Mike Allen: Life Member Award Winner

By Andrea Beth Levy, CPA, CFE, CGMA, MBA

Mike Allen — known to his grandchildren as “Pop”, has made a substantial impact in the business sector, dedicating over 40 years to the CPA profession. From audit to entrepreneurship, he has excelled in multiple roles. The Arizona Society of CPAs is proud to present Michael T. Allen, CPA, with the Life Member Award in May 2026.

Career Reflections

If Allen could sum up his CPA journey in one word, it would be “fulfilling”.

Reflecting on his professional journey, Allen acknowledged the significant rewards of his career as a CPA. His achievements extended beyond achieving personal and family security. He created a lifestyle aligned with the profession’s fundamental values of trust, transparency and a commitment to problem solving. Through his time as an entrepreneur, Allen had opportunities that otherwise would have been unavailable had he not been a licensed CPA. Opportunities that allowed him to engage with other skilled and driven individuals. His career not only expanded his perspective but also greatly enhanced his quality of life.

Allen’s career in the audit industry gave him comprehensive insights into businesses through financial statement analysis, which he considers the fundamental language of business. Rather than viewing himself as a specialist, Allen identifies as a generalist and business advisor. The knowledge base established during his audit tenure equipped him to explore and excel in diverse sectors and disciplines. Audit taught Allen how to understand a business and use financial statements as a tool to speak the language of business.

Early in his career, Allen served as a tax professional and tax preparer. Allen recalls staying up late on April 14, just before the tax deadline, using only a pencil and eraser to complete tax returns. Allen says this experience provided valuable training. Without automated guidance, he had to understand the entire methodology behind the Internal Revenue Code himself. Although it was an effective way to learn, it certainly wasn’t efficient for conducting business.

From CPA to Firm Owner

Allen earned his CPA license in 1981 and immediately began his business career. He started as an auditor at a regional firm in the Midwest, spent some time “grinding” through various roles and later moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he primarily focused on tax work.

When Allen and his family were in Albuquerque, he partnered with Steve Erickson — a former colleague, to establish the CPA firm Erickson Allen P.C. Driven by a clear ambition to manage his own business, Allen recognized that the CPA license provided this pathway to entrepreneurship early in his career.

“Once you secure your license, you can immediately become your own boss,” he remarked, reflecting on the autonomy and influence it provided. Subsequently, Erickson Allen PC was acquired by REDW LLC Advisors & CPAs. Notably, the “E” in REDW signifies “Erickson” — serving as a tribute to Allen’s legacy in Albuquerque.

As equal partners, Allen quickly adjusted to the demands of business ownership including responsibilities such as payroll administration, client relationship management and transitioning from an employee perspective to that of an owner. Allen recognized that this period was instrumental in understanding the risks and rewards associated with entrepreneurship.

Firm ownership entailed both considerable challenges and meaningful advantages. His attention extended beyond billing hours to the comprehensive oversight of the firm’s operations. It meant prioritizing employee compensation before his own and his firm partner’s, Steve. Allen came to understand that being compensated last reflects significant accountability, while also affording autonomy and fulfillment he continually desired.

Outside of Billable Hours

Allen and his partner Erickson served for several years as adjunct professors at the University of New Mexico. This was both challenging and rewarding as the graduate students were serious about their education and it provided a chance for Allen to encourage and mentor future CPA’s.

Allen found volunteering with the ASCPA and AICPA communities incredibly rewarding.

During his time with the ASCPA, Allen served on practically every committee that the ASCPA had to offer. He moved from role to role until he eventually served as the chair for the ASCPA from 2018-19. He also served as the Arizona representative to the AICPA and served on the AICPA PCPS Executive Committee.

Through his involvement, he was able to positively influence many individuals’ careers and the accounting profession as a whole. Allen urges others working as CPAs to support their community and experience the tremendous rewards associated with these efforts.

Inspiring Future CPAs and Protecting the CPA Profession Mike Allen is dedicated to motivating new and younger CPAs to appreciate the significance of both the profession and obtaining licensure. Allen’s son recently became a CPA with some encouragement.

Allen feels strongly that the demanding nature and distinct position of CPAs as trusted business advisors should not be diluted by the wider financial industry. He worries that CPAs themselves might not fully value what licensure represents. Allen believes the profession struggles with communicating what the unique distinction and value of working with a CPA means. Unfortunately, many of our licensed professionals forget their strength in the marketplace.

Allen offers straightforward advice to future professionals: “don’t undersell yourself. Make sure you’re at the table, because you have much to offer.” While many CPAs identify as introverts and may hesitate to highlight their strengths, it remains crucial for them to step forward and communicate their contributions to the wider community they serve. The time when “I was good at math” was a primary motivation for becoming a CPA has passed. Today, the focus is on applying analytical rigor and quantitative abilities to effectively manage and grow a successful business. Allen’s wish is that all businesses first seek out the advice of a CPA when needing help. From Allen’s perspective “we need to make sure we’re at the table because we have so much to add.”

Beyond the Numbers

Allen’s retirement was a carefully planned milestone. On January 1, 2025, he officially transitioned from his role, confident in his decision. He stays in touch with some REDW LLC team members in a mentorship capacity and as a valued colleague, yet he fully embraces his new phase of life.

Family is at the heart of everything for Allen. He and his wife have made a commitment that their kids needs would always come first, whether that means driving their grandchild somewhere or simply showing up for loved ones. Allen and his wife plan to travel during retirement and recently celebrated his wife’s birthday with an unforgettable European cruise through Italy, France and Spain. It was a special journey since international travel was a rare treat during his working life.

Allen also places high value on staying healthy and active. He’ll continue to go to the gym as he enjoys playing pickleball, hiking and golfing. He just picked up surfing as a hobby and enjoys relaxing at a spot in California where his youngest son and family live, which serves as his personal oasis.

Allen will also continue to learn the drums. As he explains, “Music keeps my mind engaged; it’s almost like picking up a new language.” In the future, he plans to try his hand at writing a book focused on unlocking the hidden value in a business.

After dedicating over forty years to his profession, Allen acknowledges his unwavering commitment and drive. Though he no longer provides professional services, he maintains great respect for the credibility associated with his CPA license. Whenever meeting new people, Allen is quick to mention his CPA credential which continues to open doors and provide instant credibility.

Looking forward, whether guiding future CPAs, helping businesses think in more sophisticated ways or simply spending time with family, Allen views this chapter as an opportunity to reflect, give back and inspire.

Congratulations to Mike Allen in winning the 2026 Life Member Award. Allen was honored at the ASCPA Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on May 7.
 

Andrea Beth Levy, CPA, CFE, CGMA, MBA, is the head of finance & operations with the Greater Phoenix Chamber. Levy currently serves on the ASCPA’s editorial committee and is an audit committee member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Phoenix Chapter. You can connect with her at linkedin.com/in/andrealevyfinance.