January 15, 2025

What’s Happening Around Texas - January-February 2025

November Service Month and Career Awareness Month Highlighted Members Making a Difference

TXCPA's Accounting Opportunities Month, held in conjunction with our annual Month of Service, put a spotlight on the incredible commitment of our members to making a meaningful impact in their communities. From charitable efforts to educational outreach and career awareness initiatives, the activities demonstrated the collective generosity of our members.

During Accounting Opportunities Month, 59 dedicated volunteers reached at least 1,911 students across 32 school events, exceeding our goal of reaching 1,800 students. Meanwhile, Month of Service supported local causes and contributed to charitable organizations throughout Texas. We thank all the TXCPA members who participated. Here are some of the inspiring ways members and chapters contributed in November.

TXCPA Corpus Christi hosted a Meet the CPAs event at the Texas State Aquarium. The chapter also organized its annual Counting on Santa Toy Drive, collecting gifts and monetary donations in partnership with Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi. Donations supported the Ministry and Life Enrichment for Persons with Special Abilities Program, with gifts distributed at the "Heart of Christmas" event in December.

TXCPA El Paso introduced high school students at Jefferson Silva Magnet School to the accounting profession and its vast amount of career opportunities through an engaging presentation. Volunteers also hosted a free Professional Development Workshop, offering valuable tips on resume writing, successful interviewing, crafting an elevator speech, and maintaining professional attire and presentation.

Members of TXCPA Panhandle dedicated their time to serving Fill With Hope, a local organization focused on supporting students in need. Volunteers packed Hope-Totes, which were filled with nutritious weekend meals. This effort highlighted the chapter’s efforts to address food insecurity and make a positive difference in the lives of children in their community.

TXCPA Rio Grande Valley members demonstrated their commitment to making a difference by volunteering at the Palm Valley Animal Society. Their efforts supported the organization’s mission of providing care and shelter for animals in need. Their service not only directly benefited the animals, but also supported the broader efforts of the shelter to provide a nurturing environment and promote animal welfare.

Members of TXCPA South Plains came together to support Food2Kids, a program dedicated to addressing child hunger. The chapter contributed an impressive $375 and provided 384 Pop-Tarts to help feed children on the South Plains. By supporting Food2Kids, the members demonstrated their commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children living in their region.

TXCPA Southeast Texas partnered with Edgar, Kiker & Cross, PC to host a blood drive at their office, supporting the community’s vital need for blood donations. Members also volunteered with School Tools, a local program operated by the food bank. This program provides a free store where approved teachers can shop for essential supplies to support students whose families are unable to afford them. Volunteers played an active role by assisting teachers in finding the materials they needed, tracking inventory and restocking shelves.

 

Thanks to the Sponsors of Today's CPA Magazine

This content was made possible by the sponsors of this issue of Today's CPA Magazine:

Accounting Biz Brokers

Accounting Practice Sales

Capstan

CPA Charge

efile4Biz

Goodman Financial

Poe Group Advisors

 

 


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    This issue of Today’s CPA reflects on TXCPA’s achievements during the 2025–2026 membership year while looking ahead to the future. It highlights advocacy successes, profession updates, expanded education offerings, technology investments, and strong member and volunteer engagement. As the year closes, members are encouraged to stay engaged and help shape what’s next.
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    Auditor independence is essential to maintaining trust in the accounting profession, requiring both objectivity and the appearance of impartiality. Common threats - such as self-interest, self-review and familiarity - continue to lead to violations. Strong firm policies, ongoing training and effective use of technology are key to preventing these issues.
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    What’s Happening Around Texas - May-June 2026

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CHAIR
Mohan Kuruvilla, Ph.D., CPA

PRESIDENT/CEO
Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, CCE, IOM

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Melinda Bentley, CAE

EDITORIAL BOARD CHAIR
Jennifer Johnson, CPA

MANAGER, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Peggy Foley
pfoley@tx.cpa

MANAGING EDITOR
DeLynn Deakins
ddeakins@tx.cpa

COLUMN EDITOR
Don Carpenter, MSAcc/CPA

DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Wayne Hardin, CDMP, PCM®

CLASSIFIEDS
DeLynn Deakins

Texas Society of CPAs
14131 Midway Rd., Suite 850
Addison, TX 75001
972-687-8550
ddeakins@tx.cpa

 

Editorial Board
Derrick Bonyuet-Lee, CPA-Austin;
Aaron Borden, CPA-Dallas;
Don Carpenter, CPA-Central Texas;
Rhonda Fronk, CPA-Houston;
Aaron Harris, CPA-Dallas;
Baria Jaroudi, CPA-Houston;
Elle Kathryn Johnson, CPA-Houston;
Jennifer Johnson, CPA-Dallas;
Lucas LaChance, CPA-Dallas, CIA;
Nicholas Larson, CPA-Fort Worth;
Anne-Marie Lelkes, CPA-Corpus Christi;
Bryan Morgan, Jr, CPA-Austin;
Stephanie Morgan, CPA-East Texas;
Kamala Raghavan, CPA-Houston;
Amber Louise Rourke, CPA-Brazos Valley;
Shilpa Boggram Sathyamurthy, CPA-Houston, CA
Nikki Lee Shoemaker, CPA-East Texas, CGMA;
Natasha Winn, CPA-Houston.

CONTRIBUTORS
Melinda Bentley; Kenneth Besserman; Kristie Estrada; Holly McCauley; Craig Nauta; Kari Owen; John Ross; Lani Shepherd; April Twaddle; Patty Wyatt