Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline

Rebecca Simkins

H&R Block
Mount Carroll,IL
Rebecca Simkins
2
Languages
1
Certification
24
years of professional experience

Versatile professional with advanced tax preparation expertise at H&R Block, progressing to internal level 5 and handling complex returns, with strong focus on compliance, tax planning, and client advisory services. Demonstrated leadership as General Manager at Speedway, overseeing staff, inventory, and café operations. Skilled in customer service, compliance, and team training, with a proven ability to adapt and excel in diverse roles. Excellent communication skills. Detail oriented and articulate. Learn quickly, teach effectively. 7 years of experience training employees. More than 10 years of marketing experience, including: maintaining neat displays, using interior marketing tools, following planograms, suggestive selling and sampling. Over 15 years management experience, including: inventory control, ordering, scheduling, employee direction, counseling, and hiring. Over 15 years of safe and conscientious food service. Careful cash handling. Many years of customer service, including: handling feedback, resolving issues, leading tours, ringing purchases, taking calls. Familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel. Good typing skills, excellent proofreading, able to appropriately file paperwork. Engaging and genuine personality. Hardworking and loyal.

Work History

Tax Professional

4 Years
H&R Block | 10.2022 - Current
  • Achieved internal competency level 5 of 6 within two years by pursuing education opportunities and case studies beyond annual requirement, demonstrating rapid skill advancement.
  • Handled complex personal, business, estate, and non-profit returns
  • Ensured compliance with federal and state law, as well as corporate ethics and data security guidelines, maintaining high standards of accuracy and confidentiality.
  • Assisted with phone support, appointments, payments, and customer concerns, contributing to efficient office operations and positive client experiences.
  • Ended the 2026 filing season with 100% client satisfaction rating.
  • Completed annual continuing education requirements and maintained IRS preparer number, ensuring up-to-date knowledge and regulatory compliance. Also obtained permissions to act as representative to call the IRS on clients' behalf.
  • Interviewed clients to gather financial data and identify eligible deductions and credits.

General Manager (GM)

10 Years 8 Months
Speedway | 05.2012 - 01.2023
  • Directed store operations, ensuring compliance with Speedway standards and safety procedures.
  • Achieved sales targets and improved profit margins by driving team performance and ensuring completion of store-wide tasks.
  • Scheduled employees according to matrix guidelines, consistently exceeding company goals and optimizing labor efficiency. I also trained all store managers in the district on the new scheduling software to support roll-out.
  • Oversaw payroll, hiring, training and performance reviews of employees,
  • Received accolades for fundraising efforts supporting Children's Miracle Network and local food drives.
  • Managed inventory through regular counts, accurate ordering, invoice posting, working with vendors, and tracking waste, reducing shrink and supporting merchandising initiatives.
  • Supervised café operations, including obtaining Serve Safe certification, leading with food safety initiatives and internal inspections, and assisting with food preparation as required.
  • Ensured cash handling standards, placed change orders, made deposits, and audited the safe regularly. I was also called upon to investigate cash discrepancies at other locations.
  • Managed commercial fueling locations, adapting to evolving payment systems, accurately utilizing scale equipment, and dealing with issues specific to truck drivers.

Tax Professional

4 Months
H & R Block | 12.2011 - 04.2012
  • Prepared accurate federal, state, and local tax returns using tax preparation software.
  • Reviewed completed returns for compliance, accuracy, and consistency with current tax regulations.
  • Advised clients on filing requirements, refund options, and tax planning considerations, enhancing client satisfaction and trust.
  • Continued studying tax law between clients to increase skill level and stay current with industry changes.
  • Maintained confidential client records and safeguarded sensitive financial information.

Merchandiser

SPAR Inc. | 01.2011 - 01.2011
  • Reset Staples store in Las Cruces, NM by setting up shelves, shifting product, and placing price tags according to plan-o-grams, enhancing store presentation.
  • Ensured compliance with company standards and plan-o-gram requirements through accurate merchandising tasks, contributing to overall store consistency.
  • Remained on file for future assignments, demonstrating reliability and adaptability for project-based work, but no additional opportunities arose.

Co-Manager

1 Year 7 Months
Speedway | 01.2009 - 08.2010
  • Performed responsibilities similar to later GM position, including staff supervision, inventory management, and customer service.
  • Assisted with pre-made sandwich and roller grill preparation, ensuring adherence to food safety standards.
  • Supervised daily store operations, ensuring smooth customer service, cash handling, and shift execution.

Barista

7 Months
Saugatuck Coffee Company | 05.2008 - 12.2008
  • Was the lone daytime employee, responsible for all beverage and food preparation, ringing orders, cleaning, date rotation, and stocking.
  • Increased sales with timely arrival, efficiency, and establishing relationships with customers.

Theatre Technician

2 Months
Mason Street Warehouse Theatre | 07.2008 - 09.2008
  • Placed lighting fixtures per schematic
  • Assisted running crew by filling in as spot light operator and backstage safety
  • Assisted with set construction and strike
  • Accurately reported hours worked to ensure correct pay and contribute to theatre budgeting
  • was entrusted to work odd hours, including overnight with minimal supervision

Assistant Manager

5 Years 4 Months
Panera Bread | 09.2002 - 01.2008
  • Led daily café operations, ensuring smooth service, quality standards, and guest satisfaction.
  • Supervised associates, reinforcing performance expectations, teamwork, and accountability during shifts.
  • Coordinated staffing schedules to align labor coverage with sales patterns and business needs.
  • Trained new hires on POS procedures, food safety, and service protocols.
  • Maintained cash handling accuracy and supported end-of-shift reconciliation procedures.
  • Monitored inventory levels and supported product ordering to prevent shortages and waste.

Education

No Degree - Medical Transcription Editing

Career Step

As part of military spouse benefits, studied transcription to establish a portable skill.

No Degree - Youth Ministry

Kuyper College | Grand Rapids, MI | 01-2005

Studied Youth Ministry and Bible & Theology

Balanced commuting to school and employment

Only capstone and one other course not completed

No Degree - Business, Communications, Spanish

Grand Valley State University | Allendale, MI | 01-2001

Focused on General Business Coursework, with an emphasis on Marketing and a double minor in Spanish and Communications

On campus job as part of work study program in the theatre doing set construction, painting, and lighting. Safely used a variety of power tools. Met deadlines and showed great dedication.

Diploma - General Studies

Holland Christian High School | Holland, MI | 01-1998
  • Completed AP course in English, gaining college course credit by passing the exam

Skills

Store management
Tax compliance
Retail merchandising
Inventory software
POS Systems
Tax Law Knowledge
Supervising Experience
Client Consultation
Payroll Processing
Leadership
Data Security Compliance

Certification

Previously ServSafe Food Handling Certified 3 times. Test is recognized by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Most recent certification has expired, but I am willing to obtain renewed certification if required.

Languages

  • Spanish
  • Beginner
  • English
  • Expert

Timeline

Tax Professional

H&R Block
10.2022 - CurrentRead More

General Manager (GM)

Speedway
05.2012 - 01.2023Read More

Tax Professional

H & R Block
12.2011 - 04.2012Read More

Merchandiser

SPAR Inc.
01.2011 - 01.2011Read More

Co-Manager

Speedway
01.2009 - 08.2010Read More

Theatre Technician

Mason Street Warehouse Theatre
07.2008 - 09.2008Read More

Barista

Saugatuck Coffee Company
05.2008 - 12.2008Read More

Assistant Manager

Panera Bread
09.2002 - 01.2008Read More

Career Step

No Degree from Medical Transcription Editing
Read More

Kuyper College

No Degree from Youth Ministry
Read More

Grand Valley State University

No Degree from Business, Communications, Spanish
Read More

Holland Christian High School

Diploma from General Studies
Read More
Rebecca Simkins