Horizon Technology Finance switches audit firm
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation reported a change in its independent auditor.
Accepted by SEC EDGAR
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Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation reported a change in its independent auditor. On May 13, 2026, the Board dismissed RSM US LLP, which had served as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm since 2008. RSM’s audit reports on the 2024 and 2025 financial statements contained no adverse opinions, disclaimers, or qualifications, and the company states there were no disagreements or reportable events with RSM during that period.
The Board, following the Audit Committee’s recommendation, approved the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the new independent registered accounting firm to audit the company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. The company also states it did not consult Grant Thornton on accounting principles, audit opinions, or any disagreements or reportable events before this appointment. A confirmation letter from RSM to the SEC is filed as an exhibit.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 4.01, 9.01
2 items
Item 4.01
Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
Governance
The company changed its independent auditing firm, which may involve disagreements on accounting matters.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Prior auditor tenure: since 2008
Most recent audited fiscal years by RSM: 2024 and 2025
New auditor fiscal year: 2026
+2 more
5 metrics
Prior auditor tenure
since 2008
RSM US LLP as independent registered public accounting firm through 2025
Most recent audited fiscal years by RSM
2024 and 2025
Audit reports without adverse opinions or qualifications
New auditor fiscal year
2026
Grant Thornton LLP appointed to audit consolidated financial statements
Board approval date
May 13, 2026
Dismissal of RSM and appointment of Grant Thornton
RSM SEC letter date
May 14, 2026
Exhibit 16.1 confirming RSM’s view of the company’s disclosures
Key Terms
independent registered public accounting firm, reportable events, Regulation S-K, Emerging growth company, +1 more
5 terms
independent registered public accounting firm financial
"dismissed RSM US LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm"
An independent registered public accounting firm is an outside accounting company officially registered with the government regulator to examine and report on a public company's financial records and controls. Investors treat its reports like an impartial inspector’s certificate — they add credibility to financial statements, help spot errors or misleading claims, and reduce the risk that shareholders are relying on unchecked or biased numbers.
reportable events regulatory
"nor were there any “reportable events”, as such term is described in Item 304(a)(1)(v)"
Reportable events are significant incidents or changes a company is legally required to disclose to regulators and the public, such as major safety problems, legal actions, financial irregularities, or management changes. They matter to investors because these events can alter a company’s risk profile or future performance, much like a dashboard warning light signals a problem that could affect a car’s safety or reliability. Timely disclosure helps investors make informed decisions and maintain market fairness.
Regulation S-K regulatory
"as such term is described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act"
A set of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules that tell public companies which narrative and qualitative details must be disclosed in filings, such as risk factors, management discussion, executive pay, legal proceedings and business description. Think of it as a standardized checklist or blueprint that ensures investors get the same types of background information from every company so they can compare risks, management quality and strategy before making investment decisions.
Emerging growth company regulatory
"Emerging growth company"
An emerging growth company is a recently public or smaller public firm that qualifies for temporary, lighter regulatory and disclosure rules to reduce the cost and effort of being public. For investors, it means the company may provide less historical financial detail and face fewer reporting requirements than larger firms, so it can grow more quickly but also carries higher uncertainty—like buying a promising early-stage product with fewer user reviews.
Audit Committee financial
"upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee of the Board, the Board approved the appointment"
A company's audit committee is a small group of board members who act like independent inspectors for the firm's finances, overseeing how financial reports are prepared, monitoring internal controls, and managing the relationship with external auditors. Investors care because a strong audit committee reduces the risk of accounting errors, fraud, or misleading statements, making financial statements more trustworthy and helping protect shareholder value.
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What auditor change did Horizon Technology Finance (HRZN) announce?
Horizon Technology Finance dismissed RSM US LLP as its independent registered public accounting firm and appointed Grant Thornton LLP to audit its 2026 consolidated financial statements. RSM had served as auditor since 2008 and continues to confirm its position in an exhibit letter.
Did Horizon Technology Finance (HRZN) report any disagreements with RSM?
The company states there were no disagreements with RSM on accounting principles, financial disclosures, or audit scope during the last two fiscal years and through May 13, 2026. It also reports no "reportable events" as defined under Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
Whom did Horizon Technology Finance (HRZN) appoint as its new auditor?
Horizon Technology Finance appointed Grant Thornton LLP as its independent registered accounting firm to audit the company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. The Board approved this decision on May 13, 2026, following a recommendation from its Audit Committee.
Did Horizon Technology Finance (HRZN) consult Grant Thornton before the appointment?
The company reports that neither it nor anyone on its behalf consulted Grant Thornton during the last two fiscal years on accounting principles, potential audit opinions, or any matters involving disagreements or reportable events. This disclosure is intended to clarify the independence of the new engagement.
How long did RSM serve as Horizon Technology Finance’s (HRZN) auditor?
RSM US LLP served as Horizon Technology Finance’s independent registered public accounting firm since 2008, including audits of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2025. The company notes RSM’s recent audit reports contained no adverse opinions, disclaimers, or qualifications regarding accounting issues.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
