Inaugural ‘40 Under 40 Black CPA Award’ seeks applicants

With 2021 marking the 100th anniversary of the first Black CPA, the Black CPA Centennial — a yearlong, national awareness collaborative effort from the American Institute of CPAs, the Diverse Organization of Firms, the Illinois CPA Society, the National Association of Black Accountants, and the National Society of Black CPAs — has announced the inaugural 40 Under 40 Black CPA Award program.

The award will “celebrate and honor Black CPAs who are positively influencing change in the CPA profession and their communities.”

To be eligible for the award, applicants must:

• Identify as Black or African American;
• Be below the age of 40 as of Dec. 31, 2021;
• Be a CPA with an active license;
• Be currently employed in an accounting or finance role and plan to continue in roles that promote and build the future of the CPA community;
• Demonstrate a recognizable level of career success and outstanding performance;
• Demonstrate the ability to exceed expectations in the workplace through examples of ambition, determination and innovation;
• Demonstrate the ability to make a positive impact in the community and/or CPA profession through a strong record of volunteer service; and,
• Demonstrate an interest in leading, inspiring and helping the next generation of Black CPAs.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 15. A panel of judges will select 40 honorees and all applicants will be notified by mid-September.

The Black Centennial

“Recognizing those who break down barriers and inspire positive change in their personal and professional communities is a critical component of our mission to secure a more diverse, inclusive and equitable CPA profession,” said Todd Shapiro, president and CEO of the Illinois CPA Society, in a statement. “We’re honored to present these awards and hope that this will help drive momentum, encouragement and support for more young Black people to join and succeed in the CPA profession. We look forward to celebrating the young professionals who are undoubtedly building upon the rich history and progress Black CPAs have made in the profession so far.”

All 40 Under 40 Black CPA Award honorees will receive invitations for them and a guest to attend the Black CPA Centennial Gala, to be held in Chicago on Nov. 12, where they will be presented with their awards. (Honorees will not be required to attend the gala in person.)

For more information on the award, head to the Illinois CPA Society’s site here.