Abacus CPAs, LLC is proud to honor Cristian Rath for his esteemed recognition as a 2024 Men of the Year awardee by the Springfield Business Journal.
Cristian joined Abacus in 2015 and is a Senior Advisor in our Tax, Audit, & Accounting Department. He specializes in business tax and business organization, evaluating growth strategies for business owners. Cristian obtained his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2016 from Missouri State University and his CPA license in 2017. Cristian was named an Up-and-Comer Trusted Adviser by the Springfield Business Journal in 2020.
“When I learned I received this honor, I was astonished,” Cristian said. “I personally know many past recipients, knowing what they’ve accomplished in their careers. To be recognized at the same level as them is an incredible honor.”
Cristian attributes his passion for accounting to his wife, Braidi.
“I want to thank my incredible family for being by my side and Abacus for giving me the opportunity,” he said. “Braidi asked me to join her in an accounting class in high school, which introduced me to the career I have today. Without her, I wouldn’t even be in this field and helping the people that I do. Her continued support is nothing short of heroic!”
The SBJ Men of the Year award recognizes businessmen with professional, philanthropic, and civic contributions to the 417 area. The program is in its 14th year.
“I love creating meaningful relationships,” said Cristian. “While my role involves handling taxes, I’m not solely focused on paperwork. I make it a point to understand what’s happening in my clients’ lives on a personal level. It’s about recognizing the individual sitting across from me, beyond the numbers.”
Cristian is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Missouri Society of CPAs and Rotary Club. He has volunteered with Upward Bound and frequently presents at local high schools and colleges. He also serves with the Abacus Community Involvement team. This year, Cristian is launching a nonprofit dedicated to guiding students to break the poverty cycle and become self-sufficient post-high school.
“I aspire to make a significant difference in people’s lives,” said Cristian. “By advancing within the company and engaging in philanthropic endeavors, I want to transform the trajectories of those who have stories like me. I want to be an inspiration to the next generation that nothing is impossible.”
The Men of the Year honorees will be celebrated on April 18 at the White River Conference Center. SBJ is partnering with Abilities First to raise funds for its programs serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
###
Springfield Business Journal’s 2024 Men of the Year event honors 20 businessmen with significant contributions to their organization and community. Read More >>
