One of our Managers, Benjamin Schwartz, CPA, MBA, was recognized as a 2024 AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award. Honorees are selected for exemplifying passion, intellect, and inspiration in the accounting profession. Each recipient is committed to positively impacting the profession through volunteering and have demonstrated leadership within their job and volunteer activities.
“As an Alaskan Native enrolled Tribal Member, I grew up with a unique blend of experiences, splitting my time between Palo Alto, CA and the Alaskan Native Villages of Northway and Tanana, AK. Growing up, I experienced firsthand the challenges posed by limited resources and educational barriers in rural Alaska. Once day, while walking home with a friend who struggled with reading, I asked why he didn’t attempt to learn. His response was both simple and impactful: ‘that’s not what we do.’ Receiving this award signifies a shift in this narrative. We are embracing a new mantra: ‘this IS what we do.’ I hope this recognition inspires young individuals to defy old constraints and pursue careers in technical fields, particularly accounting, contrary to outdated beliefs.” – Benjamin Schwartz