Horizon Awards
Recognizing Tomorrow's Leaders on Today's Horizon
The FICPA is proud to announce the winners of its 2026 Horizon Awards, recognizing the brightest young CPAs at the forefront of our profession.
Through service to their firms, the FICPA and other worthy causes, these award winners are advancing the CPA profession and strengthening their local communities.
Dyasha Arauz
Dyasha Arauz, CPA, is vice president of Arauz Inc.
With more than 13 years’ experience in controllership, taxation and financial management across industries including construction and commercial real estate, Dyasha is recognized for her expertise in managing high-revenue businesses, streamlining accounting operations, forecasting financial performance and developing effective tax strategies.
She is an active member of the FICPA, supporting student programs and mentoring young professionals. She has also volunteered as a financial mentor for underserved entrepreneurs through Opportunity Connect and contributes to charitable initiatives with Vous Church in Miami, serving individuals experiencing homelessness.
Daniel Basch
Daniel Basch, CPA/ABV, CVA, is vice president of valuation services at Aperture.
He provides business valuation, forensic and advisory services for litigation, succession and transaction purposes. Before joining Aperture, he was a partner at a CPA firm in New York and led a boutique valuation firm focused on valuation and advisory services for closely held businesses.
Daniel is a licensed CPA in New York and Florida and holds a Master of Business Administration. He serves on the AICPA’s ABV Credential Committee and remains active in mentorship, professional education and nonprofit leadership, supporting the growth of the accounting profession and his local community.
Michael Davis
Michael Davis, CPA, CMA, is assistant vice president of accounting at PenAir Credit Union.
Recognized for his strategic execution, operational innovation and commitment to developing future accounting talent, Michael led the successful implementation of Workday Financial Management, modernizing PenAir’s accounting infrastructure and introducing automation across key functions.
He is dedicated to building a high-performing and inclusive team, supporting CPAs, CMAs and emerging professionals at all stages of their careers. Beyond the workplace, Michael actively partners with the University of West Florida to engage accounting and finance students and promote financial literacy.
Matthew Leto
Matthew Leto, CPA, is a senior tax analyst at NextEra Energy.
He leads critical aspects of the tax forecasting process at NextEra, including driving strategic insights into net income and cash tax flow impacts. He develops and reviews complex financial models to assess the tax consequences of transactions, partnering cross-functionally to optimize income tax benefits and support M&A planning. With a strong command of forecasting systems and executive communication, he provides tax-related inputs to financial planning teams and contributes to quarterly earnings processes.
He has previously served on multiple FICPA Committees and as chair of the Palm Beach Chapter.
Elese Mathis
Elese Mathis, CPA, MBA, is a director of finance at Orlando Health.
She brings more than a decade of experience across public accounting, industry accounting and finance. Elese launched her career in public accounting at Withum, managing audit engagements for various sectors, including government, non-profits, construction and real estate. She then transitioned into industry, where she directed accounting and finance for the Orlando Health Foundation and the Howard Phillips Center. In her present role, she leads financial planning for the information technology and supply chain divisions within the organization.
She is an active member of the FICPA's Young CPAs Committee.
Monica Reyes
Monica Reyes, CPA, is an audit director at PAAST.
With more than a decade of experience in auditing and financial reporting, she specializes in attestation services for financial institutions, including regulatory compliance audits, BSA/AML reviews and FDICIA procedures, as well as financial statement audits in various industries.
She is an active member of AICPA and FICPA, a graduate of the FICPA Leadership Academy and was a 2025 FICPA Women to Watch Award nominee. Passionate about mentorship and professional development, Monica regularly participates in industry panels and community initiatives to advance leadership in accounting.
Maria Thompkins
Maria Thompkins, CPA, is an audit associate at Hafer Company.
With more than five years of audit experience, she specializes in auditing HOAs and condominiums. She earned a bachelor’s in accounting and bachelor’s in finance from Pensacola Christian College and a master’s in professional accountancy with concentration in audit from University of West Florida.
She is a member of the FICPA’s CIRA Committee and was a speaker at the FICPA’s 2025 CIRA Conference. As a rising professional in the field, Maria was selected for the Marquis Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in 2025.
Alex Varidin
Alex Varidin, CPA, is a financial advisor at Stifel.
He earned his CPA designation working as an auditor at KPMG before moving on to Stifel, where he helps clients on their journey toward their financial objectives. His goal is to develop a long-lasting relationship with his clients, focusing on strategies designed to generate, preserve and efficiently transfer wealth across multiple generations.
He is the chair of the FICPA’s Suncoast Chapter and a member of the FICPA’s Young CPAs Committee. He also holds seats on the Investment Advisory Board for the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and the Board of Directors of the Dunedin Cares Food Pantry.
For more information on the Horizon Awards and other exciting opportunities for Young CPAs, contact FICPA Career Development Manager Lindsey Buck at EmergPro@ficpa.org