Jeff Hilyer

Jeff Hilyer is a Certified Public Accountant (Alabama & Georgia) and an attorney at law. Jeff was born in Opelika, Alabama and has been with the firm since 1982. He graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, a J.D. degree from Jones School of Law, and an LL.M. in taxation from the University of Alabama School of Law. Jeff is a Certified Management Accountant, Certified Business Manager, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Jeff currently serves as chairman of the Opelika Utilities Board, and is a past board chairman of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and a past distinguished president of the Opelika Kiwanis Club. He has served the Opelika First Methodist Church as chairman of the finance committee, trustees, staff-parish relations committee and the building committee.

Jeff is married to Cherry McDonald Hilyer from Opelika, Alabama. Cherry works as a part-time tutor at Carver Primary School in the Opelika School System after retiring with 32 years as a kindergarten teacher. They have two children, Brandon and Amanda, and two grandchildren, Aubrey and Taylor. In his spare time, Jeff has officiated high school football games for the Alabama High School Athletic Association since 1980, and college football games for the Gulf South Conference, Ohio Valley Conference, Sun Belt Conference and Southeastern Conference. He has worked on the field as a referee and in the replay booth as a replay official. He and Cherry enjoy spending time with their family at Lake Martin.

Jackie Moon

Jackie is a Certified Public Accountant. Jackie is from Mobile, Alabama and has been with the firm since 2002. She graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Textile Engineering in 1978 and a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting (Cum Laude) in 2002. She began her career in retail sales management in the Gayfers organization. After receiving her accounting degree, she joined the firm and specializes in audit and reviews, and non-profit organizations. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. Jackie specializes in audits, reviews and compilations as well as individual, business and non-profit income tax matters.

Jackie is married to Randy from Roanoke, Alabama. They have one son, Jason, and one granddaughter Sophia. They currently reside in Opelika, Alabama. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, needlework, reading and Auburn University football. She is also a member of the Auburn University Alumni Band.

Erin Arrington

Erin is a Certified Public Accountant. Erin was born in Wilmington, Delaware, but grew up in Lanett, Alabama. Erin joined the firm in 2005 initially as a college intern. She graduated from Auburn University in 2005 with a B.S. in Accounting and a B.A. in Psychology. She specializes in preparation of individual and business income tax returns, and preparation, compilation and reviews of business financial statements. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Erin is married to Al from Union Springs, Alabama. They have three daughters, Katie, and twins, Emma and Ella. They currently reside in Auburn, Alabama with their dog, Max. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

David Ennis

Veteran

David is a Certified Public Accountant. David is from LaFayette and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1972 serving in Vietnam in 1969. He has a B.S. degree from Auburn University in Accounting. David began his public accounting career with Kaufman, Zeanah & Smith in Alexander City, Alabama in 1978, then joined Angelo Novelli, CPA in in 1981 in Lanett, Alabama. David and Angelo became partners in 1984 forming Novelli, Ennis & Company. David joined Hilyer & Associates in October 2017. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. David specializes in individual and business income tax matters.

David is married to Susan Brinson Ennis from LaFayette, Alabama. They have two sons, David, Jr. and Wesley. They have six grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his spare time, David likes working in his yard.

Doug Barfield

Doug is a Certified Public Accountant. Doug was born in Opelika, Alabama and grew up in Marietta, Georgia. He graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting (Cum Laude) in 2010. Prior to joining the firm, Doug worked at a Big 4 accounting firm, regional accounting firm and operated a consulting business specializing in the audit of financial statements and internal controls, business process improvement, and preparation of income tax returns. Doug joined the firm in January 2022 and specializes in preparation of individual and business income tax returns. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Doug is married to Katie from Auburn, Alabama. They live in Opelika, Alabama. Prior to attending Auburn University, Doug played football at Samford University. He also has volunteered as a youth football coach. In his spare time, Doug enjoys watching sports, playing golf, and spending time with his family.

Ben Hamilton

Ben is an Accountant from Panama City Beach, Florida. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Finance. Ben joined the firm in December 2023. He helps with data entry and tax return preparation.

Ben enjoys watching football, working out and spending time with his family in his free time.

Rex Wicker

Rex is an Accountant, specializing in business and individual income tax preparation. Rex is from Pomaria, South Carolina and graduated from Newberry College, Newberry, South Carolina with a B.S. degree in Accounting. Rex joined the firm in December 2023.

Rex is married to Lisa from Columbia, South Carolina. They have four daughters, Erin, Meredith, Olivia, and Emma and one son Ethan. They have one granddaughter, Harper and a grandson, Dalton. They currently reside in Auburn, Alabama. In his spare time, Rex enjoys watching a variety of sports, playing golf and volunteering as the co-Chairman of Hospitality Guest Services with Farmers Insurance Open, a PGA FedEx Cup event held annually in San Diego, California.

Sandra Smith

Sandra is the lead bookkeeper. Sandra is from Opelika, Alabama. Sandra began her career working for her dad, Melvin Kerby, at Kerby’s Appliance as the bookkeeper. After her dad’s retirement, Sandra began working for LaFoy & Associates, CPAs in Opelika, Alabama as a bookkeeper. After Mr. LaFoy’s retirement, she continued working in public accounting until she joined a private company. She joined Hilyer & Associates, CPAs in 2013. She is responsible for coordinating the bookkeeping functions of the firm as well as working with clients on their individual and business accounting needs.

Sandra is married to Stan from Decatur, Alabama. They have two sons, Daniel and Ben. In her spare time, Sandra enjoys reading and spending time with family.

Lisa Kling

Lisa is a bookkeeper. Lisa is from Billings, Montana. She began her career in a small public accounting firm in Montana before transitioning into bookkeeping in the medical insurance industry. Lisa joined Hilyer & Associates, CPAs in 2014. She works with clients on preparing financial statements, payroll and sales tax returns, and other general accounting functions.

Lisa is married to Tim (a CPA) from Sidney, Montana. They have one son, Zak, and one granddaughter, Sidney. In her spare time, she likes sewing and being creative.

Whitlee Wine

Whitlee is a bookkeeper. Whitlee is from Wetumpka, Alabama and has a B.A. degree from Troy University in communications and a minor in business. She joined the firm in December 2014. Whitlee works with clients on preparing financial statements, payroll and sales tax returns, QuickBooks and other general accounting functions.

Whitlee is married to Aaron from Wetumpka, Alabama. They live in Auburn, Alabama with their son Abe and their Australian Shepard, Grey. They are active in Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama.

Dorothy Keown

Dorothy is a payroll specialist. Dorothy joined the firm in 2020. She is from Birmingham, Alabama and lives in Opelika, Alabama. Dorothy graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Laboratory Technology. She and her husband later opened a small business and she became involved with bookkeeping and payroll. Before coming to Hilyer & Associates, she worked for a small business in Opelika as their bookkeeper and managed the payroll. Dorothy currently coordinates approximately 50 payrolls each month making sure employees are properly compensated and taxes are timely paid and reported.

Dorothy is married to Tommy Keown. They are members of the Tenth Street Church of Christ in Opelika and they have 2 daughters. In her spare time, Dorothy enjoys attending Auburn football games, spending time on the lake, reading, and sewing.

Stephanie Corbin

Stephanie is a bookkeeper. Stephanie is originally from Dothan, Alabama and moved to Auburn to attend college. Stephanie has over 25 years of experience as an office manager/bookkeeper with a local wholesale company before joining the firm in 2020. She works on preparing financial statements and payroll and sales tax returns.

Stephanie lives in Auburn and enjoys spending time with friends and family, her two cats, Baxter and Onyx, and watching Auburn University football.

Audra Randazzo

Audra is a payroll specialist. Audra joined the firm in 2021. She is from Geneva, Alabama. Before joining our firm, she worked as a Payroll Specialist for 5 years with another Certified Public Accounting firm Alabama. Audra currently coordinates approximately 50 payrolls each month making sure employees are properly compensated and taxes are timely paid and reported.

Audra is married to Christopher from Louisville, Kentucky who retired in 2020 as a CW3 with the U.S. Army after proudly serving 20 years of service. He currently flies helicopters for a private government contractor. They currently reside in Smiths Station, Alabama with her stepson Vincent who attends South Smiths Station. They have a Border Collie, Archer and a Bengal, Brooke Clawdia. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family at the lake, attending college football games and scuba diving.

Michele Granados

Michele is a bookkeeper. Michele is from Pennsylvania and served in the US Army from 1982 to 1986 then moved to Texas. In 2003 Michele attended International Business College where she studied Accounting. She joined the firm in February 2022. Michele works with clients on preparing financial statements, payroll and sales tax returns, QuickBooks and other general accounting functions.

Michele has four children Alyssa, Andre, Aaron and Aimee and 2 grandchildren Julian and August. She enjoys camping, traveling, being outdoors and spending time with her children. She also enjoys crocheting and sewing.

Rachel Butler

Rachel is a bookkeeper, having joined Hilyer and Associates in July of 2023. Prior to joining the firm, she worked for 17 years as an office manager, handling payables, receivables, and payroll for a family-owned business in Cusseta, Alabama. Rachel works with clients on preparing financial statements, payroll, sales tax returns, and other general accounting functions.

Rachel is married to Billy from Salem, Alabama. They have two daughters (their pride and joy), too many animals, and currently reside in Valley, Alabama. When not at work, Rachel can generally be found in her garden, in her hammock, or otherwise engaged in whatever shenanigans the family has begun.

Katie Goodson

Katie is a payroll specialist, with four years of experience. Katie is from Goshen, AL and graduated from Troy University with academic honors (Cum Laude) in Public Accounting. She went on to earn Master’s Degree of Accountancy from Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). She is currently working towards earning her CPA certificate. Katie joined the firm in May 2023. Katie currently coordinates approximately 50 payrolls each month making sure employees are properly compensated and taxes are timely paid and reported.

Katie is married to Kolt Goodson from Troy, Alabama. Out of the office, she spends her time reading, going to Disney World, spending time with her family and her three dogs, and watching true crime television.

Betty Hilyer

Betty is an income tax return preparer. She was born in LaFayette, Alabama and lives in Opelika, Alabama. Betty graduated from Troy University in 1989 with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting (Summa cum laude). She retired from Southern Union State Community College with 25 years of service as their accounting controller. Betty has worked part-time at the firm since 1997 during income tax filing season.

Betty is married to Bill. He is from Opelika, Alabama. They have five sons, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Diane Blue

Diane is a Certified Public Accountant. Diane is from Mobile, Alabama and lives in Opelika, Alabama. Diane graduated from Auburn University in 1972 with a B.S. degree in Mathematics and again 1975 with an M.B.A. She retired from the Alabama Department of Revenue with 26 years of service as the Field Activities Manager for the income tax division. Diane has worked part-time at the firm since 2014 during income tax filing season.

Diane was married to Buddy who was from Opelika, Alabama. She has three children and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she works with the Lee County Master Gardeners and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, sewing, upholstery and flower gardening.

Nicole Moon

Nicole is an Administrative Assistant and Paralegal. Nicole is from Beulah, Alabama and graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. degree in Psychology. Nicole joined the firm in 2017. She has continued her education by taking various accounting courses at Southern Union State Community College and attending seminars. She also received her Paralegal Certificate through Auburn University in December 2020. Nicole is responsible for several administrative functions including billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and maintaining firm and client records. She also assists in tax and legal matters.

Nicole is married to Austin. They have a daughter, Skylar, and two labs. They attend church at The River of Columbus. Out of the office, she spends her time with their daughter. In the summer, she enjoys time on Lake Harding and in the fall, watching Auburn University football.

Ashley Teel

Ashley is our receptionist. Ashley is from Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from Highlands College with a degree in Ministry Leadership. Ashley joined the firm in October 2023. She helps with data entry, assembling tax returns, and other office duties as needed.

Ashley is married to Brad Teel from Opelika, Alabama. He is a real property appraiser for Lee County. They attend church at Church of the Highlands. Out of the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching college football, traveling, and participating in her church’s outreach ministry.

Ray Henderson (1971-1996) (deceased December 7, 2017)

Veteran

Ray was a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Alabama and Georgia. Ray was originally from Bells, Tennessee but spent most of his life in Opelika, Alabama. Ray attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) on a ROTC scholarship and graduated with a degree in Accounting in the late 1950’s. After graduating from API, Ray spent four years in the U.S. Navy on an aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Ocean. Upon returning to civilian life, Ray became an accountant with Price Waterhouse in Atlanta. In 1964, he moved his family to Opelika, Alabama to become the first corporate secretary/treasurer for Diversified Products. In 1971, he established his own accounting firm in Opelika, Alabama under the name G. R. Henderson, CPA.  In 1987, Ray and Jeff Hilyer formed Henderson & Hilyer, CPAs. Ray retired at the end of 1996.

Ray had four children and numerous grandchildren. He was a member of the Opelika Kiwanis Club and a founding member of the Saugahatchee Country Club. He enjoyed golf and woodworking.

Jim Levins (1999-2020)

Jim was an accountant and IRS Enrolled Agent from 1999 until 2020. He is from Wetumpka, Alabama and received his certificate in accounting from the University of Alabama. Jim began his accounting career as a controller for a private company in 1960. He moved into public accounting in 1964 and formed his own accounting firm, Levins & Associates, in 1980. Jim became an IRS Enrolled Agent in 1985 which allowed him to represent clients before the IRS. In 1999, Jim and his staff joined Hilyer & Associates. Jim specialized in individual and business income tax returns and estate returns.

Jim is married to Sara Nan Yates Levins from LaFayette, Alabama. He has three children and eight grandchildren. They currently reside in Opelika, Alabama. Jim has been very active in the community having previously served as treasurer of the First Baptist Church of Opelika and the First United Methodist Church of Opelika. Jim was a member of the Opelika Lions Club for 27 years. In his spare time, he works with the Opelika Historic Preservation Society and the Museum of East Alabama.

Carolyn Skipper (1997-2019)

Carolyn was a bookkeeper. Carolyn is from Wilmington, North Carolina and lives in Birmingham, Alabama. Carolyn began working for Hilyer & Associates, CPA in 1997, and retired from full time in the summer of 2019. Carolyn continues to help out as needed.

Carolyn is married to John. He is from Wilmington, North Carolina. They have two children and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and attending their sporting events.