Mark Jackson

• Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
• Managed day-to-day business operations.
• Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
• Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
• Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation (daily, weekly and monthly management accounts ).
• Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
• Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
• Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
• Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business's financial stability, traded through COVID, Durban looting, and flood damage.
• Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
• Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.

Fortunes Cafe was a family-owned business started by my mum in 1985 and ran successfully for 40 years. I was the chief bottle washer from the age of 16 (school holidays) and was officially employed from 1994, first as a manager and then as a part shareholder until I became the full owner. We were a 25-seater restaurant/coffee shop, which grew to a 70-seater.

Delicious was a sandwich, coffee, deli, wrap, and smoothie bar that was based on the Starbucks, Pret a Manger, and Seattle coffee concept.

Predominantly health-conscious meals, with delicious coffees and smoothie drinks. It was a sit-down coffee bar, but also offered a take-away option for the person who wanted a healthy, tasty breakfast or lunch but had no time in the day to sit down.

This was our own concept, which evolved over the years, taking into account market trends, consumer wants, and expectations.

My initial role was in the back-of-house management.

Accounts (daily, weekly, monthly management accounts).

Costings (new and existing product lines)

Staff (wages, PAYE, and UIF, contracts)

Towards the end of my time there I was involved in the daily management of the store ( ordering stock,kitchen management,daily turnover reconcilliations,staff management ).

Sold the store in 2022.

Delicious was a sandwich, coffee, deli, wrap, and smoothie bar that was based on the Starbucks, Pret a Manger, and Seattle coffee concept.

Predominantly health-conscious meals, with delicious coffees and smoothie drinks. It was a sit-down coffee bar, but also offered a take-away option for the person who wanted a healthy, tasty breakfast or lunch but had no time in the day to sit down.

This was our own concept, which evolved over the years, taking into account market trends, consumer wants, and expectations.

My initial role was in the back-of-house management.

Accounts (daily, weekly, monthly management accounts).

Costings (new and existing product lines)

Staff (wages, PAYE, and UIF, contracts)

Towards the end of my time there I was involved in the daily management of the store ( ordering stock,kitchen management,daily turnover reconcilliations,staff management ).

Sold the store in 2016.

Delicious was a sandwich, coffee, deli, wrap, and smoothie bar that was based on the Starbucks, Pret a Manger, and Seattle coffee concept.

Predominantly health-conscious meals, with delicious coffees and smoothie drinks. It was a sit-down coffee bar, but also offered a take-away option for the person who wanted a healthy, tasty breakfast or lunch but had no time in the day to sit down.

This was our own concept, which evolved over the years, taking into account market trends, consumer wants, and expectations.

My initial role was in the back-of-house management.

Accounts (daily, weekly, monthly management accounts).

Costings (new and existing product lines)

Staff (wages, PAYE, and UIF, contracts)

Sold the store in 2008

• Completed accurate bank reconciliations, identifying errors and rectifying any discrepancies promptly.
• Set up and updated Excel spreadsheets to track financial data.
• Provided exceptional customer service to both internal departments and external clients while resolving billing inquiries efficiently.
• Assessed data and information to verify entry, calculation, and billing code accuracy.
• Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive client information, adhering to professional standards and ethical practices.
• Assisted in the preparation of detailed financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Supported senior auditors with research, data analysis, and documentation during complex audits.
• Managed deadlines effectively while working on multiple engagements simultaneously to deliver high-quality work within established timeframes.
• Prepared year-end journal entries to prepare for annual audit.
• Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
• Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.

Conscripted for two years of National Service.

Attained the rank of Full Corporal.