Cost Controller
Help companies optimise their spending and run more profitable projects.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Cost Controller?
- How to become a Cost Controller
- Latest Cost Controller jobs
- Top skills and experience for Cost Controllers
- Cost Controller role reviews
What's it like to be a Cost Controller?
Cost Controllers are financial experts who help businesses manage their spending on projects. They work to deliver a project within its budget by estimating and analysing costs including labour hours, supplies and infrastructure.
Tasks and duties
- Using spreadsheets and cost control software to analyse financial data.
- Creating and analysing budgets, forecasts and financial reports.
- Allocating costs to categories and business areas.
- Tracking labour hours and verifying supplier invoices.
- Analysing variances on forecasted profits and expenses.
- Communicating with stakeholders.
- Visiting project sites to observe workflows.
- Planning and managing costs, project scope and scope changes.
How to become a Cost Controller
You usually need to study for at least three years to become a Cost Controller. A relevant bachelor degree and several years’ experience are preferred by many employers. Cost Controllers often specialise in a particular industry, such as engineering.
- Complete a bachelor degree in finance, economics, accounting or a similar field. This usually takes three years. Aim to secure an internship while studying to gain work experience.
- Gain experience in a junior role in a project-based industry such as civil engineering or construction.
- Consider joining the Australian Cost Engineering Society (ACES). Membership requires self-study and an examination and may require Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Consider completing postgraduate study, such as the Master of Construction Management. Additional industry certifications may be beneficial if you’re looking to specialise in a chosen field.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Cost Controllers.Latest Cost Controller jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Cost Controller jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Cost Controller employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Cost Control
Project Cost
Cost Management
Forecasting
Project Control
Cost Reporting
Project Cost Control
Accruals
Variance Analysis
Microsoft Excel
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Cost Controller reviews
Feb 2025
Experienced Cost Controller with over five years of expertise in budget management, cost analysis, and financial monitoring, ensuring project efficiency and profitability.
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Engineering
Experience5 – 9 years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationConstruction
The good thingsDemonstrating to an organization the value of cost control in a project allows for the assessment of resource efficiency and productivity. This is key to determining whether we are on the right track ...
The challengesOne aspect of my role that I find challenging is the loss of important communications within the organization, extending beyond financial and commercial relationships. There should be a greater commit...
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May 2021
Tough but satisfying to be cost controller
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Accounting
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationFinance
The good thingsNeed project and analytical skill, strong planning, commercial, budget and forecast skill.
The challengesA lot of involvement, including commercial, quantity surveying, planning, cost accounting, project mamagement.
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