scope and objectives
• Lead program auditing activities to ensure accuracy and financial integrity
• Support development and continuous improvement of cost management procedures, reporting standards and control systems
• Provide expert advice and analysis on cost interdependencies and program-wide financial risks

• Proven ability in cost forecasting, variance analysis, cost auditing and trend interpretation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to prepare high-quality reports and presentations
• Extensive experience in cost management and control on large-scale infrastructure or construction programs
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including use of BI tools (e.g., Power BI) for reporting and data analysis
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Project Cost Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Engineering or equivalent experience
• Effective influencing and stakeholder engagement skills with ability to build and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders across government and industry

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA)…Your chance to work with the best!

On Cross River Rail you will not only work with the best but become your best. And as we enter a new phase of delivery, our project offers a rare career opportunity for top tier professionals to have played their part on something that is genuinely city shaping and transformative.

Once complete, it will provide trains with a much-needed alternative rail path through the core of the current SEQ Rail network, unlocking a bottleneck and allowing more trains to run more often across the whole of South East Queensland.

Our people are supported with flexible work options, career development through the Australian Institute of Management, salary packaging and access to world class employee assistance provider Telus Health.

• Corporate CBD office / Flexible work options