I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Mike Maksymiw, Executive Director at Aprio Firm Alliance, in Episode #64 & 65 of the CPA Career Paths podcast. Mike’s journey is a masterclass in professional growth—from helping his solo practitioner dad with bank recs in high school to becoming a trusted leader helping local firms thrive nationwide.
In this episode, Mike shares candid stories from each step of his journey: unexpected detours, resilience after setbacks, discovering his leadership voice, and developing a passion for people-centric firm culture. His insights are full of golden nuggets for anyone navigating a CPA career path.
🎧 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways
- Mike started his career at a three-partner local firm—where he was their first staff hire in 45 years!
- He shares how “learning how to learn” was his biggest advantage early on.
- A canceled job offer at Arthur Andersen during the Enron scandal forced him to pivot, shaping his perspective on career ownership.
- His emotional intelligence and leadership skills were built over time—with vulnerability and constant feedback as key tools.
- He discusses how the AICPA Leadership Academy changed his professional trajectory and helped him land his current role.
- Mike now works to help local CPA firms innovate, stay people-first, and adapt faster to industry change.
Starting with a Solo Practitioner Role Model
Mike’s first exposure to accounting wasn’t a textbook—it was his dad’s home office. As a kid, he watched his father run a solo practice from the kitchen table, doing everything by hand. That early exposure made accounting feel tangible and real.
“I was always good at math, and I thought accounting was math,” Mike laughed. “So I took a class in high school and just got it. From there, I knew what I wanted.”
Despite his dad encouraging him to explore other paths, Mike knew accounting was the right fit. He chose Bryant University for its strong program—and the opportunity to play college baseball.
The Enron Curveball: Resilience in Action
Mike’s first job offer was with Arthur Andersen. Unfortunately, the Enron and WorldCom scandals hit, and his offer was rescinded just months before graduation.
“At Thanksgiving, I had a job. At Easter, they called and took it back. So I had to hustle. It was tough, but it taught me a lot.”
He eventually landed at a small firm in Connecticut, where he was the only staff accountant. No training program. No onboarding. Just a lot of work and the need to figure things out.
Learning the Hard Way: “You’re Invited for a Reason”
Client meetings can be intimidating for new accountants. Mike admitted that at first, he didn’t talk much—and when he did, he often got it wrong.
“One of my professors told me, ‘If someone invited you to that room, it’s because they believe you belong there—even if you don’t believe it yet.’ That hit me hard.”
He used that advice to step up, start asking questions, and learn through experience—even when mistakes happened.
Not Just a Title: Focusing on Substance over Status
At his first firm, Mike held the same job title—“Accountant”—for over a decade. But instead of chasing promotions, he focused on growing his skills.
“We didn’t chase titles. We chased the actions that came with those titles.”
He emphasizes that success comes from investing in yourself: technical knowledge, client communication, and leadership habits.
Building EQ: A Two-Year Transformation
In his 30s, Mike received career-changing feedback from a consultant: “We don’t know who you are. You’re giving us the answers you think we want.”
That moment unlocked the next level in his growth. He spent the next two years working to tear down emotional walls and show up as his authentic self.
“It took 18 months to two years to undo 30 years of hiding. But once I did, I started progressing faster and feeling more fulfilled.”
Leadership in Action: Adaptive, Honest, and Human
Mike describes his leadership style as “adaptive leadership”—focused on people, not perfection.
“Excellence allows for failure and learning. Perfection doesn’t.”
He values transparency, encourages constant feedback, and emphasizes treating people like humans, not just numbers. One of his favorite sayings?
“Be the manager you wish you had.”
Advice for Managers: Boosting Networking Confidence
Mike also shared one brilliant networking tip I hadn’t heard before:
“Before bringing a staff member to an event, ask them what topics they’re passionate about. That way, you can tee them up during a conversation to talk about something they’re confident in.”
It’s a simple but powerful way to help newer professionals ease into networking and build confidence.
Career Ownership: Making the Big Leaps
After making partner at a local firm, Mike helped lead a merger with Marcum, a national firm. He entered the merger with three rules:
- Stay positive
- Give it his best
- Never compromise his values
Eventually, his desire for impact led him to his current role at Aprio Firm Alliance, where he supports small firm leaders with big firm resources and guides them through transformation.
“I want to help firms create environments where people can succeed—where life comes first, and work supports it.”
What’s Next for the Profession?
Mike sees three main shifts in the future of accounting:
- Understanding the Talent Supply Issue: “There’s too much work and not enough people. We need to be realistic about that.”
- Investing in Technology: To handle the workload and free up time for more advisory work.
- Rethinking Firm Models: “Clients will have multiple firms—like general contractors hiring specialists. We need to adapt.”
He also emphasized that automation is here to help us—not replace us.
“Technology can’t replace human connection, judgment, or trust. Our value lies in interpretation, empathy, and client relationships.”
Final Thoughts: Read, Learn, Grow
Mike left listeners with some of his favorite resources that helped him develop personally and professionally:
- The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
- Ego vs. EQ by Jen Shirkani
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- TED Talks by Shawn Achor on positive psychology
“Read your professional journals. That’s how I found out about the AICPA Leadership Academy—and it changed my life.”
✅ Action Steps for Your Career
- Don’t wait for feedback—ask for it
- Speak up, even when it’s scary
- Be intentional with networking and learning
- Focus on growth, not titles
- Show up as your authentic self—earlier than Mike did!
🚀 Ready to Take Charge of Your CPA Journey?
If Mike’s story inspired you, you’re not alone. His journey is proof that great careers aren’t handed to you—they’re built through learning, growth, and intentional action.
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