July 03, 2025

Take Note

Accounting Opportunities Month: Opening Doors to Accounting Careers, One Student at a Time

During April’s Accounting Opportunities Month, we were close to achieving our goal of reaching 1,800 students! Thanks to the incredible efforts of 200+ members who volunteered at 20 career events – including presentations, career fairs, panels, and other student-focused activities – we engaged with 1,668 students of all ages. These valuable interactions brought us one step closer to our larger goal of reaching 14,000 students in the 2024-2025 year.

Our student outreach continues year-round and we’re always looking for passionate volunteers to share their career journeys. Click here to complete our volunteer interest form and get started.


Your Voice Matters: Submit Your TXCPA Leadership Nominations Today

The nominations process for TXCPA’s 2026-27 leadership is now open! We are currently accepting nominations for the following roles:

  • Chair-elect
  • Treasurer-elect
  • Secretary
  • Board of Directors
  • Leadership Council Members
  • Nominations & Board Development Committee
  • Nominations Council
  • AICPA Council

The deadline for nominations is September 2. For details on the TXCPA leadership nominations process, including links to submit a nomination, click here.


Support When You Need It Most – Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN)

If you’re facing challenges with addiction, substance use or mental health, you’re not alone. TXCPA Peer Assistance is here for you. Learn more at tx.cpa/resources/acan, call ACAN at 866-766-ACAN or text 214-566-2854. By law, all information and communications with ACAN are kept strictly private.


CGMA® Designation for Management Accountants

The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA®) is the premiere designation for management accountants worldwide. This designation is awarded to professionals who exemplify excellence in finance, strategy, operations and management. Visit www.cgma.org to learn more about the benefits and start your journey to becoming a distinguished leader in management accounting.


TXCPA’s 2025 CPE Programs

Make plans now to attend these upcoming conferences!

Summer Education Conference
Gulf Shores, Alabama, July 20-25

Summit 2025

Latest Developments in Tax and Estate Planning
Richardson, August (20) 21-22

San Antonio, August (24) 25-26

Virtual option coming this fall

2025 Annual Update for Governmental Accountants and Auditors Webcast

September 22
October 6

Accounting Education Conference

Austin, September 19-20, 2025

The Texas Society of CPAs is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

2025-2026 Free CPE Webcasts for Members

Click here for more information and to register for the following upcoming free programs.

Texas Taxes: Quarterly Updates
July 17, October 16, January 15

Professional Issues Update
August 6
August 19 (Replay from August 6)
November 5
November 19 (Replay from November 5)
February 11, 2026
February 26, 2026 (Replay from February 11)
May 6, 2026
May 21, 2026 (Replay from May 6)


Celebrating the Future: Accounting Excellence Awards Presented

The Accounting Excellence Award celebrates top accounting students from Texas colleges and universities. Each recipient’s name is engraved on a permanent plaque at their school and they receive a personal award at a local TXCPA chapter meeting. Following are the recipients for 2024-2025:

  • Hannah Abenojar - University of Dallas
  • Felicia Alvarado - University of the Incarnate Word
  • Megan Beach - St. Mary’s University
  • Taylor Castillo - Stephen F. Austin State University
  • Madison Chapman - Angelo State University
  • Madeline Claybrook - Texas A&M University
  • Devin Conne - University of North Texas
  • Muhammad Durvesh - Texas Southern University
  • Adam Elbanna - University of Houston - Main Campus
  • Jax Ferrel - West Texas A&M University
  • Kirstan Garcia - Texas A&M University - San Antonio
  • Patrick Gonzales - Texas Tech University
  • Bianca Guerrero - Lamar University
  • Gabriel Guzman - Texas A&M International University
  • Abenet Hinton - St. Edward’s University
  • Kathryn Johnson - Abilene Christian University
  • Madison Jones - Prairie View A&M University
  • Aaron Keathley - University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • Sam King - University of Texas Permian Basin
  • Dalton Locke - Trinity University
  • Rashmi Manandhar - University of Texas at Arlington
  • Emily Maroul - Texas A&M University - Texarkana
  • Trinity Perez Martinez - University of Texas at El Paso
  • Eli Matteck - Texas State University
  • Erin McCutcheon - Midwestern State University
  • Emily McGrail - Baylor University
  • Ryan McKelvey - University of Texas at Tyler
  • James Mier - University of Houston - Downtown
  • Ken Minoguchi - Texas Wesleyan University
  • Felicia Odom - East Texas A&M University
  • Jocelyn Orta - Hardin-Simmons University
  • Shivani Radhakrishnan - University of Texas at Dallas
  • Joel Reyes Jr. - Texas A&M University - Kingsville
  • Nathan Roy - Texas Lutheran University
  • Jose Santos - Houston Christian University
  • Caitlyn Sauer - McMurry University
  • Brendan Shelley - Southern Methodist University
  • Ruslan Shukurov - University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Brooke Speights - Texas Woman’s University
  • Grace Staten - Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
  • Cian Stevens - University of St. Thomas
  • Keerthi Suresh - University of Houston - Clear Lake
  • Austin Thompson - University of Houston - Victoria
  • Tyler Walden - Sam Houston State University
  • Brandy Watson - Tarleton State University
  • Katherine West - University of Texas at Austin
  • Lacy Zolton - Texas Christian University

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

CPA Charge

Goodman Financial

Mango

Paychex

Poe Group Advisors

SafeSend

TaxDome

 

 

  • TXCPA’s 2025 Rising Stars

    TXCPA’s Rising Stars Program honors 16 exceptional CPA members under 40 who are making a significant impact in the profession and their communities. These honorees exemplify leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making a difference.
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  • CPE: Information Security Plans for Tax Professionals: A Review of Existing Guidance

    This article reviews the essential information security responsibilities of tax professionals and CPA firms amid growing cybersecurity threats. It outlines key IRS and FTC requirements, and offers practical steps for safeguarding taxpayer data, detecting and responding to breaches, and complying with data privacy laws.
    View Article
  • Top 10 Estate Planning Topics in Texas in 2025: A Scholarly Perspective

    This article highlights 10 key issues shaping estate planning in Texas. As a client's needs grow more complex, Texas CPAs play a critical role in guiding them with expertise, foresight and personalized strategies.
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  • The PCC’s 2025 Priorities: Advising FASB on Private Company Issues

    In 2025, the Private Company Council continued its work advising the Financial Accounting Standards Board on financial reporting issues affecting private companies. PCC Chair Jere Shawver discusses key accomplishments and what's ahead.
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  • Legislative Wins Reshape CPA Licensure and Mobility in Texas

    TXCPA achieved major legislative wins in the 89th Texas Legislature, including creation of a new CPA licensure pathway and modernizing practice mobility. These victories highlight our leadership in opening new doors for current and future CPAs.
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  • What’s Happening Around Texas - November-December 2025

    TXCPA chapters across Texas hosted events supporting education, professional growth and community engagement. Highlights include Corpus Christi’s school supply drive, Dallas’s behind-the-scenes Meyerson Symphony Center tour, East Texas’s Leadership Day, and San Antonio’s Beta Alpha Psi Competition and Accounting Educators Mixer.
    View Article
  • IAASB Approves New Standard on Sustainability Assurance

    The IAASB approved ISSA 5000, the first comprehensive global standard for sustainability assurance, effective for periods beginning December 15, 2026. The principles-based standard applies to all ESG topics, introduces the concept of double materiality, and allows for limited or reasonable assurance engagements.
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  • Our Rising Stars Shine Brightly

    TXCPA Chair Billy Kelley highlights the November/December issue of Today’s CPA, where we celebrate TXCPA’s Rising Stars - emerging leaders shaping the profession’s future. He also discusses the articles on estate planning, sustainability standards, information security, and TXCPA advocacy, plus chapter updates as members close out the year.
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  • Automation and AI and its Impact on the Future of Accounting

    Automation and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing accounting by streamlining tasks, improving accuracy and enhancing decision making. While offering efficiency and strategic benefits, these technologies also raise challenges around ethics, data privacy and workforce skills.
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  • PCAOB Adopts New Audit Firm and Engagement-Level Metrics Disclosures

    PCAOB's Release No. 2024-002 introduces new firm-level and engagement-level audit metrics to increase transparency and provide more decision-useful information. While broadly supporting the goal, stakeholders raised concerns about high compliance costs, a limited link to audit quality and potential negative impacts on smaller firms.
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  • Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: November is Accounting Opportunities Month and TXCPA Month of Service; Member Insurance Program Provides Exclusive Benefits; Midyear Leadership Council Meeting is January 22-23; Support Through ACAN; TXCPA’s Career Center
    View Article
  • Classifieds

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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