Mackenzie Peterson
Roseville,MN
Summary
Dynamic Event Coordinator with a proven track record at Minnesota State Mankato and John A. Knutson & Co., specializing in upselling and customer needs assessment to drive sales growth. Expertise in leveraging interpersonal communication skills and POS technology to enhance inventory control and elevate client satisfaction, resulting in significant operational improvements. Recognized for creative problem-solving abilities and a strong service-oriented mindset, consistently achieving outstanding results in high-pressure environments. Detail-oriented with a solid foundation in accounting principles and tax regulations, dedicated to utilizing financial analysis skills to ensure compliance and support organizational success while effectively managing budgets and reports for events.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Accountant
John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP
Falcon Heights, MN
05.2025 - Current
- Oversaw preparation of tax filings, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Maintained general ledger accuracy through regular account reconciliations, journal entry adjustments, and transaction reviews.
- Prepared and processed journal entries to record in general ledger and maintain consistent documentation.
- Prepared and reviewed federal and state tax returns for accuracy and compliance.
- Analyzed financial statements to identify discrepancies and ensure proper reporting.
- Developed strategies to optimize tax liabilities while ensuring adherence to regulations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address tax implications of business decisions.
- Facilitated planning and execution of company events, ensuring seamless experiences for over 50 guests.
- Conducted strategic meetings focused on optimizing event planning and implementation.
Sales Associate
J.Longs
Mankato, Minnesota
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Engage in friendly and professional dialogue to identify customer needs.
- Assist customers with product selection, sizing, and styling in both men's and women's formal wear.
- Boost sales by effectively recommending additional items, aligning with customer preferences.
- Collaborate with management teams to develop innovative marketing strategies.
- Answer incoming telephone calls to provide store, product, and service information.
- I have taken on additional responsibilities over time, including inventory and product management, excelled in knowledge of the POS system, trained new employees, and worked with management on vendor connections.
- Sold over $150,000 of merchandise in my time working at J. Longs.
- Developed strong customer relationships through personalized service and product knowledge.
Event Execution and Evaluation
Minnesota State Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Recruited event volunteers.
- Monitored course meetings, addressed challenges, and communicating planning updates.
- Evaluated event outcomes by collecting and analyzing participant and stakeholder feedback, identifying areas for improvement and success metrics.
- Conducted post-event reflections with classmates to review the event and highlight recommendations.
- Led classmates, community partners, and YMCA staff workforce involved in diverse event components.
- Created and regularly the event guide to ensure all details were clear and organized.
- Monitored the setup, activities, and volunteers before and during the event to address challenges and maintain a quality experience for the participants.
- Compiled and wrote final event report, summarizing outcomes, feedback, and recommendations for the event.
- MNFEA membership to enhance skills and expertise in the event planning field.
Event Planning and Design
Minnesota State Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Developed event themes and concepts to ensure enhanced marketing and promotion of the event.
- Monitored budgeting process for class. Managed group meetings to ensure resources were used wisely and stayed within the allocated budget.
- Collaborated with the YMCA staff to align event objectives with organizational goals.
- Fostered a cohesive team dynamic while mentoring peers, resolving challenges, and driving the successful execution of the event.
- Developed promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, or posters for marketing purposes prior to each event.
- Developed the event outline to coordinate event logistics, schedules, site maps, volunteer assignments, to ensure smooth coordination and execution.
- Volunteered at the annual Minnesota Festival and Events Association (MNFEA) Conference to remain current on industry trends.
Equipment Coordinator
Minnesota State Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
09.2022 - 05.2024
- Maintained accurate records of daily activities including quantity produced, downtime, and equipment malfunctions.
- Inspected uniforms and other gear for wear and tear, replacing, as necessary.
- Managed locker room organization, maintaining a safe environment for athletes.
- Conducted regular maintenance checks on all equipment used by athletes during practices or games.
- Ensured cleanliness of equipment, gear, and towels for locker rooms.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato05-2025
Skills
- Time Management
- Team Collaboration
- Detailed-Oriented
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Creative Problem Resolution
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Data management
Accomplishments
- Planned and executed the John A. Knutson annual team-building event on two occasions, leading planning meetings, managing venue selection, budgets, vendor coordination, and event logistics. Negotiated venue contracts and delivered successful events with more than 70 attendees participating in full-day (8+ hour) programming.
- Supervised a team of 20 volunteers at Minnesota State University, Mankato while partnering with the YMCA to organize and execute a community event for more than 85 attendees. Coordinated staff responsibilities, managed event operations, and collaborated with external partners to ensure a positive attendee experience.
Timeline
Staff Accountant
John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP
05.2025 - Current
Event Execution and Evaluation
Minnesota State Mankato
08.2024 - 12.2024
Event Planning and Design
Minnesota State Mankato
01.2024 - 05.2024
Sales Associate
J.Longs
08.2023 - 05.2025
Equipment Coordinator
Minnesota State Mankato
09.2022 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Minnesota State University, Mankato