Location: Roles available in both Adelaide, SA and Canberra, ACT
Clearance: Ability to obtain or maintain NV1 or Higher
Role purpose:
We are seeking a Defence Finance Manager or Cost Modeller to provide financial support to project teams across the Defence. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to financial planning and performance monitoring. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring financial integrity, supporting funding processes, and enhancing cost management practices across projects.
Key Responsibilities:
Finance focussed roles
* Monitor project financial performance and provide monthly spend analysis and variance commentary within systems such as the Project Performance Review Information Platform (PPRIP) the SAP based Defence Enterprise Resource Planning tool (ERP).
* Prepare monthly forecasts based on stakeholder inputs, schedule updates, and risk assessments.
* Prepare and submit accrual data with supporting evidence.
* Coordinate Additional and Budget Estimate submissions and presentations.
* Manage contingency and management reserves and assist with project risk cost estimation.
* Develop financial tools tailored for Project Managers and Functional Leads.
* Analyse contractor cost data, tender responses, and market intelligence to validate pricing and inform value-for-money assessments.
* Provide input into the financial aspects of tender evaluations and contract negotiations.
* Define and document financial management processes and procedures.
* Support financial change management activities, including training and capability uplift.
Cost Estimation focused roles
* Support the development of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) estimates, including acquisition, sustainment, and disposal costs.
* Develop, review, and maintain cost models to support project planning, business cases, and investment submissions.
* Assist in the preparation of cost risk assessments, sensitivity analyses, and affordability studies.
* Collaborate with engineering, logistics, and commercial teams to ensure cost inputs reflect technical and operational realities.
* Contribute to the development of cost estimation capability within the team by sharing knowledge and supporting training activities.
Attributes Sought:
* Strong analytical and financial modelling skills.
* Demonstrated experience in cost management within complex project environments.
* Ability to communicate financial insights clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
* Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
* Experience in developing and implementing financial tools and processes.
* Collaborative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and knowledge sharing
* Strategic thinking and commercial acumen in financial planning and procurement contexts.
Essential Experience and/or Qualifications:
* Demonstrated experience in financial performance monitoring, forecasting, and cost estimation.
* Familiarity with project financial systems such as PPRIP and ERP.
* Experience supporting funding submissions and financial reporting in a government or large enterprise context.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Qualifications in finance, accounting, project management, or a related field are highly desirable.