HBK Principal Earns Industry Distinction

Hermitage, PA – The Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA) has honored Michael Walston, CPA and principal with HBK CPAs & Consultants (HBK), with its prestigious Young Leaders of the Year award. Walston, who works out of HBK’s Hermitage, Pa., office, has been with the firm for four years. His focus is on tax compliance and consulting as well as financial statement compilation and review engagements.

The PICPA annually recognizes its members under the age of 40 who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the accounting profession through their service to PICPA or involvement in other community service activities.

“Walston is an ideal candidate for the award,” noted Martin Gargano, CPA and principal-in-charge of the HBK Hermitage office. “It’s clear from the rapport he has with his clients and colleagues, and his dedication to his community and family. Michael is exceptional.”

“Michael is following in the very big footsteps of his late father Bruce, who was a longtime principal here,” offered HBK CEO and Managing Principal Chris Allegretti, “Like his father, Michael is a natural leader, pursuing innovative solutions for our clients and mentoring our younger team members.”

Walston completed the Checkpoint Learning Health Care Reform Certificate Program sponsored by Thomson Reuters and has been leading HBK’s Affordable Care Act niche since the fall of 2015. Before joining HBK, he spent eight years with Deloitte Tax LLP in Cleveland, Ohio. His tax experience includes compliance and consultation for both public and private companies. His expertise extends to estate, gift, trust and state and local tax compliance. He has extensive experience working with partnerships, S corporations, and consolidated corporations.

Walston will receive the PICPA Young Leaders award at the 2017 PICPA Leadership Conference on Monday, September 18, in Harrisburg. He will also be featured in the Fall 2017 issue of the Pennsylvania CPA Journal.

Email Michael Walston at mwalston@hbkcpa.com