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

 

May-June 2025

Flipbook

In This Issue

  • TXCPA’s 2024-2025 Year in Review

    TXCPA addressed key challenges in the accounting profession through strategic initiatives focused on the CPA talent shortage, advocating for licensure flexibility, expanding student outreach, and enhancing member services. Key achievements included support for legislation introducing additional CPA pathways, strong participation in advocacy efforts and impressive engagement in CPE programs.
    View Article

  • CPE: The Significance of Codes of Conduct in Professional Organizations - Standards for Ethical Practice

    This article examines the ethical codes of four major professional organizations - AICPA, ACFE, CFA Institute, and IIA - highlighting their shared values of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and competence. While all emphasize ethical behavior and professional standards, each code is tailored to the unique responsibilities of its field.
    View Article
    CPE Creditable

  • Spotlight on the Accounting Profession: Jessica Rodriguez Reyes

    Jessica Rodriguez Reyes, an outstanding undergraduate in the BS/MS accounting program at the University of North Texas, shares her journey as a first-generation college student. With internship experiences in small and large firms, Jessica emphasizes the value of hands-on learning and her dedication to mentoring other students is making a noticeable impact.
    View Article

  • Special Report: The Digital Transformation of Accounting

    Digital transformation is reshaping accounting, making technology adoption essential for firms to stay competitive. Automation streamlines reporting, while document management systems improve organization and compliance. Embracing innovation allows firms to boost efficiency, deliver deeper client value and lead in a rapidly evolving profession.
    View Article

  • What’s Happening Around Texas - May-June 2025

    Members in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio participated in community service activities and professional networking events. Fort Worth hosted a successful masquerade ball to fund scholarships, while TXCPA South Plains introduced its new board. Southeast Texas engaged students at a career expo, Victoria hosted a student-CPA coffee meet-up, and Wichita Falls organized an educational event at Midwestern State University.
    View Article

  • 89th Legislative Session Review: A Productive Session for TXCPA

    The 89th session of the Texas Legislature began on January 14, 2025. TXCPA has been hard at work advocating its legislative agenda and has had a very productive session. Texas is one of the state leaders in addressing CPA pipeline issues.
    View Article

  • How Accountants Can Embrace an Entrepreneurial Spirit

    The use of AI-driven technologies has resulted in numerous tools that threaten the existence of many professionals. Accountants are not immune to the threat since many of their tasks can be automated. To stay relevant, accountants can upskill or start their own business. Despite low risk tolerance, their financial expertise makes them strong entrepreneurial candidates.
    View Article

  • A Year of Progress and Impact

    As the 2024–2025 membership year ends, we reflect on a year of progress driven by the dedication of leadership, volunteers and, most importantly, our members. Together, we advanced initiatives, strengthened our community and expanded our reach. Looking forward, even greater opportunities lie ahead to build on this success.
    View Article

  • Maximizing Audits: Key Elements for Efficient and Successful Financial Assessments

    Audits provide stakeholders with reliable financial insights, but the process can be daunting for companies. To prepare effectively, businesses should focus on strong internal controls, accurate transaction records and clear, compliant financial statements. Internal controls help prevent fraud and ensure accurate reporting, while well-organized documentation streamlines auditor reviews.
    View Article

  • Key Considerations for Financial Statement Auditors Before Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Their Audits

    There is a growing role for generative AI tools to be used in financial statement audits. The tools offer numerous advantages, including enhanced data analysis, continuous learning, predictive insights, audit automation, and cost savings. However, challenges remain, such as data privacy risks, bias in training data and the inability to verify source data. Learn more in this article.
    View Article

  • Accounting Firms Continue to Innovate in Response to Rapidly Changing Market Conditions

    There is a growing trend of private equity investments in CPA firms amid declining CPA Exam participation, talent shortages and rising reliance on AI. While offering growth opportunities, the deals raise concerns about maintaining professional independence in a profit-driven model.
    View Article

  • Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: Renew Your TXCPA Membership Today; TXCPA Passport is On-Demand CPE at Your Fingertips; Tips to Reduce Digital Overload; Get Published in Today’s CPA Magazine
    View Article

  • Classifieds

    The classified ad section features listings for practice owners looking to sell, professionals seeking firms to purchase and a variety of specialized services. Whether you're looking to expand, sell or explore niche opportunities, these classified ads can connect you to valuable business 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