Perhaps no single experience better reveals the breadth of challenges that regularly test even the most stoic of finance career-builders than that which confronted Eric Bouchard a little more than a decade ago at Bombardier, Inc.

Tasked by management with negotiating the establishment of a new aerospace facility, Bouchard navigated through complex discussions with the Moroccan government, balancing the interests of Bombardier and the aspirations of a nation. His role extended beyond mere finance: He became a diplomat, a strategist, and, most important, a bridge between diverse cultures and economic ambitions.

The culmination of his efforts was a groundbreaking agreement for Bombardier that led to the opening of a state-of-the-art facility. This venture, we learn, solidified Bombardier’s global footprint and at the same time contributed significantly to Morocco’s industrial development. Bouchard’s remarkable record of being a mild-mannered technical accountant who transcended the bounds of traditional roles to become a key player in international negotiations highlights how finance can open the door to adventurous chapters seldom accessible to marketers or even sales teams.

Now far removed from the familiar corridors that he once roamed as what you might call an everyday accountant, Bouchard proudly recalls that this was an endeavor that not only challenged him professionally but also paved the way for Morocco to enter the elite circle of countries that have an aerospace industry. –Jack Sweeney