The future of the profession is looking pretty sharp in Maryland.

Jeff Wilson II, CPA/PFS, CFE, CGMA, CDFA, founder of The W2 Group in Upper Marlboro, has been named one of the AICPA's Outstanding Young CPAs for 2023. The annual award, now in its 12th year, recognizes CPAs under age 40 who personify a commitment to the profession, as demonstrated through successful practices and involvement in and contributions to the interest of the accounting profession. 

"Though this is an individual award for a CPA, I actually reflected on all the CPAs that have supported me in one way or another," Wilson said. "I could not do what I do I without the other great CPAs in the profession. In that light, I am proud of what is really a team award."

Wilson was recognized from the stage prior to the opening keynote address at the AICPA's 2023 Engage Conference in Las Vegas. This is the third year in which more than one person was selected for the honor.

Wilson is a 2013 graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy. He states that in each moment of his career's success, he can point to someone who mentored or influenced his path. He attributes his accomplishments to the mentors and influences he has had throughout his life, even refers to them as shared accomplishments that would not have been possible without the input and professional giving of other "influencers" in his life.

The other 2023 Outstanding Young CPA award-winners are:

• Durran Dunn, CPA, CIA, managing director, Grant Thornton, LLP, Atlanta, Ga.
• Rosey N. Flaherty, CPA, MSA, tax senior, Eide Bailly, Tustin, Calif.
• Kathryn K. Horton, CPA, CMA, CIDA, CFE, president, Kathryn K. Horton CPA PA, Coral Springs, Fla.
• Gregg Peat, CPA, CFF, ABV, managing director, FTI Consulting, Portland, Ore.

The AICPA created this award to honor the legacy of Maximo Mukelabai, a member of the inaugural class of the AICPA Leadership Academy and the youngest chair of the North Carolina Association of CPAs Board of Directors. Tragically, his life was cut short at age 36.

The eligibility criteria to apply for the award are:

• Holding the CPA license and being between the ages of 22 and 40.
• Being a regular voting member of the AICPA.
• Promoting the CPA profession.
• Volunteering in activities that advance the accounting profession.
• Participating in community-based organizations that improve people’s lives.

To be considered for the award, candidates submitted applications and details on their volunteer history, along with professional reference forms from peers, employers, and state CPA societies. A task force of young CPAs then reviewed all qualified nominations to determine the winners.