John Deere Forestry Ltd is the market leader in the supply of Forestry Machinery in the UK. We are an international business with strong links to our Factory in Finland and Parts Business in Sweden, and are a wholly owned subsidiary of John Deere inc. We supply Machines and After Sales support to Forestry Contractors in the UK, as well as handling a buoyant export market of Used Machines into Europe.

The Position

We are seeking to recruit a full-time Commercial Accountant, reporting directly to the Financial Controller, and working closely with the Machine Salesman and Managing Director. The position is an important part of the accounts and administrative function of the company, with primary responsibility for Machine Accounting and Accounts Receivable. The role is based at our UK HQ on the Carlisle Airport Industrial Estate, circa 6 miles from Carlisle.

Key Responsibilities

• Full responsibility and control of the Sales Ledger. This involves raising customer invoices, dealing with customers to resolve anomalies and chase outstanding debts and preparation of the monthly sales ledger control reconciliations.
• Preparation of Aged Debt analysis monthly
• Calculation of the Bad debt provision
• Preparation and control of Machine sales, including working with the Salesmen to prepare Sales Contracts and consulting with Finance Companies regarding customer finance.
• Raising sales invoices for machines and credit notes for After Sales
• Responsibility for loan machine accounting
• Maintenance of customer master file.
• Working with Managing Director to order machines from the factory in Finland.
• Responding to relevant Customer enquiries
• Posting and prepping of journals
• Allocation of cash receivables and banking
• Preparation of key control reconciliations at the month end
• Maintain a strong internal control environment.
• Providing cover within the small department as required.

The Candidate

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious, newly qualified, part qualified or experienced accountant looking to further their career in a fast-paced responsive commercial environment.

We are looking for a candidate who is flexible with experience in an accounting department, and in particular looking after sales ledger and credit control. The position forms part of a 3-person team so flexibility is key to cover for others during holiday times, and thus offers a wide and varied experience beyond the key responsibilities listed above.

Experience and desirable skills required

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA)
• Proficient IT skills, including all Microsoft packages, and in particular Microsoft Excel and Word and a willingness to develop these skills further.
• Knowledge of IFS ERP software, an advantage but not essential
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written, and ability to build good working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Confident people person
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrable organizational skills with an ability to plan and prioritize workload during busy times.
• The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• Agile and adaptable to change.

Additional Information

This is a full-time permanent position, 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, and is office based at our UK HQ on the Carlisle Airport Industrial Estate, circa 6 miles outside Carlisle. This role is required in the office full time.

Our total rewards include

• Competitive Salary
• Competitive bonus scheme
• 24 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Annual leave increases with length of service
• Attractive Pension scheme
• Death in Service Benefit
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistanec Programme
• Free Parking

John Deere is an equal opportunities employer. We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion make us even stronger. If you see yourself here, we look forward to receiving your online application. 

Closing date: Wednesday 10th April 2024