Cost Estimator - Defence AGO | Canberra | NV2/TSPV

Location: Russell, Canberra
Contract: Initial 12 months with 2 12-month extension options
Estimated commencement: 31 August 2026
Working arrangement: Primarily onsite; working from home by exception
Security clearance: TSPV preferred; candidates holding NV2 may be considered
Engagement: Contract

The opportunity

Our Federal Government client is seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to provide financial management and cost-analysis services within an ICT Product Management Office.

The role will support the sustainment of complex mission systems by ensuring ICT expenditure remains aligned with approved financial profiles, operational requirements and changes in the ICT market.

The successful candidate will develop annual and multi-year cost plans, monitor budget performance, manage cost risks and prepare financial analysis to support governance and executive decision-making.

Key responsibilities

• Develop financial plans and forecasts for ICT sustainment.
• Support annual and multi-year sustainment planning cycles.
• Develop and implement cost-management strategies and techniques.
• Monitor and report financial performance against approved budgets.
• Collate and analyse financial, cost and performance data.
• Produce reports and decision-support artefacts for governance forums.
• Identify ICT service, project, process and component costs.
• Maintain financial records for compliance and audit purposes.
• Identify, assess and manage financial and cost risks.
• Support data-driven financial and investment decisions.
• Engage effectively with operational, technical, financial and executive stakeholders.
• Escalate material issues and seek executive guidance when required.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and reduce ICT costs.

Essential requirements

• Demonstrated experience in cost estimation, financial planning, forecasting or budget management.
• Strong financial and cost-analysis capability.
• Experience monitoring expenditure and performance against budgets.
• Experience preparing financial reports and artefacts for governance or executive forums.
• Strong analytical, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate financial records for audit and compliance.
• Sound judgement in identifying and escalating cost risks.
• Capability aligned with SFIA Financial Management - FMIT Level 4.
• Australian citizenship.
• A current TSPV clearance is preferred; candidates with a current NV2 clearance may be considered.

Desirable experience

• ICT enterprise cost analysis.
• Financial planning for ICT sustainment or managed-service environments.
• Experience within Defence or another highly regulated Federal Government environment.

Additional information

• Domestic travel may occasionally be required.
• After-hours support and overtime are not expected.

How to apply

Please provide:

• Your current CV;
• A cover letter addressing your relevant financial management and cost-estimation experience;
• Details of two professional referees, including one recent supervisor; and
• Your AGSVA Clearance Subject ID.