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

 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

 

 

  • women in leadership

    Grounded in Faith, Guided by Purpose: The Journey of Angela Ragan

    TXCPA’s incoming Chair Angela Ragan has built a career rooted in faith, service and leadership. Inspired by an early interest in accounting, she now helps clients navigate complex tax, business and estate planning matters. Beyond her professional success, Ragan is deeply involved in TXCPA, community service and church leadership. Her story reflects a lifelong commitment to integrity, compassion and serving others.
    View Article
  • CPE: Cryptocurrency Tax Rules and Challenges Explained

    As cryptocurrency continues to become more integrated into everyday financial activity, tax compliance for digital assets remains a growing focus for practitioners. This article offers practical guidance on cryptocurrency taxation, emphasizing the importance of continuing education, monitoring regulatory developments, and maintaining records to support accurate and compliant tax reporting.
    View Article
    Tax Technology
  • Students

    What’s Happening Around Texas - July-August 2026

    TXCPA chapters across Texas hosted a variety of events. Highlights included the Brazos Valley Annual Meeting featuring career insights and advocacy updates, and outreach connecting accounting professionals with aspiring CPAs. Houston members celebrated VITA volunteers and strengthened community ties. TXCPA Panhandle raised scholarship funds through its first golf tournament, while South Plains members closed the year with a meeting focused on connections and member recognition.
    View Article
  • Texas Sales Tax Audits: Why Recordkeeping Determines Who Wins … and Who Pays Sales Tax

    Texas sales tax audits are becoming more data-driven, making accurate recordkeeping critical to avoiding costly assessments. When businesses lack complete documentation, auditors must estimate liability, often leading to inflated taxes, penalties and interest. Strong internal controls, organized records and experienced audit support are essential to achieving successful audit outcomes.
    View Article
    Texas Sales Tax
  • volunteer advocacy

    Celebrating a New TXCPA Year

    TXCPA's incoming Chair Angela Ragan welcomes the new year, highlighting members’ role in strengthening the profession through mentorship, innovation and engagement. Looking ahead, TXCPA will focus on navigating continued change, supporting members with education and advocacy, and protecting the value of the CPA license.
    View Article
  • What Private Equity and Family Offices Look for in Acquisition Targets

    Private equity firms and family offices prioritize acquisition targets with reliable cash flow, strong leadership and clear growth potential. Key factors include clean financials, a capable management team, and a defensible market position supported by loyal customers or exclusive relationships. Overall, businesses that prepare well in advance and strengthen these areas tend to achieve better outcomes in a sale or recapitalization.
    View Article
    succession planning
  • risk management

    Beyond the 5% Rule: Transforming Audit Materiality with Blockchain and Explainable AI

    Traditional materiality benchmarks like the 5% rule are no longer sufficient given modern risks such as ESG issues, financial volatility and cybersecurity. The Adaptive Materiality Framework allows auditors to reassess materiality dynamically when risk events occur. The framework improves consistency, transparency and audit quality while still relying on professional judgment.
    View Article
  • TXCPA Advocacy – A Preview of 2027

    Following key victories that expanded CPA licensure pathways and modernized practice mobility, TXCPA is preparing for the 2027 legislative session. We are monitoring potential deregulation efforts across the country that could weaken licensing standards and public protection. As we develop the 2027 legislative agenda, member involvement is key to help advocate for policies that support the profession’s long-term strength.
    View Article
    volunteer advocacy
  • Texas Sales Tax

    Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: Leadership Nominations; Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN); TXCPA's Mentor Match Program; Word Game - Texas Sales Tax Audits; Accounting Excellence Award Recipients
    View Article
  • Classifieds

    The Classifieds section of Today's CPA provides a one-stop destination to find practices for sale, connect with buyers, and access services that support growth, transition and market expansion.
    View Article
    succession planning

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