About Us
A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting‐edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi‐cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there's something for everyone to get involved and thrive.
Job Description
Hitachi Rail is looking for an enthusiastic self‐motivated Principal Cost Controller who thrives in a fast‐paced environment. The successful candidate is comfortable performing a wide range of tasks from administrative to strategic. The position is based in Brisbane, Australia.
The Principal Cost Controller is responsible for performing cost control functions and implementing and maintaining associated systems and processes. The role will provide budget allocation, cost forecasting, cash‐flow forecasting, cost review and variance analysis, and cost reporting across the program, providing advice and guidance to the delivery teams.
The Principal Cost Controller will engage with Project Management, Planning and Scheduling, Delivery, Commercial and Finance teams, and in turn will work with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead end‐to‐end project control activities across the ETCS program, ensuring alignment with company best practices.
* Implement robust cost control, change management, and performance reporting frameworks across design, installation, testing, and commissioning phases.
* Maintain governance over project baselines, ensuring effective tracking of scope, schedule, and cost performance.
Cost Management & Financial Planning
* Develop, manage, and optimise project budgets, cost plans, and lifecycle forecasts for ETCS delivery packages.
* Prepare accurate cost forecasts and cash‐flow profiles aligned with project milestones and funding requirements.
* Perform cost risk analysis and scenario modelling, ensuring proactive identification and mitigation of financial risks.
Data Analysis & Performance Reporting
* Analyse project financial and operational data to track variances between baseline estimates and actual costs.
* Deliver high‐quality reporting to senior leadership, enabling informed decision‐making and performance optimisation.
Commercial & Contract Management
* Review and assess tender pricing schedules, contractor forecasts, payment applications, and variation claims within ETCS contracts.
* Provide expert commercial advice to ensure value for money and contractual compliance.
* Support negotiation of variations, claims, and dispute resolution in collaboration with commercial and legal teams.
Stakeholder & Client Interface
* Act as the primary commercial and financial interface between the project team, client, and corporate finance stakeholders.
* Support transparent reporting and alignment with client expectations and governance requirements.
* Collaborate closely with engineering, delivery, and procurement teams to ensure integrated project outcomes.
Finance Manager for Alliance Programme
* Deputise for the Finance Manager and progressively assume leadership of financial management activities.
* Drive financial governance, compliance, and reporting excellence across the ETCS program.
Skills & Experience
* Minimum 10 years' experience in a similar role and strong experience in controlling.
* Worked in cost plus environment and can manage forecasting accordingly.
* Experience of planning and financial control in a complex project environment.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
* Advanced MS Excel, SAP, and Primavera P6 skills.
* Knowledge of Rail / Transportation / Engineering sectors highly desirable.
* Having CPA/CA would be an added advantage.
* Demonstrates perseverance, patience and commitment for long‐term success.
* Advanced expertise in project controls, cost management, and financial forecasting.
* Strong commercial acumen and contract management experience.
* Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
* Stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior level.
What We Offer
* Be part of a Global Company that offers a great work life balance.
* Many opportunities to progress your career with training and development available.
* Salary Continuance Insurance.
Equal Opportunity Employment
At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment – we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
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