About Us
IAG Defence & National Security (DNS) is part of IAG, a specialist advisory firm supporting complex infrastructure, Defence and national security programs across Australia.
Our DNS team works closely with Commonwealth agencies and industry partners to deliver specialist expertise into nationally significant programs. Our success depends on our ability to identify, engage and mobilise highly specialised talent quickly and effectively. IAG is recognised as Veteran Friendly Employer under the Veteran Employment Program.
The Role
Air Lift Systems Program Office (ALSPO) is located at RAAF Base Richmond, NSW and provides sustainment and project services.
Project AIR 7404 was established to replace and expand the Royal Australian Air Force’s medium air mobility fleet with C 130J aircraft, ensuring a reliable, combat-proven capability without introducing significant cost, schedule, or capability risk. In support of this, ALSPO plays a key role in preparing for the ongoing sustainment of the C 130J 30 fleet, including developing cost baselines, supporting Through Life Support (TLS) arrangements, and enabling a smooth transition from acquisition to sustainment while maintaining operational readiness and long-term value for Defence.
Air Lift Systems Program Office (ALSPO) are seeking a highly skilled and autonomous Cost Analyst to support the transition and retirement of the C 130J 30 fleet. This role is critical in delivering cost validation and verification services aligned with Defence and industry standards, contributing to strategic and operational outcomes.
The key responsibilities of the role will include, but is not limited to:
- Conduct complex pricing and cost analysis, including Annual Cost Reviews.
- Develop cost estimates to support current and future sustainment budgets.
- Lead detailed financial investigations that influence strategic decisions.
- Participate in contract negotiations and change proposals relating to financial matters.
- Prepare and present cost analysis reports to senior leadership.
- Break down TLS pricing structures using existing data sources.
- Support the 2026 Periodic Cost Review and contribute to Contract Reform.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders including CFA, DFG, and NGA.
- Participate in Phase Out Planning workshops.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of business processes and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Identify and analyse skills to translate insights into actionable business improvements.
- Utilise advanced Excel capabilities to automate, cleanse and consolidate data efficiently.
- Leverage Power Platform tools (Power Query) to enhance data processing and reporting.
- Work confidently with complex datasets to support strategic decision-making and performance tracking.
About You
Candidate Requirements 4.6 Commercial Financial Investigation and Validation Services – Level 3:
1. [Essential] Minimum 10 years plus experience within Defence.
2. [Essential] Social and professional ability to work as an effective team member, make responsible decisions on matters assigned, consult, recommend, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
3. [Essential] Analytical, written, and oral communication skills.
4. [Essential] Demonstrated experience in Cost Analysis.
5. [Essential] Knowledge of Defence Writing Standards and internal Defence processes.
6. [Essential] Demonstrated experience on complex stakeholder management skills.
Additional Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
• Advanced Excel skills for financial modelling and data analysis.
• Strong visual analysis capabilities to interpret and present complex data.
• Critical thinking and analytical problem-solving abilities.
• Proven stakeholder engagement across diverse teams and leadership levels.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities.
• Experience in knowledge transfer and mentoring.
• Skilled in developing procedural documentation.
• Proficient in extracting and interpreting data against contractual frameworks.
• Ability to substantiate facts and deliver evidence-based recommendations.
• Familiarity with DMFP (Defence Management and Financial Planning).
Education and Qualifications:
• Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification (e.g. CPA, CA, CIMA) is highly desirable.
• Defence or government procurement training (e.g. Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting) is advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in cost analysis within a Defence or complex commercial environment.
Desirable Attributes:
• Experience in Defence or government cost analysis or procurement.
• Understanding of TLS (Through Life Support) contracts and sustainment planning.
• Familiarity with contract reform and value-for-money assessments.
An active NV1 security clearance is required for this role.
What we offer
With offices in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, we’re a tight-knit team, working across some of Australia’s most critical infrastructure and Defence projects. We come from diverse backgrounds and pride ourselves on our flexible, supportive and collaborative team culture. We can offer great work, great people, great culture, great conditions, and an all-round great time, whilst you go about developing a great career in this space.
As part of IAG, you’ll be joining a team of more than 250 professionals’ working across a range of integrated workstreams in a friendly and approachable environment.
