AICPA Names Winner of Outstanding Young CPA Award

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has named Matthew Rosenberg, CPA/PFS, president of RoseCap Investment Advisors, winner of the 2018 AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award in Honor of Maximo Mukelabai. Rosenberg was recognized for his numerous civic and volunteer activities in Mesa County, Colorado, as well as his dedication to educating the future pipeline of accounting professionals as a tenured professor at Colorado Mesa University (CMU).

The annual award, now in its seventh year, recognizes a CPA under age 41 who personifies an unwavering commitment as demonstrated through successful practices, involvement in and contributions for the interest of the accounting profession. The award was presented to Rosenberg at the AICPA’s EDGE conference for emerging leaders by Lindsay Stevenson, CPA, CGMA, Vice President of Finance at 1st Financial Bank USA. Stevenson was the recipient of last year’s award.

“CPAs have always been known for giving back to their communities,” said Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, executive vice president of firm services for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. “From volunteering in his local area to serving as a college professor and mentor for the next generation of CPAs, Matt’s activities truly reflect the values represented by this award in honor of Maximo Mukelabai.”

In addition to being a member of both the AICPA and the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants, Rosenberg currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce in Mesa County, Colorado. He has also held board positions with a variety of organizations including the Grand Junction Community Hospital Foundation and Back the Badge.

He is active in STRiVE Colorado, a non-profit that helps supports individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. In 2016, he organized Tulips & Juleps, a Kentucky Derby themed fundraiser to benefit STRiVE’s Children’s Services program for early intervention of child autism. “While Tulips & Juleps is an engaging and fun event, my true satisfaction comes from knowing that it’s all done to support early intervention of child autism,” said Rosenberg. “The money raised from this event truly makes a difference.”

Rosenberg has been on the CMU faculty since 2011. In addition to presenting research at industry and academic conferences across the country, he has served on numerous committees at CMU including the Department of Business’ Scholarship Committee. He has served as an advisor at CMU’s incoming student orientations, and he stays involved by counseling his students on selecting majors and choosing classes that will best prepare them for their careers.

In 2011, Rosenberg created RoseCap Investment Advisors. He proudly holds the AICPA’s Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential, which was specifically designed for CPAs who specialize in personal financial planning.

He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from The University of Texas, and he was on the Texas Longhorns baseball team in 2002 when they won the NCAA national championship.

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.

“I’m honored to be the recipient of the 2018 AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award,” said Rosenberg. “Like Maximo Mukelabai, I began a career in banking and was drawn to accounting. What drew me in was the opportunity to apply a CPA’s skillset by helping individuals and institutions through investment advisory. I believe CPAs are well suited to this role, and I encourage students to consider a career as a CPA financial planner.”

The criteria used to judge nominations for the Maximo Mukelabai award are:

Holding the CPA license and being between the ages of 22 and 40
Encouraging students to pursue a career in accounting
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 winner.

Questions on the nomination process may be directed to YoungCPANetwork@aicpa.org. The application period for the 2019 award will begin this summer.

More information is available at www.aicpa.org/YoungCPAAward.