CPA.com Announces 2025 Innovative Practitioner at Digital CPA Conference

Angel Zhen, CPA, recognized for efforts in automation, efficiency and advancing modern advisory model

NEW YORK, NY (Dec. 8, 2025) — CPA.com, the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, named Angel Zhen, CPA, as the recipient of the 2025 Digital CPA Innovative Practitioner Award. The annual award recognizes practitioners who demonstrate forward-thinking leadership and innovative approaches that inspire positive change across the accounting profession.

“As a solo practitioner, I have seen how much freedom and impact you can create when you design your firm with intention and lean into innovation,” said Zhen. “This recognition reflects the future of the profession, where CPAs combine technology, better systems and deeper advisory to serve clients at a higher level without burning out. My focus has been to show that a one-person firm can be both highly profitable and deeply human, and I am grateful that work is resonating.”

Zhen is redefining how sole practitioners can operate at scale by pairing modern technology, streamlined workflows, and intentional practice design. His approach has enabled faster delivery, greater advisory capacity, and a more sustainable model for solo firm owners seeking operational efficiency without sacrificing client experience or value.

Earlier this year, Zhen introduced The Profitable Solopreneur Playbook, which has helped more than 200 practitioners modernize processes, strengthen firm performance, and build freedom-focused practices. He was also selected to participate in the 2025 AICPA Leadership Academy, a program that identifies and supports emerging leaders within the profession.

“The DCPA Innovative Practitioner Award recognizes practitioners who are committed to finding better, smarter ways to serve their clients and strengthen their firms,” said Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com. “Angel has shown how a solo practitioner can use modern systems to support mundane tasks, accelerate delivery and create more opportunities for meaningful advisory conversations. His willingness to share those insights with others reflects the type of leadership and innovation this award is designed to celebrate.”

Zhen was recognized at Digital CPA, CPA.com’s annual conference for progressive practitioners focused on innovative technologies and business strategies impacting the accounting and finance landscape.

Barrett Young, CPA, marketing and tax partner, GWCPA, and Rose Araghchy, CPA, founder and principal, R2 Advisors PC, were named runners-up for the award.

Young is leading a shift within his firm toward subscription-based pricing and more transparent client engagement. He has helped implement AI-enabled processes and EOS-driven workflows that support stronger collaboration, clearer communication, and more streamlined client experiences. Young also shares insights with the profession through his firm’s YouTube channel and his podcast, The Art of Succession, where he spotlights challenges and opportunities facing small business owners navigating transition.

Araghchy developed the Financial Strategy Integration Framework (FSIF), a patent-pending model that unifies operations, tax and finance into one integrated, data-driven system. Under her leadership, R2 Advisors has embedded AI-assisted compliance layers, automation-enabled review systems and predictive financial dashboards that turn static reporting into actionable strategy. She also created the Catalyst Collective, an internal innovation lab that pilots new automation and data solutions designed to support clients’ long-term decision-making.

“What’s most powerful about all three of the practitioners recognized this year is their willingness and commitment to share their strategies with others,” Cerami noted. “It’s core to what makes this profession great.”

To learn more about this year’s recipients, as well as the other distinguished nominees shaping the future of the profession, visit the CPA.com Digital CPA Innovative Practitioner Award page.

About CPA.com

CPA.com is the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, enabling firms and finance teams to evolve and innovate across audit, tax and advisory services. It delivers leading-edge strategies, resources and technologies to help firms and finance teams of all sizes stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, deliver more value to clients, and position for long-term success. CPA.com is an affiliate of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). For more information, visit www.CPA.com.