today's cpa

September-October 2024

FEATURED ARTICLE

How Accountants Can Leverage Corporate Culture for Success

High-profile accounting scandals have led to reforms aimed at reducing fraud and corporate misconduct, with regulators emphasizing the need for ethical corporate cultures and strong leadership. Despite its importance, corporate culture is rarely included in accounting and audit standards, leaving CPAs without clear guidance on how to assess or apply it.

CPE: The Tollgates of Inventory and Financial Control

A key challenge for management accountants and manufacturing companies is managing operations and the resulting impact on financial statements. Standard procedures, work instructions and shop floor decisions significantly influence the financial performance of inventory-focused companies. Effective monitoring of five tollgates of inventory movement is essential.

Spotlight on CPAs: Madhuri Bandla, CPA-Dallas, CFE

Madhuri Bandla is a Senior Lecturer of Accounting at the University of North Texas G. Brint Ryan College of Business. She is dedicated to student success, mentoring and volunteering, aiming to positively impact the university, the accounting profession and the local community. Learn more about her career path and her commitment to teaching, learning and facilitating professional development.

Top Cybersecurity Tactics for CPAs in the Digital Age

The article highlights the growing cybersecurity risks facing CPAs and accounting firms as digital transformation reshapes the landscape. As firms adopt advanced technologies like AI and automation to streamline operations, they become prime targets for cybercriminals due to the sensitive data they hold. Ensuring strong security practices is essential for protecting sensitive data.

Every Member Plays a Part

Read about an important update from AICPA’s National Pipeline Advisory Group. The group released a report outlining six strategies to address the accounting talent shortage, including enhancing education, supporting CPA Exam candidates and increasing diversity. TXCPA, now in the third year of our CPA Pipeline Strategy, is aligning our efforts with these national initiatives to boost outreach and workforce development.

TXCPA Annual Meeting - Looking Back and Charting the Path Ahead

TXCPA’s Annual Meeting and Leadership Council Meeting was held on June 28-29, 2024, at the Omni Frisco Hotel, blending networking, learning and fun. Leaders reviewed the accomplishments of 2023-2024 and set priorities for 2024-2025. TXCPA also emphasized community-building through local chapters, service initiatives and diversity efforts. TXCPA aims to continue addressing CPA pipeline issues, growing the membership, enhancing member benefits, and supporting advocacy initiatives.

What’s Happening Around Texas - September-October

Learn about some of the recent events and activities that happened around the state in the TXCPA chapters.

chapter-map-coded-by-size 2023-2024 Outstanding Chapter Awards

Each year, Outstanding Chapter Awards are awarded to the small and medium-sized chapters to inspire their continuing work to elevate member service. For 2023-2024, TXCPA San Angelo and TXCPA South Plains received the awards. Read about their impressive accomplishments.

SEC Adopts Climate-Related Disclosures

The SEC issued final rules in March for climate-related disclosures. Just a month later, the SEC issued a stay even though the rules do not become effective until 2026. With a pending review in the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, the SEC stated that the stay’s purpose is to avoid regulatory uncertainty until the court hears the matter.

Optimizing Consultant Engagement for Business Growth

Managing a growing company involves balancing daily operations with strategic planning, financial management, marketing and compliance. In smaller firms with fluid roles, it can be hard to focus on all functions equally. Consultants can offer valuable expertise and solutions, helping business owners achieve their goals more effectively.

The Importance of the CPA Pipeline

Focus on the CPA pipeline issue has become a key topic in the accounting profession. Various task forces, state societies and legislative bodies are working on addressing the shortage of CPAs, and TXCPA is actively involved in national efforts. TXCPA is also exploring legislative changes in Texas, while ensuring that CPA mobility – allowing CPAs to practice across state lines without additional licensing – is preserved.

TXCPA Thanks Our Faculty and Student Ambassadors!

A big thank you goes to TXCPA's 2024-2025 Faculty and Student Ambassadors! Our ambassadors play a vital role in enhancing TXCPA’s presence on Texas campuses, helping us better understand how to support educators and students. Together, we are working to expand the pipeline of future CPAs in Texas.

Take Note

In this edition of Take Note: Join TXCPA's Key Persons Program; Occupational Wellness - Tips for a Fulfilling Work Life; November is Month of Service and Accounting Opportunities Month; Submit an Article to Today’s CPA Magazine

Classifieds

The classified ad section of Today's CPA offers a dynamic marketplace, featuring listings for practice owners looking to sell, professionals seeking firms to purchase and a variety of specialized services. Whether you're looking to expand, sell or explore niche opportunities, this section connects professionals with valuable business prospects and resources.