Meet the Reconomy Team ““ Lisa Horton-Jones

Job title: Accounts Payable Manager
Daily number of hot beverages consumed: At least seven, but I’ll only drink tea until 11am. From then on it’s coffee for the rest of the day. I don’t know why, that’s just the way it is!
Accompanying biscuit of choice: Any biscuit that’s topped in milk chocolate. If I had to choose I’d probably go for a Hobnob.
How long have you worked at Reconomy?
In November, I’ll have been with Reconomy for 20 years. I’m currently the third longest-serving member of staff, which I think says a lot about how much I enjoy my job. I’ve worked here for pretty much my entire professional career, and although I’m very proud of this, it’s also scary to think how fast it’s gone. I’ve lasted through two building moves, countless desk changes, several business acquisitions and I’ve seen the Reconomy team grow from 30 to more than 300.
What are your core responsibilities?
I oversee the day-to-day running of both the Data Management Team and the Accounts Payable Team. The Data Management Team is responsible for scanning all the invoices and waste transfer tickets we receive into our finance control system, so they can be audited and processed by the Accounts Payable Team.
I’ve overseen this key area of the business for about 15 years and over that time the number of people that I’m responsible for has increased significantly. The two departments used to be one and the same, but as the company has grown and better scanning technology has become available, the Data Management Team splintered off and has become its own department.
How do you make a difference everyday?
I think I make a difference by staying positive and maintaining a can-do’ attitude, no matter what challenge I’m faced with. In any business environment, maintaining team morale is such a fundamental part of being a good manager. If people don’t feel appreciated, then morale can very easily be soured, which can damage everyone’s output.
I’m also a strong believer in face-to-face communication. These days it’s far too easy to hide behind emails, but I think you can achieve more in 10 minutes of talking to one another than you can in an hour of sending emails back and forth. I therefore think I also make a difference by championing old-school methods of communication!
How is the changing face of the waste industry directly impacting upon Reconomy and your job role?
Technology is now a massive part of the waste industry. It’s true that the industry had a reputation for being change-averse but these days you simply cannot operate this way. Businesses are always looking for a competitive edge, so you must continue to innovate to stay ahead of the competition. I can remember when everything from invoices to waste transfer notes had to be physically posted, meaning that every process would take days to complete. Now it’s all so fast and simple.
What did you do before you joined Reconomy?
Reconomy was my first proper office job and I’ve been fortunate to progress from a junior administration role all the way up to Accounts Payable Manager. The company has supported me throughout my career by encouraging me to aim high and has helped me achieve my AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) and CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) qualifications.
My only pre-Reconomy job was working as a sales assistance at the high-street retailer, BeWise, which I did part-time whilst studying at college. Although I enjoyed certain parts of it, I’m in no rush to work in retail again!
What one possession could you never live without and why?
I’m always on my phone. I know it’s a bad habit, but it’s my window to the world and I don’t know what I’d do without it!
What is the best thing about your job?
I just feel very lucky for the opportunities I’ve been given at Reconomy. There’s a very strong support network in place here, which runs across the company, all the way up to the Directors. Despite the company’s growth it’s managed to retain a sense of closeness that exists between everyone ““ it does feel like one big family.