Meet the Maitland boy who became Boeing CFO

In high school, Jonathan excelled at maths. His tutor at the time suggested he complete a vocational guidance questionnaire to help identify a suitable career path.

The result?

"Accounting. So that's what I did!"

Accepted into a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Newcastle, Jonathan took a slightly different path before beginning university.

"Feeling like I wasn't ready for a degree, I started an Advanced Diploma in Accounting at TAFE. This gave me the technical accounting skills and a couple years of maturity before starting my second year of university, as my first year was credited."

Amidst fond memories of concerts at Bar on the Hill and cheap student meals, it was a particular subject that had a lasting impact on his professional life.

"Management Accounting resonated most with me and encouraged me to pursue a career in business rather than in an accounting firm."

More than the numbers themselves, Jonathan was fascinated by the story behind them.

"It encouraged me to think about the type of business that the particular transactions related to. Whether it was buying stock/inventory or capitalising an asset, I enjoyed thinking about the business decisions behind the individual transactions. For example, how much stock is being held? Why are they building a new warehouse? Why is there so much obsolescence?

This curiosity would follow Jonathan throughout his career, shaping the way he approached new experiences.

"My plan was to get into a commercial business; I just wasn't sure exactly how I was going to do it."

After graduating, he spent several years working in public practice while saving for a working holiday in London. Once overseas, things didn't go exactly to plan. Rather than securing an accounting or business role, Jonathan found himself working in bars across London and the Greek Islands.

What could have felt like a setback instead became a valuable life experience.

An opportunity takes flight

Upon returning to Australia, he secured a role with a mining services company in the Hunter Valley, giving him the experience he was seeking in a large organisation that just happened to be US-listed.

A few years later, a former colleague mentioned an opportunity with Boeing at RAAF Base Williamtown.

"At the time, I had no idea it would lead me to where I am today."

It sparked the beginning of a career spanning more than 20 years with the global aerospace company.

Several years after joining Boeing, another opportunity emerged – this time in Brisbane.

"With nothing to lose, I relocated to Brisbane and have now been here for 15 years. During that time, I have worked across a range of roles and have been a Chief Financial Officer for the past eight years."

So what does a typical day look like for the CFO of one of the world's largest aerospace companies?

No two days look the same, Jonathan says.

"One day I might be sitting in leadership meetings for most of the day and others spending time reviewing our financial results or talking to a mentee. The following week I might have to travel overseas to see teammates in India or Japan."

"I enjoy the diversity as it keeps things interesting."

A different perspective

As students and graduates grapple with choosing the ‘right’ degree or planning the perfect career path, Jonathan offers a different perspective: focus less on having all the answers, and more on creating possibilities.

"I chose commerce as it provided opportunities to work in public practice, across a range of businesses, or even run my own business. It has also been incredibly helpful in managing personal finances."

"If you know what you want to do, that's great—go for it. If you are not sure, think about courses that will create options for you."

He also believes it's okay to take time to figure things out.

"If you really don't know, it is perfectly okay to take a break from university and spend some time working or travelling, then come back when you are ready. The pressure of getting through university can sometimes lead to sub-optimal decisions. You do not have to rush."

Looking back, Jonathan sees university as much more than a qualification.

"Completing your degree is as much about learning key life skills—managing coursework, meeting deadlines, showing up and developing effective learning methods—as it is about preparing for a career."

For those worried about not having their professional lives meticulously mapped out, Jonathan's journey is proof that successful careers rarely follow a straight line. Instead, they are often shaped by curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to say yes when opportunity comes knocking.

For this Maitland boy, that mindset opened the door to a career at one of the world's largest aerospace and defence companies—and ultimately, to the CFO's desk.

After more than two decades with Boeing, Jonathan is now looking ahead to his next executive leadership opportunity with the same enthusiasm for the unexpected that has shaped his career.