Michael Abrahams, 35

By Martha Byrnes

Mike Abrahams still likes to go duck hunting along the Illinois River near his native Spring Valley in Bureau County, when his active accounting practice permits. Five generations of his family have passed on an appreciation for the environment and conservation. He currently is involved with several organizations that promote wetlands conservation in Northern Illinois, and he volunteers for Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl.

Abrahams brought this background, plus his bachelor’s in accounting and MBA from Eastern Illinois University, to the Rockford office of Farrell and Associates CPAs, LLC, where he is a partner. There he has developed internal audit processes and procedures that have garnered high reviews from the firm’s peers, like implementing a totally electronic/paperless auditing environment.

Abrahams currently is working with civic leaders and business owners such as Eric Anderberg of Dial Machine and Linda McGary of Rockford Ball Screw, to keep manufacturing in the Rock River Valley. He is involved in EIGERlab, Next Rockford and Rockford Tooling and Machining Association. His practice includes consulting to closely-held businesses accounting services, merger and acquisition work, and internal control reviews.

“We need to keep jobs here,” Abrahams said. “We need to keep manufacturing here.” He has worked with Congressman Manzullo’s office to promote national tax incentives and benefits for companies who export products, not jobs.

A Byron resident, Abrahams said the parks and cultural offerings of the region also help attract and keep businesses in the area. He currently serves as treasurer for the Rockford Art Museum and is past president of Rockford Area Crime Stoppers. Abrahams also finds time to coach his two daughters in recreational baseball. With his wife, Jennifer, a nurse, most of the summer the family enjoys weekend camping in their RV within the tri-state region.

Farrell partner Jennifer Wood said, “Mike is the next generation leader of our organization. He … is integral in both developing and executing our five and 10-year plans for growth, expansion and generation transition.”