The California Society of CPAs named Megan Thompson the statewide 2012 Young Emerging Professional of the Year for her volunteer work and student outreach.

Thompson was honored with a plaque and a free year of CalCPA membership at a recent meeting of the 40,000-member organization’s council of leaders.

Firm owner Thompson was one of six nominees, joining finalists Megan Boldizsar of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Irvine; Nicole Bueno of Kern Machinery in Bakersfield; Charles Burak of Glenn, Dawson & Burak in Walnut Creek; Nick Leach of Torosian & Walter LLPin Fresno; and Kelly Wallace of Illumina in San Diego.

"I'm happy to say we had a difficult time selecting the final honoree," said CalCPA chair Johanna Sweaney Salt in a statement. "All the candidates demonstrated excellent leadership skills and commitment to organizing activities that will help students and fellow young professionals become successful."

Thompson has organized mixers and speed mentoring programs for young professionals, in addition to recruiting student and CPA candidate members for her chapter, where she serves on the board and as forensics committee chair.

"Her leadership is well recognized, evidenced by the fact that she quickly elevates to managing, planning or running any event she becomes involved with,” said Philip Hume, Silicon Valley San Jose Chapter president who nominated Thompson for the award.

Megan Thompson (left) accepts the YEP Award from CalCPA chair Johanna Sweaney Salt

In addition to her CPA credential, Thompson is a qualified expert witness, certified valuation analyst, certified in financial forensics by the American Institute of CPAs and an associate member of the State Bar of California.