The American Institute of CPAs has named five practicing CPAs as the recipients of the 2021 AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award in Honor of Maximo Mukelabai.
Now in its tenth year, the annual award recognizes CPAs under the age of 41 who demonstrate successful practices and notable contributions within the accounting profession. Notably, 2021 marks the first year in which more than one CPA was honored.
“These five individuals have done incredible things in their relatively short careers, ranging from hosting leadership workshops to advancing diversity and inclusion in the profession to mentoring high school accounting students,” said Erin Carson, senior manager of Young Member initiatives on the Diversity and Inclusion for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, in a statement.
The award honors the legacy of Maximo Mukelabai, a member of the inaugural class of the AICPA Leadership Academy and the youngest-ever chair of the North Carolina Association of CPAs board of directors, who passed away at age 36.
To be considered for the award, applicants must hold a CPA license; be between the ages of 22 and 40; be actively encouraging others to pursue an accounting career; volunteer in activities that advance the profession; and help in community-based organizations. Candidates are also asked to submit professional references from peers, employers and state CPA societies before a task force comprising young CPAs reviews the nominations and selects award recipients.
“During a year in which so many lives were disrupted by the pandemic, it is encouraging to see CPAs who embody the values held by Maximo Mukelabai. Bestowing the 2021 AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award upon them is a tribute to his legacy,” said Sue Coffey, CEO of public accounting for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, in a statement.
Recipients of the 2021 Outstanding Young CPA Awards are:
- Jaclyn Badeau, president of Badeau Consulting in Richmond, Kentucky;
- Aaron Clayton, partner with Eide Bailly LLP in Sioux Falls, South Dakota;
- Jessica McClain, controller with Brand USA in Washington, D.C.;
- Erin Roche, team leader with Elliott CPA Group in Santa Rosa, California; and
- Osei Sencherey, senior manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The application period for the 2022 award will open this summer. More information is available on the AICPA's
