Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Diana Jackson

Chicago,IL

Summary

Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Parklawn School & Activity, excelling in kitchen management and food safety. Proven track record in menu development and crew training, achieving high customer satisfaction scores. Adept at reducing costs while maintaining quality, demonstrating strong leadership and collaboration skills in fast-paced environments.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Cook/ DSP

Parklawn School &Activity
05.2013 - 08.2025
  • Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
  • Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
  • Taught kitchen staff safety protocols and restaurant standards.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations by creating more accurate prep sheets, standardized recipe files and product-rotation systems.
  • Prepared ingredients ahead of time to promote efficiency in dish garnishing.
  • Streamlined prep work by organizing kitchen stations effectively and training junior staff on best practices for efficient workflow.
  • Produced high volume covers per day and maintained near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.
  • Demonstrated strong leadership skills by stepping in as acting kitchen manager during periods of personnel absence or transition.
  • Oversaw proper storage procedures for perishable items, ensuring freshness and minimizing spoilage risks.
  • Developed innovative seasonal menus that catered to diverse dietary needs and preferences, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
  • Managed relationships with approximately Number vendors to negotiate prices of ingredients and equipment, resulting in Number% savings.
  • Managed ordering processes for kitchen supplies and ingredients, optimizing budget allocation while maintaining consistent product quality.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.

Tax Preparer

Liberty Tax Service
01.2006 - 04.2020
  • Maintained high levels of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive client information, fostering trust and loyalty among clients.
  • Analyzed financial records to verify accuracy of tax returns.
  • Provided exceptional customer service during peak tax season by remaining calm under pressure and addressing client concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing accurate and timely tax preparation services.
  • Assessed client tax situations to determine best filing options.
  • Completed and filed returns with tax departments at local, state, and federal levels.
  • Maintained complete records of client tax returns and supporting documentation in secured areas.
  • Built strong rapport with clients through clear communication and regular updates on the status of their tax filings.
  • Communicated with clients regarding tax situations, providing guidance on financial decisions.
  • Maintained compliance by adhering to current tax laws and regulations.
  • Educated clients on tax planning strategies, helping them save money in future years.
  • Reviewed clients tax filing papers thoroughly to determine eligibility for additional tax credits or deductions.
  • Prepared tax returns for clients in various industries according to government regulations and requirements.
  • Facilitated communication between clients and IRS or state tax agencies, resolving discrepancies and ensuring accurate filings.
  • Handled complex cases involving small business owners, self-employed individuals, and those with investments or rental properties, showcasing versatility in expertise within the field of taxation.
  • Reduced errors through meticulous review of financial documents and double-checking calculations.
  • Managed multiple deadlines efficiently, ensuring all clients'' taxes were filed on time without compromising quality or accuracy.
  • Researched complex tax issues utilizing online resources and professional tax software.
  • Ensured compliance with federal and state tax regulations by staying up-to-date on the latest tax laws.
  • Achieved high levels of accuracy by staying informed on changes in relevant regulations and applying that knowledge to each unique case.
  • Assisted in resolving complex tax issues, strengthening client relationships and building trust.
  • Prepared tax returns, extensions, tax planning calculations, and write-ups for organizations and entities.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop best practices for efficient and effective tax preparation.
  • Offered clients recommendations to reduce tax liabilities.
  • Identified potential audit red flags to minimize risk of IRS audits.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of tax regulations and legislation, ensuring compliance in all prepared returns.

Cashier

Ultra Foods
04.2007 - 04.2009
  • Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
  • Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
  • Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
  • Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
  • Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
  • Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback from shoppers.
  • Handled multiple payment methods securely, minimizing discrepancies and potential losses.
  • Resolved customer complaints professionally, leading to improved customer relations and loyalty.
  • Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate cash transactions.
  • Contributed to store success by maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the facility.
  • Mentored new employees on cashier duties and best practices, improving overall staff performance.
  • Adapted quickly to new technologies implemented at POS systems, ensuring seamless transition periods for both staff and customers.
  • Streamlined checkout process for increased efficiency and reduced waiting times.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures while processing transactions efficiently.
  • Promoted store promotions and incentive programs to increase overall sales revenue.

Education

Intermediate Certificate - Culinary Arts

KENNEDY KING/WASHBURN CULINARY
Chicago, IL

Skills

  • Kitchen management
  • Food safety
  • Kitchen organization
  • Menu planning
  • Crew training
  • Training management
  • Menu development
  • Scheduling
  • Food inventory management
  • Allergen safety
  • Special diets
  • Spoilage prevention
  • Large-scale food preparation
  • Ingredient preparation
  • Cost reduction
  • Ingredient knowledge
  • Food processing
  • Kitchen sanitation
  • Cooking techniques
  • Emergency protocols
  • Task delegation
  • Work delegation
  • Sanitation practices
  • Specialization nutrition
  • Collaboration
  • Menu preparation
  • Shift leadership
  • Knife safety
  • Food safety monitoring
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance

Timeline

Lead Cook/ DSP

Parklawn School &Activity
05.2013 - 08.2025

Cashier

Ultra Foods
04.2007 - 04.2009

Tax Preparer

Liberty Tax Service
01.2006 - 04.2020

Intermediate Certificate - Culinary Arts

KENNEDY KING/WASHBURN CULINARY

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