To be eligible for the AICPA Emerging Leaders Award, you must be a:
Member of the AICPA
Licensed CPA with 3
–
15 years’ experience in the accounting and finance profession
If you’ve won the award previously, you are not eligible to apply again.
AICPA Emerging Leaders Award
Celebrating leaders within communities and organizations
This award recognizes CPAs who contribute to the accounting profession by serving as a role model, volunteering as a mentor to the next generation, or demonstrating leadership potential within their community and organization. We want to honor CPAs who demonstrate their passion and dedication:
Volunteering in their local community or at a state or national level
Influencing positive change at their organization
Practicing accounting or finance with ethics and integrity
You’re invited to share your story. Applications will be accepted until June 30.
AICPA Emerging Leaders Award
Celebrating leaders within communities and organizations
This award recognizes CPAs who contribute to the accounting profession by serving as a role model, volunteering as a mentor to the next generation, or demonstrating leadership potential within their community and organization. We want to honor CPAs who demonstrate their passion and dedication:
Volunteering in their local community or at a state or national level
Influencing positive change at their organization
Practicing accounting or finance with ethics and integrity
You’re invited to share your story. Applications will be accepted until June 30.
Inspired by Maximo Mukelabai
Inspired by Maximo Mukelabai
FAQs about the AICPA Emerging Leaders Award
For any additional questions about the award or application process, please contact EmergingProfessionals@aicpa-cima.com.
Who can apply for the AICPA Emerging Leaders Award?
What’s the definition of an AICPA Emerging Leader?
An AICPA Emerging Leader is defined as a CPA who embodies the following:
Professional excellence — Technical proficiency in accounting, practicing successfully and making contributions to the profession
Career achievements — Accomplishments in your career
Commitment to the profession — Involvement in accounting organizations
Leadership — Demonstrated qualities of a leader or mentor
Community involvement — Participation in community service or volunteering
You are encouraged to have made significant contributions in at least three (3) of the listed criteria.
You do not need to provide evidence of every item above to be eligible for the award.
How do I apply for the AICPA Emerging Leaders Award?
To apply for the AICPA Emerging Leaders Award, please upload the following:
Completed application form
Current résumé
Two (2) letters of recommendation
A professional reference letter can be completed by your employer, state CPA society or affiliate membership organization representative, or community service organization or other professional relationship.An essay (1,000 words max), addressing all of the following topics:
How you have demonstrated leadership within your job or volunteer activities
Why volunteering is important to the accounting profession
How you have positively influenced the accounting and finance profession through volunteering
What are the dates to submit my application?
You may submit your application March 16–June 30, 2026.
How is the winner selected?
Applications are reviewed by a volunteer committee, and all applicants will be notified by August 15, 2026.
Who has won this award?
2025 AICPA Emerging Leaders Award winners:
2024 AICPA Emerging Leaders Award winners:
2023 AICPA Emerging Leaders Award winners:
2022 AICPA Emerging Leaders Award winners:
Adrian L. Mayse
2021 AICPA Emerging Leaders Award winners:
2012–2020 AICPA Emerging Leaders Award winners:
Joseph Rugger (2020)
Elizabeth Pittelkow Kittner (2019)
Matthew H. Rosenberg (2018)
Lindsay Stevenson (2017)
Danielle Supkis Cheek (2016)
Dan Griffiths (2015)
Mark K. Rich (2014)
Jeremy Dillard (2013)
Donny Shimamoto (2012)
Apply for the AICPA Emerging Leaders Award
The button below will take you to the application portal. After you log in or create a new account, you’ll be guided to fill in the prompts, including uploading a completed application form, two letters of recommendation, your résumé, and a personal essay.
Apply for the AICPA Emerging Leaders Award
The button below will take you to the application portal. After you log in or create a new account, you’ll be guided to fill in the prompts, including uploading a completed application form, two letters of recommendation, your résumé, and a personal essay.
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