From building an independent practice serving MSMEs to leading firms, contributing research, and educating millions online, Aileen Fae M. Africa has steadily expanded what she can contribute as a CPA. Her journey reaches a new milestone with her selection as the sole recipient of the PICPA 2026 Young Achiever Award in Public Practice.
The award, conferred by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), recognizes outstanding CPAs who, at an early stage of their careers, have demonstrated significant achievement in their chosen field. For Aileen, the distinction brings together years of practice development, continuous learning, professional leadership, and public service.
Following her early experience in external audit and banking internal audit, Aileen built an accounting and tax compliance practice from the ground up. Today, as Founder and Managing Owner of A² Business Consultancy and Managing Partner of APEX Accounting PH, she serves clients of increasing size and complexity, including groups of companies. Her work has expanded into assurance, business advisory, fraud examination, forensic accounting, expert witness services, and litigation support.
Alongside the demands of leading a practice, she completed a Master of Science in Accountancy, major in Taxation, and a Master in Business Administration with a Specialization in Artificial Intelligence. Her qualifications also include the ASEAN CPA designation and certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Tax Technician. Her research on strengthening tax evasion countermeasures was presented internationally and published in an international journal, connecting practical experience with research on tax administration.
She has also intentionally pursued international learning to broaden her perspective and strengthen her practice. Participation in the 2025 HPAIR Asia Conference at the University of Tokyo, international research presentations, and firsthand observation of Japan’s annual income tax filing season have strengthened her understanding of professional practice as she prepares for regional and cross-border opportunities.
Sharing knowledge has remained central to that journey. Through PICPA and the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Practice (ACPAPP), Aileen has served in leadership roles and delivered talks on taxation, fraud, professional skepticism, leadership, ethics, and artificial intelligence. Her PICPA service has progressed from chapter presidency to regional and national responsibilities, while she also serves as a Director of ACPAPP Central Luzon.
Through CPA Rockstar, her registered trademark and digital education platform, she brings professional knowledge to a wider audience. Two videos explaining the Ease of Paying Taxes reforms generated approximately 3 million combined views, helping explain the transition from official receipts to invoices. Her content on daily life as a CPA and the ASEAN CPA designation further promotes career awareness and professional opportunities.
Her service extends to public accountability and community development. She volunteered as a Verifier in the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) 2025 Random Manual Audit, participates in financial literacy and tax education initiatives, and advocates for empowering young girls through Project H.E.R.
Aileen will formally receive the award on November 19, 2026, during the 81st PICPA Annual National Convention Awards Night at the Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo City.
For Aileen, each achievement creates an opportunity to contribute more. Her journey reflects the public practice she continues to build: grounded in professional excellence, strengthened by continuous learning, and directed toward meaningful service to clients, the profession, and the community.