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.
- History of demonstrated leadership within your job or volunteer activities.
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.
Previous award winners
We honor these previous recipients of the AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award

Joseph Rugger
2020 recipient

Elizabeth Pittelkow Kittner
2019 recipient

Matthew Rosenberg
2018 recipient

Mark K. Rich
2014 recipient

Jeremy Dillard
2013 recipient

Donny Shimamoto
2012 recipient