Meet the Team: Jonothon East, Driving Innovation and Positive Change in Norwegian Log's Finances

Say hello to Jonothon East, our Finance Manager who, in his nearly two years with Norwegian Log, has not only managed our finances but has actively driven innovation and implemented significant positive changes that are shaping our future. Jonothon's forward-thinking approach and keen eye for efficiency have made a tangible difference across our operations.

My recent conversation with Jonothon revealed a strategic and analytical mind constantly seeking better ways to operate. His journey to Norwegian Log, with experiences ranging from waste-to-energy plants to global sportswear brands, has equipped him with a diverse perspective that he now channels into transforming our financial processes.

From Diverse Fields to Financial Foresight 

Jonothon's path to Norwegian Log was anything but conventional. His roles at Evero Energy (formerly known as Bio Energy Infrastructure), a security company servicing airport technology, Mizuno sportswear, and even a stint at Game, provided him with a broad understanding of different business models and operational needs. His six-month travel adventure through Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand further broadened his horizons, bringing a unique perspective to his professional life.

Crucially, his foundation in finance was laid at Volvo, where an apprenticeship unexpectedly led him to discover his aptitude for numbers and strategic financial planning – a skill set that has proven invaluable to Norwegian Log.

Spearheading Progress Through Innovative Solutions

While the core principles of finance remain consistent across industries, Jonothon recognised the unique opportunities for improvement within Norwegian Log's project-based structure. He saw beyond the day-to-day transactions, identifying areas where innovative solutions could streamline processes and provide deeper insights.

"What I find different and more rewarding here is the project orientation. You get to see a project in its entirety, from start to finish, making sure we're on track and have the right resources to deliver the final product effectively."

This deep dive into individual projects allowed Jonothon to identify inefficiencies and implement more effective tracking systems. His proactive approach has provided greater transparency and control over project costs, directly contributing to our ability to deliver exceptional value to our customers.

His innovative mindset extends to leveraging technology. "Finance has undergone a significant evolution in the last decade or two. We're now inundated with information, leading to a decrease in purely transactional tasks. This shift is transforming finance into a function deeply intertwined with business leadership and strategic decision-making."

Jonothon has been instrumental in adopting new technologies and approaches that have moved our finance department beyond traditional data entry. He actively collaborates with other departments, translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making across the company. This collaborative and forward-thinking approach has fostered a more data-driven culture within Norwegian Log.

Jonothon has been a champion of integrating AI tools to enhance efficiency and free up valuable time for more strategic initiatives.

"For me, AI is a game-changer in terms of efficiency. I no longer waste time sifting through online forums trying to debug a formula or create Excel macros. Now, I just pose the question to AI, and it handles the research instantly. It's incredibly helpful."

His proactive adoption of AI has streamlined tasks, improved accuracy, and empowered the finance function to contribute more meaningfully to the overall business strategy. By automating routine processes, Jonothon has enabled his team to focus on higher-level analysis and forecasting, leading to more informed financial planning and ultimately benefiting Norwegian Log's growth.

"It's not about reducing your workload; it's about empowering you to work more efficiently. This newfound efficiency then frees up your capacity to focus on the truly meaningful aspects of your work."

And it's this very sentiment, this appreciation for the broader impact and the diverse challenges, that perfectly encapsulates what Jonothon brings to Norwegian Log. His journey underscores a valuable lesson: sometimes, the most significant contributions and the greatest professional satisfaction are found not in the shadow of a large corporation, but in an environment where your impact is tangible and your perspective valued across the entire operation.

Jonothon's story is a testament to the fact that at Norwegian Log, every member of the team, regardless of their title, plays a crucial role in shaping our success and delivering on our promise to our customers. We are incredibly fortunate to have his expertise and his forward-thinking approach driving us towards an even brighter future.