CHICAGO, June 14, 2024 – The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)—one of the largest state associations in the nation serving the certified public accountant (CPA) community—proudly announces Larry J. Wolfe, CPA, as the recipient of its prestigious 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. This esteemed honor recognizes a member’s exceptional service to both ICPAS and the CPA profession.
Wolfe earned his CPA credential and joined ICPAS in 1979. Over the past 45 years, he has significantly contributed to numerous ICPAS committees, task forces, and other volunteer groups, for which he has been recognized with ICPAS Distinguished Service Awards in 2010, 2021, and 2022. He has also served multiple terms on the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Tax Practice and Procedures Committee, where he remains active today. Further, Wolfe has a longstanding history as a speaker and educator on tax topics, along with a track record of authoring authoritative articles for both ICPAS and AICPA publications.
As an advocate for the public interest, Wolfe was a founding member of the IRS Collection Territory Managers/Practitioners Committee, where he champions taxpayer rights.
With an eye to the future, Wolfe also serves as an advisor to the Dempsey J. Travis Foundation, which awards scholarships to diverse students in the Chicagoland area, and has supported the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois and its Mary T. Washington Wylie Opportunity Fund.
Wolfe began practicing accounting nearly 50 years ago and founded Larry J. Wolfe Ltd. in 1982. His Skokie, Ill.-based firm is focused on providing specialized tax controversy services, including resolutions with the IRS and state taxing agencies.
“It’s always exciting to hear the accomplishments of the inspiring recipients of this award. As with those who’ve come before him, it’s an honor to recognize Larry with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award,” says Geoffrey Brown, CAE, ICPAS president and CEO. “From his volunteer service as a member and chair of several of our committees over the years, to the expertise he’s shared with countless CPAs as one of our trusted educators, and the generosity he’s shown through his advocacy and support of advancing diversity in the profession, Larry has had an incredible impact on ICPAS and the profession. He couldn’t be more deserving of this recognition.”
At the ICPAS Leadership Recognition and Awards Dinner on June 13, 2024, Wolfe expressed his gratitude, stating he was “very honored and humbled to have been selected as the recipient of the Illinois CPA Society’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.” He thanked the CPA community for this honor, along with his wife, Linda, and his team at Larry J. Wolfe Ltd. for their loyalty, support, and sacrifices over the years.
Larry Wolfe receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award with ICPAS Chairperson Deb Rood (L) and ICPAS President and CEO Geof Brown (R).
Larry Wolfe delivering his Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech.