The AICPA Visionary Award

An AICPA Visionary is a professional recognized for making a real difference in the profession by leading transformation efforts and demonstrating the following qualities:

1. Professional excellence:
   Show strong skills and effective work in accounting, finance, or information technology.
   

2. Career achievements:
   Create new ways of doing business, leading others, or changing how organizations work.
   

3. Commitment to the profession:
   Be involved in accounting organizations and volunteer groups and contribute to the interests of the accounting and finance profession.
   

4. Strategic visionary:
   Look past the numbers to build a culture of change and support organizations in reaching their goals, opening new opportunities in the profession.
   

5. Transformational leadership:
   Lead change by developing new services, leadership programs, improved work methods, or innovative business ideas. Set a strong example and inspire others in the profession.

Applicants should have demonstrated significant contributions in at least three of the categories above. Evidence of every item is not required to be considered for the award.

To apply for the AICPA Visionary Award, you must:

• Be an accounting and finance professional with between 3-15 years of experience at the time of application.

• Be a member of the AICPA or CIMA.

• Provide the following via the application form

  • Current resume

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • An essay (1,000 words max) addressing:

    • How you have demonstrated leadership within your job

    • Why transformation of business practices is vital to the profession’s success

    • How you have positively affected the profession through transformation initiatives

Applications are closed for the 2026 AICPA Visionary Award. They will reopen in December 2026 for the 2027 AICPA Visionary Award.

AICPA volunteers will conduct an independent review all applications and select the visionary leader(s) to be recognized. Applicants will be notified by April 15 for the 2026 AICPA Visionary Award.

When you are awarded the AICPA Visionary Award, you will gain:

• Recognition as a leader and innovator within the profession

• Ongoing national exposure through AICPA social media channels and publications, including features on the AICPA website and in the Emerging Professionals Newsletter

• Networking and speaking engagements connected to AICPA events and initiatives, like EPICenter Webcast Series