Purchasing Cost Controller

A little about us

Capricorn is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest and most dynamic Member-owned organisations. Since 1974, we’ve provided our Members with financial and business solutions to make running a business easier. Our flagship Trade Account offers instant credit with over 1600 Preferred Suppliers, simplified monthly expenses, and a generous rewards program. 

We have a strong foundation in the automotive and machinery aftermarkets. Our vibrant community includes over 31,000 Members across Australia and New Zealand, from national franchises to your local family workshop. Last year, Capricorn facilitated nearly $4bn in sales with our Preferred Suppliers. 

At Capricorn, we're about more than just products and services. We work hard to ensure that our Members, Suppliers and People feel like they're part of something bigger - a Community which is connected and supported to make a difference, while having some fun along the way!

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Head of Corporate Finance, the Purchasing Cost Controller is responsible for the effective financial management, monitoring and control of project costs across the Capricorn Group. This role supports the successful delivery of projects across the Group's entities by ensuring purchase order alignment, budgets and actual costs are accurately established, captured, tracked and reported across the full project and procurement lifecycle.

The Purchasing Cost Controller plays a key role in maintaining strong financial governance and cost discipline, ensuring project expenditure aligns with approved budgets, delegation of authority frameworks and Capricorn’s financial policies and compliance requirements. This includes issuing and monitoring purchase orders, delivering timely, accurate cost reporting, identifying variances, and providing high quality financial analysis and insights to support informed decision making.

Partnering closely with stakeholders across the business, the role supports effective cost controls, cost planning, forecasting, accruals and reconciliations. The Purchasing Cost Controller will also liaise with external suppliers and service providers to ensure accurate purchase orders, cost capture, robust record keeping and financial transparency. With a strong focus on accuracy, continuous improvement and collaboration, this role contributes to improved programme financial performance, enhanced cost visibility and consistent application of Capricorn’s project financial governance standards.

Skills, Knowledge and Attributes

• Advanced MS Office capability, particularly strong Excel skills
• Experience working with purchase order systems, either standalone or integrated with an ERP
• Experience rolling out purchase order systems, either standalone or integrated with an ERP, including training staff across the business
• Strong analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail and organisation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• A hands on, proactive approach with enthusiasm for partnering closely with cost centre owners and stakeholders across the business

Experience

• Proven experience in a similar role, with background in procurement, cost management, business services or audit highly regarded

Qualifications

• Procurement or finance qualification with approximately five years’ post qualification experience
• Degree in commerce, finance or a related discipline

A little on life at Capricorn

Joining our community is about more than just a job, so here’s what’s in it for you:

• Work flexibility – We’re all unique, and so are the ways in which we work. We have Hybrid (2 days working from home) written into our policy.
• Development Opportunities – your success is ours too. We provide training opportunities and development to give you the tools you need to grow.
• Paid parental leave – during life’s most important times, we support parents’ leave (for both parents) and their transition back to work.
• Get social – our social calendar is full, with a range of different virtual and face-to-face events to keep us connected.
• A place you want to be – from the sweeping city views, coffee on tap and the general buzz of our team, Capricorn is a place you want to be.
• A cherry on top – we’ve got a heap of benefits that our team actually use, including a fantastic reward and recognition program, wellness program, additional leave purchase and so much more!
• Amazing Benefits – Unlock amazing benefits at Capricorn. We offer all staff free gym membership near the office, discounted private health benefits and all-inclusive working from home kits to get you started!

Sound like you’d be a good fit?

If you are ready to become part of a growing community and make a real impact, get in touch today.

For further information, support with your application and details on Capricorn, please visit our website at capricorn.coop/careers