AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award

About the Award
The AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award in Honor of Maximo Mukelabai recognizes a young CPA who personifies an unwavering commitment as demonstrated through successful practices, involvement in and contributions for the interest of the accounting profession.
We strongly recommend you have the letters of recommendation completed by your employer, state CPA society or affiliate membership organization representative, or community service organization or other professional relationship.
How to apply
a. Ensure you meet the application criteria.
b. Submit a completed application, including everything listed below.
- Completed application form
- Current resume
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- A volunteer statement focused of no more than 1,000 word on at least one of the following:
- History of demonstrated leadership within your job or volunteer activities.
- Why volunteering is important to the accounting profession.
- How your volunteer service has positively impacted the accounting profession.
- History of demonstrated leadership within your job or volunteer activities.
Applications for the 2022 award are now closed. Please check back this fall for the application and nomination form for 2023.
Application criteria
- Be a licensed CPA between the ages of 22-40 at time of application
- Be a regular member of the AICPA
In honor of Maximo Mukelabai
Maximo Mukelabai was a member of the inaugural class of the AICPA Leadership Academy in 2009. Tragically, Maximo's life ended abruptly at the age of 36. He was an extraordinary individual filled with passion, intellect and inspiration; traits immediately recognized by anyone who met him.
Maximo's most recent accomplishment was made official on May 4, 2011 when he became the youngest and first African-American chair for the North Carolina Association of CPAs board of directors. Maximo's influence and leadership was felt by so many and he is sorely missed.
Previous award winners
Jaclyn T. Badeau - 2021 recipient
Aaron Clayton - 2021 recipient
Jessica E. McClain - 2021 recipient
Erin E. Roche - 2021 recipient
Osei Sencherey - 2021 recipient
Joseph Rugger - 2020 recipient
Elizabeth Pittelkow Kittner - 2019 recipient
Matthew Rosenberg - 2018 recipient
Lindsay Stevenson - 2017 recipient
Danielle Supkis Cheek - 2016 recipient
Dan Griffiths - 2015 recipient
Mark K. Rich - 2014 recipient
Jeremy Dillard - 2013 recipient
Donny Shimamoto - 2012 recipient