Meet Elaine Stenning, Purchase Ledger

Elaine has worked for TJ for 18 months and is enjoying being part of a friendly, supportive team. Outside of work, Elaine enjoys baking, watching films, listening to music and spending time with family.

What does your role involve?

I process invoices for things that we’ve purchased for the business. These can be things that we use internally or materials that we purchase to supply to customers, so it’s important that the invoices are not delayed in order to keep things flowing. I also deal with invoicing queries, investigating things that don’t match up. In busy periods, I also assist with the main phone lines, directing customer queries to the correct person.

Why is your role important?

If the purchase invoices weren’t dealt with efficiently, we wouldn’t be able to continue purchasing and in turn wouldn’t be able to fulfill customer orders, so my role is extremely important in ensuring the smooth running of the business and the continuation of the excellent service we provide our customers with.

What’s your career background?

I’ve had admin roles in the past and ten years in retail management. That experience stood me in good stead for this role as I was comfortable working in an office and customer-focussed environment. When I joined TJ, I spent two weeks with the exiting postholder, who provided on the job training and a good handover so I felt confident to begin my new role.

What are the most rewarding and challenging elements of your role?

When I have a query that has been ongoing for a long time and it is taking a lot of work to resolve it, it can be very frustrating. That said, when it is finally resolved, it’s very rewarding! Knowing that the invoicing is all going well is also rewarding  as I know that my input is assisting in the smooth running of the business finances.

What support has TJ provided you with?

One of the reasons I decided on a career change was because of the anti-social hours I was having to work in the retail industry. I wanted weekends off to spend with my children and I liked that TJ promotes a good work/life balance and are supportive of working mums.

They provided training when I joined and the entire team was – and is – welcoming, friendly and helpful.

Last year I started an Apprenticeship in Accounting, which is fantastic. It complements my role and I’m learning a great deal. I attended sessions at Fareham College once a week and now my assessor is visiting me at work as part of the training.

I’m so grateful for the chance to develop new skills and appreciate the fact that TJ has chosen to invest in me as it will provide me with opportunities to progress in the future. The new skills that I’m obtaining will also enable me to support the rest of the team with additional tasks too.

Why is TJ a great place to work?

The team atmosphere is great and everyone supports each other to ensure that assistance is provided to anyone that needs it. Excellent customer service is a core company value and that feeds into every part of the business.

We hold ‘dress down Fridays’ once a month to raise money for charity and last year I helped organise a cake sale for Macmillan, which raised nearly £250. We bring in cakes to celebrate peoples’ birthdays which is a nice touch. It’s a great place to be!

Find out more about TJ and the services they offer. Read other staff profiles too!