Nigerian-American accountant, Orume Agbeyegbe-Hays, has been recognized as one of America’s top Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) by Forbes. As the Founder and CEO of Hays CPA in New York, she’s making significant strides in the accounting field. Her inclusion in Forbes’ inaugural “America’s Top 200 CPAs” list highlights her dedication to excellence, innovation, and diversity.
This latest accolade adds to Agbeyegbe-Hays’ previous achievements, including being named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Accounting by the AICPA and CPA Practice Advisor Magazine in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, she was honored as one of the Top 50 Women in Accounting by Ignition in 2023.
Agbeyegbe-Hays’ leadership extends beyond her professional accomplishments. She is currently serving as Chairperson of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Private Companies Practice Section’s Executive Committee, marking her as the first black female CPA to hold this position. She has also held various leadership roles in the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) and serves as Chair of NYSSCPA Relations with the IRS Committee.
In a heartfelt reflection shared on LinkedIn, Agbeyegbe-Hays credits her mother for her success, acknowledging her unwavering support for education despite humble beginnings in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. She emphasizes the importance of mentoring the next generation of accountants and making a meaningful impact in the profession.
Agbeyegbe-Hays’ influence extends to academia, where she serves as an adjunct lecturer at the College of Staten Island (CSI) and a Graduate Advisor in the Accounting Department at Hunter College (CUNY). Her educational journey includes degrees from the University of Benin, Nigeria, CSI, and Northeastern University, Massachusetts.
Being recognized by Forbes is a humbling experience for Agbeyegbe-Hays, who attributes her success to her team, mentors, and fellow professionals. She views this acknowledgment as a validation of her commitment to excellence and service in the accounting community.
