CHICAGO, Aug. 6, 2021 – The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) is proud to present Sara J. Mikuta, CPA, CGMA, CIA, CRMA, with its prestigious 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor ICPAS bestows on members who demonstrate distinguished service to both ICPAS and the CPA profession.
Mikuta grew up in Watseka, Ill., is an alumna of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and currently resides in Western Springs, Ill. Mikuta’s career in accounting and finance has spanned more than 40 years. She recently retired from Wipfli LLP, a CPA and consulting firm where she held a partner position. Prior to joining the firm in 2011, Mikuta held the positions of CFO at The Leaders Bank, CFO at Pinnacle Banc Group Inc., controller at Oak Brook Bank, and audit manager at Arthur Andersen & Co.
Mikuta is also a former chairperson of the Illinois CPA Society, served as president of the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois, and is a former chairperson of the Illinois Board of Examiners. She remains an active volunteer and continues to serve on the board of directors for the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois. She has been closely connected to the fund since its inception in 1998 and has been an important part of helping it grow into a nationally recognized fund that annually awards more than $230,000 in scholarships and program support to hundreds of diverse and deserving accounting students across Illinois.
Reflecting on Mikuta’s career, ICPAS President and CEO Todd Shapiro says: “Sara has worked to bring positive change to the accounting and finance profession for more than four decades, and while her career achievements are impressive, it’s her volunteer work that truly defines her. It has been my pleasure to work alongside her as she served on countless ICPAS committees, held numerous roles on our board, including chairperson, and held the role of president of the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois for two years. Beyond ICPAS, her efforts as chair of the Illinois Board of Examiners and dedication to volunteering her expertise to the AICPA and National Association of State Boards of Accountancy cannot be discounted. She truly exemplifies what it means to give back to the profession.”
“I am honored to be awarded the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award. It is deeply humbling to become a part of this distinguished group of individuals,” Mikuta says. “Being a CPA has afforded me so many things; however, being a part of the Illinois CPA Society provided a phenomenal backdrop where I could expand my career and my world. The connections made here have left me with not only wonderful memories, but contacts, learning opportunities and, most importantly, a way to give back and give forward to my profession.”
Mikuta was formally recognized at ICPAS’ Leadership Recognition and Awards Dinner on Aug. 5, 2021 in Chicago.
