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 professional reference form 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.

The applications for the 2021 award are under review. Please check back in the summer to access the application for the 2022 award.

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.