Support complex capability investment decisions through robust project costing, affordability analysis and financial planning.

Your new company

This large Australian Government organisation delivers complex capability programs within a highly regulated and security-conscious environment. Its multidisciplinary teams work across finance, capability development, project delivery and governance to translate operational priorities into achievable investment plans. This opportunity sits within a significant, long-term modernisation program and will support the development of robust financial evidence for future acquisition and investment decisions.

The position is based in Canberra and requires an active NV1 Australian Government security clearance.

Your new role

As Project Costing Services Officer, you will develop and maintain the cost evidence required to support capability prioritisation, affordability assessments and investment decisions. Working closely with finance, capability and delivery stakeholders, you will ensure estimates and assumptions are robust, traceable and suitable for governance and assurance activities.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Develop and maintain project cost estimates and cost models.
- Coordinate costing activities across work packages and capability tranches.
- Conduct affordability assessments, options analysis and cost comparisons.
- Maintain cost assumptions, supporting evidence and clear traceability.
- Support budget forecasting, expenditure analysis and financial planning.
- Prepare costing information for governance forums,



briefings and submissions.
- Analyse competing investment options to support prioritisation and sequencing decisions.

What you’ll need to succeed You will bring a strong analytical background and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to senior and multidisciplinary stakeholders.

You will bring:

- An active NV1 Australian Government security clearance.
- Solid analytical, financial modelling and problem-solving capabilities.
- The ability to develop, maintain and explain cost models and their underlying assumptions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and relevant information systems.
- Experience in project, program or capability cost modelling is desirable.
- Defence financial management, cost estimation, budget planning or capability-system experience is desirable, as is a relevant tertiary qualification.

What you’ll get in return

- This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to evidence-based investment decisions within a complex government capability environment.
- An initial contract from 1 January to 31 December 2027.
- The possibility of two additional 12-month extensions.
- Exposure to complex project costing, affordability and investment planning.
- Collaboration with senior finance, capability and delivery stakeholders.
- Potential versatile arrangements following contract award, subject to operational and security requirements and without a guaranteed work-from-home arrangement.

📌 Cost Analyst (Canberra)
🏢 Hays
📍 Canberra