Deanna Perez, PHR®
Buffalo Grove
Summary
Dynamic and self-motivated Human Resources and Accounting professional with a proven track record in leadership, team organization, and motivation. Recognized for driving positive change and enhancing employee satisfaction in alignment with business objectives. Expertise includes financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and regulatory reporting, consistently leveraging integrity and a results-driven approach to achieve organizational goals. Adept at fostering a collaborative work environment that promotes growth and efficiency while maintaining a strategic focus on aligning HR initiatives with financial performance. Committed to continuous improvement and innovation in processes to support sustainable business success.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of HR and Accounting
Beyond Financial Advisors/Northwestern Mutual
2021 - Current
- Led talent acquisition initiatives to increase staff by 54% and enhancing workforce satisfaction.
- Implemented payroll, benefits, retirement and wellness initiatives.
- Streamlined performance management processes to improve employee engagement.
- Maintained company organizational compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
- Maintained all Quickbooks transactions, reconciliations and year end reporting.
- Prepared annual audits and budget proposals to senior leadership.
Human Resources Specialist
TAZ Holdings, LLC
2020 - 2021
- Managed payroll and timekeeping to track hours and accurately compensate 100-200 employees.
- Managed employee onboarding processes.
- Maintained employee records.
- Processed Workers Compensation claims.
- Prepared Invoices, Collections and Accounts Receivable of six businesses.
Owner/President
Higher Grounds Coffee Company
2016 - 2020
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and service efficiency.
- Managed day-to-day operations, ensuring high-quality deliverables and exceptional customer experiences.
- Analyzed sales trends to improve menu development, enhancing profitability through informed product offerings.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Hired, trained, and managed a high-performing team of 10 employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
Office Manager
Economy Disposal/TAZ Recycling & Leasing
2015 - 2017
- Prepared Invoices, Collections, Accounts Receivable and Payable in Quickbooks.
- Assisted with scheduling 15 driver routes, customer inquiries and heavy phone reception.
- Managed payroll and timekeeping to track hours and accurately pay 50 union and non-union employees.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and stocking supplies.
- Streamlined office operations, enhancing workflow efficiency.
Office/Accounting Manager
Go Green Light Solutions & New Wave Supply
2013 - 2015
- Managed payroll and timekeeping to track hours and accurately pay 1099 contractors.
- Prepared Invoices, Accounts Receivable and Payable in Quickbooks.
- Process customer contract materials for scheduling department
- Processed project rebate materials/photos for submission to ComEd.
- Improved overall record management system.
Office/Accounting Manager
The Interior Design Group, LTD
2000 - 2006
- Prepared Invoices, Collections, Accounts Receivable and Payable in Quickbooks.
- Managed payroll and timekeeping to track hours and accurately pay 25 employees.
- Provided comprehensive customer service to drive client satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
Education
HRCI Pro: Talent Management - Human Resources Management
HRCI
Remote Learning Center01-2024
PHR® - Professional in Human Resources
HRCI
Remote Learning Center01-2023
Human Resources Management - Human Resources
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL01-2021
Skills
- Time & attendance systems
- Recruiting, Training & Development
- QuickBooks
- ADP
- HRIS
- Worker's Compensation
- Performance management
- Organizational development
Affiliations
- LeadX (Leadership Ascent) Program April 2023-2025
Certification
- Certified Notary Public
Timeline
Director of HR and Accounting
Beyond Financial Advisors/Northwestern Mutual
2021 - Current
Human Resources Specialist
TAZ Holdings, LLC
2020 - 2021
Owner/President
Higher Grounds Coffee Company
2016 - 2020
Office Manager
Economy Disposal/TAZ Recycling & Leasing
2015 - 2017
Office/Accounting Manager
Go Green Light Solutions & New Wave Supply
2013 - 2015
Office/Accounting Manager
The Interior Design Group, LTD
2000 - 2006
HRCI Pro: Talent Management - Human Resources Management
HRCI
PHR® - Professional in Human Resources
HRCI
Human Resources Management - Human Resources
College of DuPage
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