Heather Horton, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Professional Overview
Heather Horton is an accomplished finance executive with over 20 years of experience in accounting, tax management, and financial leadership. As the Chief Financial Officer at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, she is responsible for overseeing the department's financial operations, budgeting, and strategic decision-making. Heather's expertise spans tax compliance, internal auditing, and financial reporting, with a strong focus on driving organizational efficiency and profitability.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Chief Financial Officer at the North Carolina Department of Commerce since 2015, Heather is responsible for managing the department's $350 million annual budget and leading a team of 25 finance professionals. She has implemented advanced financial reporting systems, streamlined accounting processes, and enhanced internal controls, resulting in a 20% reduction in operating expenses and an improved credit rating for the department.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Heather held various leadership positions in the public and private sectors. She served as the Internal Audit Director at the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, where she led the implementation of a comprehensive risk assessment framework and identified over $2 million in cost savings. Heather also spent 15 years at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, a leading accounting and advisory firm, progressing from a Tax Associate to a Senior Tax Manager, where she specialized in corporate tax planning and compliance for clients in the manufacturing and healthcare industries.

Academic Background
Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed executive leadership programs at the Kenan-Flagler Business School and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial management and reporting

• Tax compliance and planning

• Internal auditing and risk assessment

• Budgeting and resource allocation

• Strategic financial decision-making

• Team building and leadership

Professional Impact
Heather has been recognized for her contributions to the finance and accounting profession. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants and is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association. Heather has also published several articles on public sector finance and presented at industry conferences, sharing her insights on leveraging technology and data analytics to improve financial performance.

Conclusion
With her proven track record of financial leadership, Heather Horton is poised to continue driving innovation and optimization within the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Her strategic vision, technical expertise, and collaborative approach make her a valuable asset in the public sector, as she strives to enhance financial efficiency and support the economic growth of the state.