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

 

 

  • Meet TXCPA’s 2025-2026 Chair Billy Kelley

    Billy Kelley, CPA and managing partner at Dutton, Harris & Co, is the 2025-2026 Chair of TXCPA. With a background in public accounting, industry and entrepreneurship, he is passionate about leadership, mentorship and strengthening the CPA pipeline.
    View Article
  • CPE: What to Know About Profits Interest

    Profits interest is a form of partnership ownership that offers recipients a share of future profits without a capital contribution. While offering strategic advantages, profits-interest contracts involve complex tax and accounting considerations and remain subject to potential regulatory changes.
    View Article
  • What’s Happening Around Texas - July-August 2025

    Members in Austin held a happy hour to wrap up tax season and Houston members volunteered at the Botanic Gardens. Permian Basin members teamed up with UTPB students for a city cleanup. Southeast Texas gathered for a Spring Meeting and Victoria enjoyed a festive Member Appreciation Event.
    View Article
  • 2025-2026 TXCPA Chapter Officers

    Introducing TXCPA’s 2025-2026 chapter leaders – a dynamic group of professionals ready to elevate the accounting profession. With passion, purpose and a bold vision, they’ll guide our chapters forward and help shape the future of TXCPA across the state.
    View Article
  • Optimizing Auditor Precision: Addressing Biases in Large Language Model Technologies

    Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming accounting and auditing by improving efficiency, uncovering financial trends and analyzing unstructured data, but using them also introduces risks, especially biases from training data and algorithms. Professionals are encouraged to stay educated on AI trends to use LLMs effectively.
    View Article
  • Meet the Chair

    In his first message as TXCPA Chair, Billy Kelley discusses his passion for TXCPA and goals for the year. He also reflects on the recent Annual Meeting in Galveston and encourages member engagement.
    View Article
  • TXCPA’s Successes and Key Issues from the 89th Texas Legislative Session

    TXCPA had a highly successful 89th Legislative Session, securing two major wins. Senate Bill 262 creates an additional pathway to CPA licensure and Senate Bill 522 modernizes CPA practice mobility. These achievements strengthen the CPA pipeline and protect the public.
    View Article
  • How ESG Can Create Value for Your Business

    The SEC has introduced climate-related disclosure rules to improve transparency for investors, sparking both support and criticism. This article highlights how businesses can view Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) not just as a compliance issue but as a value-creating strategy.
    View Article
  • Increasing Your Marketing Prowess: How CPAs Can Market with Confidence

    This article discusses common misconceptions that CPAs have about marketing and how even the most successful innovators have marketed their ideas effectively. It offers practical tips for CPAs to market themselves authentically by focusing on excellent client service, continuously improving their skills and committing to execution.
    View Article
  • Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: Accounting Opportunities Month; TXCPA Leadership Nominations; Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN); CGMA® Designation for Management Accountants; TXCPA’s 2025 CPE Programs; Accounting Excellence Awards Presented
    View Article
  • Classifieds

    The classified ad section features listings for practice sales, firm buyers and specialized services. Whether you're expanding, selling or exploring niche opportunities, these ads connect you to valuable prospects and resources.
    View Article

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