The Illinois CPA Society presented wealth strategist Daniel Rahill III with its 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a person's contribution to the state society and the accounting profession.
An ICPAS member since 1981, Rahill served on multiple committees, task forces and councils, as well as represented the organization during press events. He served several terms as a member of the ICPAS board of directors, formerly chairing it, and the CPA Endowment Fund of the Illinois board of directors. Rahill continues to volunteer for the state society and regularly contributes to the ICPAS' Insight magazine and educational sessions.
At ICPAS' Leadership Recognition and Awards Dinner on June 8, Rahill thanked his family, friends, and current and past ICPAS staff and colleagues for the support he has received throughout his career and recounted a pivotal point early in his career.
"My tax managing partner, who was planning to nominate me for partner the following year, told me my resume was missing one thing: active participation in the Illinois CPA Society," said Rahill in a press release. "That advice, which was more of a directive, ended up being a career changer for me, opening the door to friendships and professional relationships that have lasted for more than three decades. "
Rahill spent the first five years of his career in audit and tax with EY. He later practiced law in Chicago specializing in tax and estate planning. After spending almost three decades at KPMG, he then held various leadership positions with BDO USA, Alvarez & Marsal and FGMK LLC before joining Wintrust Wealth Management in 2019. Currently, he develops income tax, estate planning, investment and business succession strategies with individuals and business owners.
On the volunteer side, Rahill is a state chapter president and board member of the American Academy of Attorney-CPAs, as well as an instructor for the Financial Planning Associations of Illinois and Florida. He also serves as a national governing board member for the AICPA and the finance committee chairperson for Metropolitan Family Services, aside from his responsibilities with the University of Notre Dame, the University of Illinois and Northeastern Illinois University's academic advisory boards.
Rahill graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree and became an Accounting Alumni of the Year in 2008. He received his master's and law degree from the DePaul University College of Law in Chicago and earned the AICPA's personal financial specialist accreditation in 2022.
"It is a great honor to present Dan with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award," said ICPAS president and CEO Geoffrey Brown in a statement. "From his volunteer service and contributions to sharing his expertise with others through our publications and media appearances, Dan has had a tremendous impact on our community and the profession. He truly embodies the high ideals associated with this recognition."
