OGA Blog

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Jessica Hooker: From SMC to CFO

Introducing Jessica Hooker, a graduate of Santa Maria from 2005. We caught up with her recently to delve into her journey since departing the College.

Leaving Santa Maria College, I embarked on a path of academic and professional growth that eventually led me to become the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) of Australia. From auditing firms to financial management roles, my journey has been diverse and rewarding.

After SMC, I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Western Australia (UWA), specialising in Financial Accounting and Management Accounting, with a minor in Business Law. During my final year at UWA, I participated in vacation programs with various audit firms, including BDO. Impressed by my performance, BDO offered me a graduate position, which I gladly accepted. This marked the beginning of my professional career in auditing, set to commence in January 2009.

From 2009 to 2014, I worked as an Auditor at BDO, gaining valuable experience across a diverse range of clients, from not-for-profits to junior explorers and AXS-listed companies. During this period, I earned my Chartered Accounting qualification and progressed from a Graduate Auditor to Assistant Audit Manager. An exciting opportunity arose in 2012 when I secured a secondment to London with BDO, serving as the Auditor in Charge for various public and private company audits across Real Estate, Financial Services, and Consumer Markets sectors.

In 2014, I decided to transition from public practice and joined St Ives Group as the Financial Controller. St Ives Group specialises in providing residential care facilities, retirement villages, and aged care services. During my tenure, I expanded my knowledge by completing a Diploma of Corporate Governance with the Governance Institute of Australia.

In 2016, I embarked on a new role as the Finance Manager at the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Western Operations). Initially responsible for overseeing the finance and payroll teams, I later assumed additional responsibilities as the Head of Finance and Facilities, managing the Finance, Payroll, Facilities, ICT, and Safety Quality & Risk teams. Today, I hold the position of General Manager of Commercial & Risk, serving as the CFO of RFDS.

As CFO, my days are dynamic and diverse. They may involve attending meetings with the Board and Executive team at our Jandakot base, where we discuss strategies, budgets, and contracts. On other days, I visit our regional bases in Broome, Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie, or Meekatharra, engaging with staff and providing support for the base or residential facilities.

Working for the Royal Flying Doctors Service is immensely fulfilling. As an accountant, I often found myself focused on data and reporting, but at RFDS, I have the privilege of being involved in exciting projects. Witnessing the impact our service has on remote and regional communities on a daily basis is incredibly rewarding. Notable recent projects include introducing three first-of-its-kind PC-24 jet aircraft for faster patient transportation and adding two Rotary assets in Jandakot to provide more direct routes to metro hospitals.

Reflecting on my time at Santa Maria College, IGSSA dance stands out for me. It was a highlight in my calendar, as I proudly represented the school in dance performances.

The experience at SMC continues to impact my life. I often think about the boarders at the College, whose families live and work in the regions supported by RFDS. It’s comforting to know that I can be part of the network of support through my work, should they ever need the RFDS’s services.

My proudest accomplishment is the successful career I have built despite the doubts cast upon me by my Year 11 English Teacher, who suggested I not pursue TEE. Overcoming those doubts and excelling in my Year 12 English exam, and scoring in the top 10% in the state, was a testament to my determination and resilience.

Outside work, I find joy in spending time with my partner and our two dogs, exploring the beach and venturing down south. We also share a passion for travel and have exciting trips planned for the coming year.

My journey from Santa Maria College to becoming the CFO of the Royal Flying Doctors Service has been filled with growth, challenges, and remarkable experiences. From my education to auditing roles and now financial leadership, each step has contributed to my professional development. Being part of RFDS allows me to witness the positive impact our service has on regional communities daily, fulfilling both my passion for finance and my desire to make a difference.

What A Term! So Many Opportunities – Jennifer Oaten

As I look back on the past nine weeks, I am so grateful for who we are as a community and what we have achieved. Through the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students, we have established new connections, immersed ourselves in opportunities and worked through challenges.

Read More »
Scroll to Top