March-April 2025

Flipbook

In this issue:

2024-2025 Scholarship Recipients

The TXCPA Accounting Education Foundation (AEF) is proud to recognize and support the next generation of accounting professionals by awarding scholarships to a group of outstanding students. These scholarships go beyond just providing financial assistance - they serve as a gateway to a thriving community of experienced professionals who are committed to guiding and empowering students on their journey toward a successful career in accounting.

Through mentorship, networking opportunities and access to invaluable resources, recipients gain more than just funding; they gain a support system that will help shape their future in the profession. Congratulations to these exceptional students for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence!

Named Scholarship Recipients:

Jerry and Rozelyn Love Endowed Scholarship (Kimberly Alvarez)

James A. & Charlotte Ann (Charlie) Smith Scholarship (Alyssa Frankis)

Erik & Felix Lopez Memorial Scholarship (Grant Mahlmann)

Ann Michele King Memorial Scholarship (Mary Raymond)

Robert "Bob" Owen Scholarship Fund (Cayla Ng)

Kym Anderson Scholarship (Trinity Perez Martinez)

Kelly Hunter Scholarship (Amber Molina)

Steve Tillinger Scholarship (Haylee Reyna)

Willie Hornberger Scholarship (Kailey Kessler)

Gene Sumrall Scholarship (Kate Bentley)

C. Jeff Gregg Memorial Scholarship (Sean Macias)

TXCPA Fort Worth Chapter Scholarship (Grant Sheehan)

Scholarship Recipients:

Erica Acosta
Texas A&M University - San Antonio

Sadaf Ahmed
University of Texas at Arlington

Felicia Alvarado
University of the Incarnate Word

Kimberly Alvarez
Angelo State University

Shawn Arthur
Texas State University - San Marcos

Ayaan Asim
University of Texas at Dallas

Abdullahi Aweda
Texas State University - San Marcos

Rayyan Baloch
University of Texas at Dallas

Kate Bentley
Sam Houston State University

Carmen Bernal
University of Houston - Downtown

Brant Bolton
Texas Tech University

Coressa Bosier
Texas State University - San Marcos

Brianna Brown
Texas Lutheran University

Cierra Brown
University of North Texas at Dallas

Jaden Chandler
Lamar University

Reina Cruz Castillo
University of Houston - Downtown

Maxine DePalma
University of Texas at Tyler

Priscilla Eshun
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

Alyssa Frankis
University of Texas at Arlington

Jose Garcia
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

Samantha Garcia
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

Unnati Goel
University of Texas at Tyler

Aye Aye Thet Han
University of Houston - Main

Hailey Hernandez
University of the Incarnate Word

Ethan Hexter
University of North Texas

Natasha Kataw
Texas Christian University

Aaron Kenigsberg
Houston Community College

Kailey Kessler
University of Texas at Austin

My King
San Antonio College

Rachel King
Texas Tech University

Li Li
University of Texas at Dallas

Kevin Longoria
Texas State University - San Marcos

Jean Lozano
San Antonio College

Sean Macias
Trinity University

Grant Mahlmann
Texas A&M University - College Station

Melika Mohammed
Trinity University

Amber Molina
University of Houston – Main

Mohammad Hammaad Mondal
Texas Tech University

Drew Morrison
Angelo State University

Aizhan Mukhametzhanova
Rice University

Cayla Ng
University of North Texas

Trinity Perez Martinez
University of Texas at El Paso

Mary Raymond
Texas A&M University - College Station

Elexus Reid
Houston Community College

Haylee Reyna
Texas A&M University – Kingsville

Michelle Sanchez
University of Houston - Downtown

Sheila Sanchez
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

Brianna Schnell
University of Texas at Tyler

Edward Sengai
San Antonio College

Grant Sheehan
Tarleton State University

Maura Teer
Texas Christian University

Alicia Tijerina
Texas State University - San Marcos

Cruz Untz
Texas State University - San Marcos

Dane Wiest
Texas Tech University

Casey Ybarra
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

Yann Zigman
Trinity 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

Capstan

CPA Charge

Goodman Financial

Poe Group Advisors

 

July-August 2025

Flipbook

In This Issue

  • 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
    CPE Creditable

  • 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