The American Institute of CPAs established the Standing Ovation Recognition Program to recognize young CPAs who exhibit exemplary professional achievement in the following major areas of personal financial planning:
Estate Planning
Retirement Planning
Investment Planning
Practice Management
Insurance Planning
Risk Management
Tax Planning
Personal Financial Specialist
Professional Standards/Responsibilities
Eligible nominees must meet all the requirements below:
Be an AICPA member in good standing
Hold the CPA/PFS credential
Fifteen years of experience or less in the accounting profession
Exhibit outstanding professional achievement
Winner(s) will be awarded a scholarship that provides complimentary conference registration to the AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 2026 Conference. They will also be recognized with a press release, on the PFP Section website, and during the conference.
Partners or managers should submit applications on behalf of nominees. Applicants are permitted to self-nominate, but they must email an accompanying letter of recommendation from a partner or manager to financialplanning@aicpa.org.
To be considered, please complete the application no later than April 30, 2026. Past winners are not eligible to apply.