Project Cost Controller

Join to apply for the Project Cost Controller role at V/Line.

Full-time, Fixed Term (8-month parental leave coverage) at 452 Flinders Street, Melbourne. You will help ensure accurate cost tracking, forecasting, and reporting across a diverse portfolio of works to support cost recovery, budget management, and transparency across active projects.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Project Cost Controller to join our Projects function. Reporting to the Cost Planning Manager, you'll work closely with Project Managers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to monitor financial performance and support cost recovery processes. In this role, you will:

• Maintain cost databases for suppliers, contractors, and materials using Expert Estimator or similar tools
• Track and reconcile timesheets, invoices, journals, and project costs
• Prepare and analyse project budgets, forecasts, and cost reports
• Support progress claims and cost recovery from external agencies
• Provide financial insights and reporting for monthly project meetings
• Assist with business case development and documentation
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure timely invoicing and cost transparency
• Collaborate with Project Managers to monitor cost performance and identify risks
• Generate reports and maintain reporting schedules

You are a capable cost control professional with experience in infrastructure or project environments. You are confident with Excel, comfortable working across multiple projects, and able to communicate clearly with people at all levels. You will thrive in V/Line's team-focused culture and bring a proactive approach to managing costs and supporting project delivery.

• Solid experience in project cost control, ideally 3–5 years, with demonstrated ability to operate independently and effectively in a cost management function
• Experience in cost tracking, forecasting, and reporting
• Ability to manage timesheets, journals, and invoice reconciliation
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with ERP tools, such as JD Edwards
• Familiarity with project management tools, such as Primavera or MS Project
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Experience in rail or infrastructure projects, with understanding of rail alliance projects and infrastructure delivery

• Exposure to cost recovery and progress claims processes
• Experience in rail or infrastructure projects and/or working with agencies like RPV or MTIA is advantageous
• Tertiary qualifications in Commerce, Economics or related discipline

Remuneration for this position will be in the classification range Clerk C5 to SO 1.3, in accordance with the V/Line Rail Operations and Administrative Employees Agreement 2023. Salary expectations above the Clerk C5 entry level must be supported by a clear rationale, such as alignment with your current remuneration or demonstrated experience that exceeds the baseline Essential Requirements of the role.

Benefits include 4 weeks' annual leave, 17.5% leave loading, 12% employer-paid superannuation, and free myki for metro and regional travel.

• Meaningful work supporting regional communities
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture
• Opportunities to grow your career in rail and infrastructure

Click through to our V/Line Careers page to apply. You are invited to submit your up-to-date resume and answer a few pre-screening questions. A cover letter is not required. Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday, 21 September 2025.

The recruitment and selection process may include online assessments and behavioural and/or technical interviews. Pre-employment screening will require probity checks (including police checks, Australian entitlement to work check, and qualifications check), and reference checks. Employees of V/Line are required to maintain a valid Working with Children Check Victoria (Employee) for the duration of employment.

V/Line's purpose is to connect Victorians through safe, reliable, and accessible transport. We believe in giving all Victorians opportunities through travel and transport – connecting them to jobs, education, family and friends, services, tourism, and trade.

V/Line is experiencing significant growth and we're delivering more services, more trains, cheaper fares, and huge projects. With more than 3,700 weekly train and coach services, an expansive freight network, and unprecedented rail investment, millions of Victorians depend on us to deliver. You could be one of our 3,100 committed team members who are up to the challenge.

We are committed to ensuring a comfortable and accessible recruitment experience. If you need any adjustments or have specific accessibility requirements at any stage of the process, please contact our Talent team at TalentSupport@vline.com.au or 1800 800 007 for confidential support.

We proudly acknowledge the Traditional Owners and pay respects to Elders past and present. At V/Line, safety is our priority. Successful applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment and medical checks to meet our Safeworking standards.