Heather LaFoon
Champaign,IL
Summary
Offering strong analytical skills and deep understanding of accounting principles, ready to bring fresh perspectives to educational environment. Brings ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and proficiency in accounting software and financial analysis. Ready to use and develop teaching methodologies and curriculum development in an adjunct faculty role.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Owner
Vineyard Accounting
10.2021 - Current
- Accounting, Tax and CFO services for the Cannabis industry
- Sales and Use Tax, Cannabis Excise Tax and 280E Compliance
- Clients in several states in a variety of Cannabis-related businesses, both plant-touching and ancillary
- Treasurer and Fractional CFO for the Illinois Women in Cannabis professional organization
Business Owner
LaFoon Business Solutions, Tax
11.2010 - Current
- Provide regular accounting services to clients
- Provide consulting services to clients to maximize deductions
- Prepare and submit Income tax returns (both personal and business) for clients
- Educated clients on tax planning strategies, helping them save money in future years.
Systems Business Analyst
University of Illinois Foundation
11.2019 - 07.2024
- Implemented best-practice methodologies that improved overall project delivery timelines while maintaining quality standards.
- Supported software development projects by defining clear requirements and effectively communicating them to technical teams.
- Collaborated closely with stakeholders to identify opportunities for process improvements and drive continuous innovation in the organization.
- Actively participated in team meetings to share knowledge, exchange ideas, address challenges, and collaborate on potential solutions.
Business Systems Analyst
Carle – Health Alliance
11.2017 - 11.2019
- Translated business goals, feature concepts and customer needs into prioritized product requirements and use cases
- Collected, defined and analyzed business requirements.
- Conducted interviews with key business users to collect information on business processes and user requirements
- Assessed the impact of current business processes on users and stakeholders
- Supported system developers by creating system models, diagrams, and charts
- Managed work prioritization and scheduling process
- Provided client support on system operation and troubleshooting
Business Owner
LuLaRoe by Heather LaFoon
04.2016 - 12.2018
- Managed business finances, including paying vendors and suppliers for products/services rendered
- Managed buying and selling of goods online via third-party sales venues, such as Facebook and Periscope
- Prepared income statements, balance sheets, and projected cash flows
- Researched public perception of products and services and use information gathered to guide strategy development
Analyst
State Farm Insurance
03.2009 - 11.2016
- Implemented a set of comprehensive tracking processes to monitor Automation team performance
- Administered $1 million yearly budget
- Achieved $6 million (annually) in benefits by managing over 50 automated applications.
- Directed all phases of IT Automation projects, from requirement gathering to implementation and monitoring
- Translated business goals, feature concepts and customer needs into prioritized product requirements and use cases
- Assessed the impact of current business processes on users and stakeholders
- Provided client support on system operation and troubleshooting
Business Owner
Heather LaFoon Designs
03.2006 - 12.2013
- Developed, marketed and sold a full range of hand-made jewelry products
- Responsible for all aspects of business
Process Analyst
State Farm Insurance
03.2007 - 03.2009
Procedure Analyst
State Farm Insurance
11.2005 - 03.2007
Business Analyst
State Farm Insurance
09.2003 - 11.2005
Education
Master of Science - Forensic Accounting
New England College
Henniker, NH12.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting
Doane University
Lincoln, NE05.2003
Skills
- Driven and determined
- Extremely organized
- Strategic Decision-making
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Entrepreneurial personality
- Advanced problem-solving capabilities
- Exceptional communication skills
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- QuickBooks proficiency
- Business process mapping
Timeline
Business Owner
Vineyard Accounting
10.2021 - Current
Systems Business Analyst
University of Illinois Foundation
11.2019 - 07.2024
Business Systems Analyst
Carle – Health Alliance
11.2017 - 11.2019
Business Owner
LuLaRoe by Heather LaFoon
04.2016 - 12.2018
Business Owner
LaFoon Business Solutions, Tax
11.2010 - Current
Analyst
State Farm Insurance
03.2009 - 11.2016
Process Analyst
State Farm Insurance
03.2007 - 03.2009
Business Owner
Heather LaFoon Designs
03.2006 - 12.2013
Procedure Analyst
State Farm Insurance
11.2005 - 03.2007
Business Analyst
State Farm Insurance
09.2003 - 11.2005
Master of Science - Forensic Accounting
New England College
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting
Doane University
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