Table of contents Toc Icon
Table of contents Toc Icon
The accounting industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, changing business needs, and growing client expectations shaping the future of the profession. As the industry continues to transform, accounting professionals are taking on broader roles that go beyond traditional financial tasks.
Young accountants are playing an important role in this shift. They are bringing fresh ideas, adopting modern approaches, and contributing to the growth of the industry through their expertise and leadership. Their work reflects how the profession is becoming more dynamic and forward-looking.
This list highlights 15 young accountants who are making an impact in the field. Through innovation, professional achievements, and industry contributions, these individuals are helping shape the future of accounting and inspiring the next generation of professionals.
1. Josh Aharonoff (CPA, CEO and Co-founder of Model Wiz)
Josh Aharonoff is a CPA, finance educator, and entrepreneur focused on making financial reporting and finance education more accessible. He is the creator of Model Wiz, an Excel-based FP&A platform designed for accounting firms, founders, and CFOs, and also founded YourCFOGuy, and Mighty Digits, a consulting firm supporting early-stage startups.
Josh began his career at KPMG in the Global Banking Tax Group after completing his Master’s in Accounting from Binghamton University. Over the years, he has specialized in helping founders turn complex financial data into actionable insights through financial modeling, month-end close processes, AP/AR management, and strategic financial guidance.
Beyond his consulting work, Josh has built a large educational presence by teaching finance and Excel through YouTube, LinkedIn, and newsletters. With more than 450,000 followers across platforms, he is known for simplifying complex finance concepts and making them easier for professionals and founders to understand.
Years of Experience: 8+
Achievements:
- Built a finance education community of over 450,000 followers across platforms
- Helped founders raise more than $400 million in funding over the last three years
- Advised 40+ startups on finance and growth strategies
- Created Excel templates downloaded by 10,000+ users
2. Jason Staats (CPA, Founder of Realize)
Jason Staats is a firm owner, entrepreneur, educator, and founder of the accounting community Realize. He began his career as a tax preparer and spent the first 12+ years building expertise in tax services before expanding into broader accounting and advisory work. Over time, he launched a Client Advisory Services (CAS) practice and later acquired an accounting firm.
Throughout his career, Jason has focused on helping accounting professionals modernize their firms and adopt new approaches to growth. His work centers on sharing practical insights from real accounting firms, helping firm owners understand what strategies are working and where challenges exist. Through his experience in firm operations and business growth, he has become a recognized voice within the accounting industry.
Beyond his firm leadership, Jason actively contributes through content creation, speaking engagements, and community building. He hosts a podcast followed by accounting firm owners and creates educational content around emerging topics, including AI in accounting. He is also known for building Realize, one of the largest accounting communities designed to connect and support professionals across the industry.
Jason actively contributes through content creation, speaking engagements, and community building. He hosts a podcast followed by accounting firm owners and creates educational content around emerging topics, including AI in accounting. With over 68,000 LinkedIn followers, he has built a strong audience by sharing actionable insights for firm owners and accounting professionals.
Years of Experience: 12+
Achievements:
- Delivered keynote presentations at 40+ conferences worldwide
- Created one of the most-watched AI training programs in the accounting industry
- Hosts a podcast reaching 1,500+ accounting firm owners daily
- Founded Realize, one of the largest accounting communities and alliances
3. Kelly Rohrs (Founder of K. Rohrs, CPA)
Kelly Rohrs is the Founder of K. Rohrs CPA and an experienced CPA with more than a decade of experience in public accounting. She specializes in providing tax, accounting, and advisory services to small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in professional service industries. She is widely recognized for helping businesses improve financial performance and achieve long-term growth.
Throughout her career, Kelly has built a strong presence within the accounting industry through both client work and professional contributions. Along with leading her firm, she co-founded From Zero to Millions: Accounting Edition with Bilal Mehanna, CPA, a podcast focused on sharing insights and conversations with leading voices in accounting. She also supports current and future firm owners through Fiscal Minds, a monthly mastermind community designed to help accounting professionals grow and scale their practices.
Kelly actively contributes to the accounting profession through speaking engagements, publications, and committee involvement. She has appeared on podcasts including AICPA’s Tax Odyssey and Thomson Reuters’ Pulse of the Practice, while her articles have been featured in Accounting Today, Bloomberg Tax Spotlight, and CPA Practice Advisor. She is also an active member of several accounting organizations and serves on the AICPA Tax Practice Resiliency Committee.
Years of Experience: 10+
Achievements:
- Named Top 40 Under 40 CPA (2024) by CPA Practice Advisor
- Recognized among Top 50 Women in Business on Long Island by Long Island Business News
- Named 2022 Premier Business Woman of Long Island by Long Island Herald
- Received a Top 50 Women in Accounting nomination through Ignition
4. Katie Thomas (CPA, Founder and President of Leaders Online LLC)
Katie Thomas is a CPA, digital marketing strategist, and Founder and President of Leaders Online LLC. She helps accounting firms increase their impact, influence, and revenue through leadership-driven marketing strategies. With experience across marketing, sales, and accounting, she focuses on helping firms strengthen their online presence and build meaningful connections with their audiences.
Throughout her career, Katie has developed expertise at the intersection of business growth and accounting. Prior to launching Leaders Online, she worked with two of the largest professional service firms in the world, where she gained experience in business development and client engagement. Her background gives her a unique perspective on how accounting firms can position themselves effectively and create sustainable growth opportunities.
Katie is also a national speaker and content creation expert who actively shares insights with the accounting community. With over 51,000 LinkedIn followers and 1.6k followers on her YouTube channel, she has built a strong audience by sharing practical marketing insights for accounting professionals to improve visibility, strengthen relationships, and support long-term business growth.
Years of Experience: 8+
Achievements:
- Named among the 2025 Most Powerful Women in Accounting
- Recognized in CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40
- Included in 20 Under 40 recognition lists
- Named among the Top 50 Women in Accounting by Ignition
5. Logan Graf (Founder of Counter)
Logan Graf is a CPA, firm owner, content creator, and founder of Counter, a community designed for new and aspiring accounting firm owners. He also leads The Graf Tax Co. PLLC, where he specializes in helping small business owners and high-income earners navigate complex tax situations through a modern and client-focused approach.
Throughout his career, Logan has built a reputation for rethinking how accounting firms operate. He is known for his unique approach to running a virtual CPA firm, including providing personalized video explanations with every tax return to improve client understanding and communication. Through Counter, he hosts monthly expert sessions and shares newsletters to help accountants become stronger business owners while building successful firms.
Logan actively creates educational content and supports the accounting community through YouTube and online platforms. His engaging style and openness about his own journey have made him a recognized voice for accountants looking to build modern firms.
Years of Experience: 12+
Achievements:
- Grew firm revenue from $90,000 to nearly $300,000 within a few years
- Built an audience of 51,000+ LinkedIn followers and 12,000+ YouTube subscribers covering accounting, tax, and firm management topics
- Winner of Top Movers and Shakers of the Accounting Industry 2025
6. Andrew Argue (CPA, Founder and CEO of Instead)
Andrew Argue is a CPA, entrepreneur, and Founder and CEO of Instead, a tax platform designed to help taxpayers and tax professionals collaborate more effectively on tax planning and filing. He focuses on transforming tax processes through technology, building solutions that help users save money through more than 20,000 tax strategies and support across 6,000 tax forms.
Throughout his career, Andrew has focused on combining tax expertise with innovation. Before launching Instead, he served as CEO of Corvee, where he helped accounting and tax professionals build and optimize their firms through technology-driven solutions. At Instead, he is helping redefine how tax management works by integrating AI and tax law to make tax planning a more proactive and continuous process rather than a once-a-year activity.
Andrew regularly participates in major accounting and technology events and other industry conferences. With over 27,000 LinkedIn followers, he has built a strong audience by sharing insights on tax technology and the role of AI in the accounting profession.
Years of Experience: 15+
Achievements:
- Recognized twice by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting – Ones to Watch
- Helped build one of the first platforms in decades to receive IRS approvals for e-filing multiple major tax forms
- Regular speaker and participant at major accounting and AI events, including AICPA Engage, Digital CPA, and AI Symposium
7. Tyler S. Clark (Co-Founder of DreamFirms)
Tyler S. Clark is an entrepreneur, speaker, and accounting growth advisor focused on helping accountants build and scale successful firms. As the Co-Founder of Dream Firms, he supports entrepreneurial accountants through online training, community access, accountability programs, and DreamLeads, a platform designed to help firms attract and convert clients.
Throughout his career, Tyler has worked with thousands of accountants and helped generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new billed and collected revenue for clients. Before launching Dream Firms, he successfully built an accounting firm from the ground up, achieving six-figure annual growth through digital marketing and ethical sales strategies before completing a successful exit. His experience has made him a recognized voice for accounting professionals looking to grow their firms in today’s digital environment.
Beyond consulting and business leadership, Tyler actively shares his knowledge through speaking engagements, educational content, and online communities. He leads the Proactive Accountants Community, hosts Dream Firms Spotlight on YouTube, and regularly appears on industry platforms and podcasts. With over 17,000 LinkedIn followers and more than 6,600 YouTube subscribers, he is known for providing practical advice that helps accountants build and grow modern firms.
Years of Experience: 14+
Achievements:
- Worked with thousands of accountants and contributed to generating hundreds of millions of dollars in client revenue
- Earned 5-star reviews for sales and marketing webinars on CPA Academy
- Featured speaker and contributor on platforms including Grow Your Firm Podcast, TaxDome, and The Premier Accounting Firm
8. Megan (Schoenbauer) Lewczyk, CPA, CMA
Megan Lewczyk is a CPA, CMA, educator, and founder of Megan D. Lewczyk, CPA PLLC, a boutique consulting firm focused on innovation, coaching, and content creation. She is known for simplifying technical accounting concepts and creating relatable content around emerging technologies, as well as CPA and CMA exam topics. As a recognized LinkedIn Top Voice, she focuses on making complex accounting topics more accessible to professionals and students.
Throughout her career, Megan has built experience across accounting, education, and content development. She began her journey at KPMG as an IT Advisory Intern and later worked as an IT Attestation and Risk Advisory Associate. In addition, she held leadership roles as COO and Technical Writer for Yaeger CPA Review and contributed extensively to industry discussions as a columnist.
Beyond her professional roles, Megan actively contributes to the accounting community through educational content, networking initiatives, and podcasting. She co-founded a CPA military spouse networking group and hosts the Next Level Accountant podcast. Through her work in education and digital content, she continues to help accounting professionals understand technical topics in a more practical and engaging way.
Years of Experience: 12+
Achievements:
- Recognized in CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 (2024)
- Selected among the first 100 participants in LinkedIn’s Creator Accelerator Program
- Published 85 industry-focused articles as a columnist for Going Concern
- Co-founded a CPA military spouse networking group
- Hosts the Next Level Accountant podcast
9. Brendan Morahan (Founder of BPM CPA)
Brendan Morahan is a CPA, Founder and Managing Partner of BPM CPA, specializing in tax advisory and financial strategy for startups and businesses. With more than 15 years of experience, his background spans public accounting, private equity, and startup environments, giving him expertise across accounting, financial operations, and business growth.
Brendan has worked across both public and private sectors, including time at PwC and leadership roles as Controller and CFO. He launched BPM CPA as a fully remote tax and advisory firm built around a contractor-based operating model. His experience includes supporting companies through financial analysis, process improvements, tax planning, and stepping into fractional CFO and COO roles during critical growth phases.
Brendan actively shares insights with the accounting and business community. With over 12,000 LinkedIn followers, he has built an audience around startup finance, tax strategy, and business growth. His practical approach and experience across multiple industries have made him a trusted advisor for entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
Years of Experience: 15+
Achievements:
- Built BPM CPA into an $800K+ revenue firm within its second year
- Expanded BPM CPA to serve 200+ small business owners and self-employed clients nationwide
- Held executive leadership positions including Controller and CFO across private equity and startup companies
10. Zachary Gordon (CPA, Founder of TaxStory)
Zachary Gordon is a CPA and Founder of TaxStory with experience in tax planning, financial strategy, and business advisory services. He focuses on tax optimization, financial modeling, business structuring, and transaction support, working with businesses across industries such as real estate, healthcare, nonprofits, fintech, media, and consumer goods.
Throughout his career, Zach has helped businesses navigate growth through financial planning, tax strategies, operational improvements, and CFO-level guidance. Before founding TaxStory, he served as a Principal in the Accounting Services Group at Grassi, a Top 50 CPA firm, where he specialized in tax planning, compliance, business structuring, and advisory services. Earlier, he also held leadership roles across public accounting firms and startups.
Beyond his executive roles, Zach actively contributes to the accounting community through speaking engagements and published content. His work has appeared in multiple recognized finance publications, and he regularly speaks at industry conferences. With over 9,000 LinkedIn followers, he is recognized for combining tax expertise with practical business insights.
Years of Experience: 15+
Achievements:
- Recognized in CPA Practice Advisor Forty Under 40
- Featured author in publications including Accounting Today, CPA Trendlines, Law360, Tax Stringer, and Yahoo! Finance
- Regular speaker at the AICPA Annual Conference and other national and regional events
- Served on multiple NYSSCPA committees, including Technology Assurance, Digital Assets, and Banking initiatives
11. John Ackerman (CPA, MBA, MST, Founder of Ackerman CPAs)
John Ackerman is a CPA and small business advisor focused on helping businesses and individuals with tax planning, tax compliance, and accounting services. As a Partner at Ackerman CPAs, LLC, he works closely with small business owners to provide practical financial guidance and support long-term business growth.
Throughout his career, John has built experience across public accounting and advisory roles. Before establishing Ackerman CPAs, he worked with firms including DMLO CPAs, Ernst & Young LLP, and Blue & Co., LLC. Along with his work in accounting, he has also contributed to education as an adjunct professor at Spalding University and previously at Bellarmine University, teaching taxation-focused courses.
Beyond his accounting practice, John actively contributes to financial education and community initiatives. With over 5,900 LinkedIn followers, he is recognized for combining accounting expertise with practical financial education for businesses and individuals.
Years of Experience: 10+
Achievements:
- Founded and hosts the Drunken Money podcast focused on financial education
- Established Ackerman CPAs, a firm dedicated to supporting small businesses
- Served as Treasurer of the Community Catholic Center
- Held leadership roles with the Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL)
12. Lauren Baptiste (Former Big 4 CPA and Coach for Women Accountants)
Lauren Baptiste is a former Big Four CPA, entrepreneur, and burnout coach focused on helping women accountants, attorneys, and consultants create more balanced and sustainable careers. She is known for helping professionals reduce stress, improve productivity, and build more fulfilling work lives while maintaining long-term career growth.
Lauren spent 13 years at a Big Four accounting firm, where she consistently performed at a high level and earned opportunities to work internationally. During the final years of her accounting career, she successfully worked part-time while managing a book of business exceeding $4 million annually. She later built a company that has supported more than 10,000 professionals seeking greater balance and career satisfaction.
Lauren actively shares insights around leadership, career growth, and burnout prevention. Her transition from public accounting to entrepreneurship has made her a relatable voice for professionals looking to build successful careers while prioritizing personal well-being.
Years of Experience: 13+
Achievements:
- Recognized in 20 Under 40 by CPA Practice Advisor
- Named among Top Movers + Shakers of the Accounting Industry by MYCPE One
- Recognized among the Top 50 Women in Accounting by Ignition
13. Yuri Kapilovich (Managing Partner of Kapilovich & Associates)
Yuri Kapilovich is a CPA, Managing Partner of Kapilovich & Associates, LLC, and lifestyle firm owner with more than 15 years of experience in accounting. A former Big Four CPA, he focuses on building a firm model centered around efficiency, flexibility, and sustainable growth rather than traditional high-volume operations.
Throughout his career, Yuri has taken a different approach to firm ownership by prioritizing work-life balance alongside business success. He has intentionally built a highly selective practice with only 87 clients and has shared that his firm is projected to generate $320,000 in revenue in 2026 while never requiring more than 40 working hours per week.
Yuri actively shares insights with the accounting and entrepreneurial community. He hosts The Capital Contribution podcast, which features real stories from entrepreneurs who transitioned from traditional employment into self-employment. Known online as #TheFunCPA, he shares practical lessons on entrepreneurship, firm ownership, and creating a more balanced professional life.
Years of Experience: 15+
Achievements:
- Host of The Capital Contribution podcast focused on entrepreneurship and self-employment journeys
- Built a lifestyle-focused accounting firm model with a highly selective client base
- Established a profitable firm approach centered on growth without exceeding a 40-hour work week
14. Ron Abraham (Partner at KSDT CPA)
Ron Abraham is a CPA, Certified Acceptance Agent, and Partner at KSDT CPA with expertise in U.S. taxation and cross-border tax matters. He focuses on helping expats and non-U.S. domiciliaries navigate complex tax regulations while ensuring compliance and identifying opportunities for tax optimization.
Ron has built deep expertise in international and cross-border taxation. Since joining KSDT CPA in 2014, he has worked closely with clients to simplify challenging tax situations and provide strategic guidance tailored to their financial needs. His client-first approach emphasizes transparent communication, personalized support, and long-term relationship building.
Ron is recognized for helping individuals and businesses confidently manage complex tax environments. His practical guidance and commitment to client success have made him a trusted advisor for clients dealing with international tax matters.
Years of Experience: 10+
Achievements:
- Rose through leadership roles at KSDT CPA to become a recognized leader in U.S. taxation
- Built expertise in advising expats and non-U.S. domiciliaries on complex cross-border tax matters
- Helped thousands of clients navigate U.S. tax requirements and compliance challenges
15. Todd Gray (Founder and CEO of Value Insights.AI and Principal at Todd M. Gray, CPA Inc.)
Todd Gray is a veteran CPA, tax practitioner, and founder of Value Insights.AI. With 20+ years of experience in tax and accounting, he has built deep expertise in helping taxpayers and tax professionals improve documentation, valuation, and reporting for non-cash charitable contributions.
Throughout his career, Todd has focused on practical tax planning opportunities that help clients reduce tax liability while staying properly documented. As Principal of Todd M. Gray, CPA Inc. in Carlsbad, California, he has worked closely with taxpayers on income tax matters and advisory needs. His experience as a practicing CPA led him to identify a common challenge: many taxpayers donate valuable items but lack proper substantiation, fair market valuation, and organized records to support deductions.
To solve this problem, Todd founded Value Insights.AI, a web-based, AI-backed application designed to identify, value, substantiate, and document non-cash charitable contributions through a simple photo-based process. The app helps users generate valuation reports based on market values, creating clearer documentation for tax preparers and stronger support for Schedule A and Form 8283 filings.
Years of Experience: 20+
Achievements:
- Developed an AI-backed tool for identifying, valuing, substantiating, and documenting non-cash charitable contributions
- Value Insights.AI was named one of Accounting Today’s Top Products of 2026
- Participated in CPA Practice Advisor’s Ensuring Success online CPE event panel discussions
Why Do These Young Accountants Deserve Your Attention?
The accounting profession today requires more than technical expertise. It needs professionals who can adapt to changing technologies, bring fresh ideas to the industry, and help businesses solve increasingly complex financial challenges. The individuals on this list stand out for their diverse strengths, from tax strategy and financial advisory to firm leadership, technology, education, and content creation.
Following the right voices can help you stay informed, discover emerging trends, and gain practical insights from professionals who are actively shaping the future of accounting. Whether you are an accountant, firm owner, entrepreneur, student, or business leader, these young professionals are worth watching.
If you want to stay updated on the latest developments in accounting, finance, and technology, start by following these influential voices and learning from the impact they continue to make across the profession.
Disclaimer: The rankings in this blog are based on publicly available information. Ace Cloud Hosting does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this data. The inclusion of businesses or experts in this blog does not imply any endorsement, partnership, or association with Ace Cloud Hosting.
