Meet the Team – Julie Fishleigh

Julie Fishleigh is our Office Manager

How long have you been working for Buckland and what do you do?

I’ve worked for Buckland for just over seven years in admin. I’ve set up the systems and processes and I remind people what’s got to be done. It’s much easier when I’m there, but I’m working from home at the moment which means I just have to phone them more often. 

Do you have specific qualifications for your job? 

I don’t have any official qualifications. I’m self-taught and on-the-job taught from years of experience.

Why did you decide to go into this industry? 

I worked for a High Street Bank for 25 years and then worked in an office local to my home and started to learn accounts.  I joined Buckland Timber in 2014 when I asked if Robin (the MD) had any jobs going.  It started off dealing with answering the phone, inputting accounts data and helping with quotes, but the job then grew as the business became busier.

What does your job involve?

I deal with all the accounts. This involves the issuing of all the invoices to customers, inputting suppliers invoices on our accounting system, controlling the cash flow, credit control and chasing late payments, all the banking, sort the wages and sending them off to payroll, credit control and I shout at people when they spend too much money and nag Robin continuously. It’s hard work!

What’s a favourite project you’ve worked on?

The Ugly House to Lovely House project really showed off what we can do, but the small jobs are just as important. Sometimes one beam in a little build or barn conversion can really make the difference to the building. It’s not always the big, fancy things. 

What’s the most unusual project you’ve worked on?

The Curvy Oak job was a very difficult one. The installers came to the factory and fitted it there. It was interesting to see how it would look in situ.

What skills do you use in your work? 

Mainly I talk a lot! So communication, organisation and monetary skills.

What are the best things about the job? 

I like talking to different people and being able to make a difference to the company. I’ve put my mark on the factory.

What is the worst thing?

I don’t like it when the factory is quiet. I like it to keep busy and in full production.

What do you like doing in your spare time? 

I’ve got three springer spaniels and two cats so I spend a lot of time walking and looking after them. I’m involved with the Sunday School at the local church and I help with the care of my elderly father and other family members so I don’t have a lot of spare time.