To introduce and equip emerging leaders with meaningful mentoring, networking, and leadership opportunities both within the profession and the community through a professional development program designed to build and strengthen essential leadership skills.
Since its launch in 2013, the Houston CPA Society’s Accelerate program has helped emerging leaders strengthen the skills that drive professional success and meaningful community impact. Designed as a four-week leadership development experience, Accelerate fosters both personal growth and professional connection.
The 2025 program centers on executive leadership competencies, with a focus on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship building. Participants begin with a personalized Birkman Method assessment to gain insights into their individual work styles and motivations. Through interactive sessions, the program then explores conflict resolution, communication strategies, and practical tools to enhance collaboration and performance.
Accelerate = “Connecting Future Leaders” Professional Development & Networking program
Cost: $650 TXCPA Members; $875 Nonmembers
Membership available: TXCPA Membership
CPE Credit: 13 Hours (three hours per session instruction, plus leadership panel lunch)
Class Size: Limited to 20 current and future leaders of the accounting, legal, and finance professions
Who will benefit:
• Professionals will acquire leadership skills and make lifelong contacts with like-minded future leaders.
• Employers will benefit from the training and insight that participants receive and bring back to their organization.
• TXCPA Houston will benefit by developing future leaders.
Who is eligible:
• TXCPA Houston members, or non-CPA accounting, finance, or legal professionals, working at the senior, manager or equivalent level and having a minimum of two years of experience.
If you or someone in your firm is interested in participating, email Membership Manager Carol Spencer at cspencer@txcpahouston.cpa
Accelerate format:
The one-month program consists of one session each week. In 2025, enjoy an in-person happy hour to connect with Society leadership, fellow session members, and program alumni. Each Thursday morning session (8:30 – 11:30 a.m.) will begin with dedicated networking time before discussions. The program culminates with lunch and roundtable discussion at a local restaurant.
For more detailed information on this program or TXCPA/Houston Chapter membership, contact Membership Manager Carol Spencer (cspencer@txcpahouston.cpa, 832.831.9232).
Deadline: October 20, 2025
2025 Fall Schedule
Program Graduate Feedback
Content was very
relevant; speakers were awesome; helped to expand my knowledge in areas
other than accounting; small group format was perfect; this is a great
program; I enjoyed the group discuss at the end of each session; the
presentations provide leadership knowledge or reinforcement of
previously learned concepts; I believe this is a worthwhile endeavor the
Society has taken on and I am looking forward to seeing it grow and
being a part of it; very insightful – thank you!
Program Alumni Benefits
• Exclusive invitations to alumni-only networking and professional development events
• Priority access to leadership roles and volunteer opportunities within TXCPA Houston and local nonprofits
• Ongoing mentorship and peer support from a community of emerging leaders
• Access to specialized workshops and resources designed to advance leadership and career growth
• Recognition as a program alumnus/a, enhancing your professional credibility and visibility