Sometimes the Most Meaningful Work Finds You.
For more than 30 years, Dawn K. Trotto built a career in accounting, corporate finance and leadership, helping organizations navigate complex decisions with integrity and clarity.
When health challenges within her own family placed her in the role of caregiver, advocate and financial decision-maker, she experienced firsthand how overwhelming these responsibilities can become.
That experience inspired On the Horizon. Today, Dawn combines her professional expertise with a personal understanding of the challenges families face to help them navigate important transitions with clarity, compassion and confidence.
Sometimes the Most Meaningful Work Finds You.
For more than 30 years, Dawn K. Trotto built a career in accounting, corporate finance and leadership, helping organizations navigate complex decisions with integrity and clarity.
When health challenges within her own family placed her in the role of caregiver, advocate and financial decision-maker, she experienced firsthand how overwhelming these responsibilities can become.
That experience inspired On the Horizon. Today, Dawn combines her professional expertise with a personal understanding of the challenges families face to help them navigate important transitions with clarity, compassion and confidence.
The Values That Guide Every Family We Serve
Our core values shape how we approach every relationship, decision and responsibility entrusted to us.
Helping Families Find Clarity During Uncertain Times
Estate and financial responsibilities can become complex quickly. Whether you’ve been named a Successor Trustee, Personal Representative, Conservator or Financial Power of Attorney, you may suddenly find yourself responsible for important financial and legal matters while also navigating a difficult life transition or supporting someone you care about.
That’s where On the Horizon comes in. We provide practical guidance, organization and steady support to help families move forward with confidence. Working alongside your attorney, financial advisor, tax preparer and other trusted professionals, we help connect the pieces, simplify the process and help you understand what needs to happen next.
Decades of Financial Leadership
Before founding On the Horizon, Dawn spent more than three decades building an accomplished career in accounting, finance, and executive leadership.
Her experience includes:
- Public accounting and estate planning
- Corporate controllership
- SEC financial reporting
- Executive financial leadership
- Board and Audit Committee support
- Budgeting, forecasting, and financial governance
Professional leadership roles included organizations such as:
- UHY Advisors
- American Axle & Manufacturing
- General Motors
Today, that same level of professionalism and attention to detail serves individuals and families throughout Michigan.
Education & Professional Credentials
Dawn believes professional excellence begins with a commitment to lifelong learning and ethical responsibility.
Education:
Master of Science in Finance
Walsh College
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Accounting)
Wayne State University
Professional Designations:
- Michigan Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Licensed CPA in Michigan for more than 20 years
Professional Memberships
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA)
Why On the Horizon Was Started
There was a time when my husband and I found ourselves navigating hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, financial affairs, legal documents and eventually trust administration.
We were doing our best to make good decisions while trying to understand responsibilities we had never encountered before. There were many professionals involved, but it wasn’t always clear how all the pieces fit together or what needed to happen next.
That experience gave me a very personal understanding of what families face during some of life’s most difficult transitions. It showed me how valuable it can be to have someone who can help bring organization to the process, coordinate with the professionals involved and provide steady guidance along the way.
That’s why On the Horizon was created.
I wanted to combine my professional experience in accounting and corporate finance with what I learned through my own family’s journey to provide the kind of support I know can make a meaningful difference.
My hope is that when you work with On the Horizon, you feel heard, respected and supported. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you call. Sometimes the most important first step is simply understanding where you are and what needs to happen next.
You don’t have to navigate it alone.
Dawn K. Trotto, CPA, MSF
Founder & President
More Than a Profession
When she’s away from the office, Dawn enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends and making the most of Michigan’s four seasons. She enjoys camping, hiking, biking, canoeing and gardening, along with simply spending time outdoors.
Faith, family and community are also important parts of Dawn’s life. She has volunteered with local schools, churches and food banks and believes strongly in giving back and helping others.
Those experiences have shaped the way Dawn approaches both life and her work – with patience, compassion, integrity and a genuine desire to help others navigate the challenges they face.
For Dawn, the work of On the Horizon is more than a profession. It’s an opportunity to use her experience, skills and perspective to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families she serves.
Let's Start a Conversation
Every family’s story is different.
Whether you’ve recently been named a Successor Trustee, need guidance navigating important estate and financial matters or simply aren’t sure where to begin, we’re here to help.
We welcome the opportunity to learn more about your situation, answer your questions and discuss how On the Horizon may be able to assist.