Take Note

Navigating BOI Reporting: Get the Latest Updates

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is legislation that mandates the reporting of beneficial ownership information (BOI). The CTA has sparked widespread debate and a surge of activity surrounding the BOI reporting deadline.

With the landscape continuing to rapidly evolve, TXCPA is dedicated to keeping members informed about the latest developments and implications of BOI reporting. Stay ahead of the curve – watch your TXCPA member communications and click here to explore the key issues and what they mean for you.


Safeguard What Matters Most with TXCPA Member Insurance

Your family, your home, your career – these are the things that matter most. With the TXCPA Member Insurance Program, you can protect them with confidence. Specifically designed for CPAs, this trusted, association-endorsed insurance offers comprehensive coverage that gives you peace of mind.

Visit txcpainsure.org or call 800-428-0272 today to explore your options and take the first step toward peace of mind.


Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN)

If you're facing challenges related to addiction, substance abuse or mental health, TXCPA Peer Assistance is available to provide support. Access our weekly support groups, send a confidential message and explore additional resources at tx.cpa/resources/acan.


TXCPA’s 2025 Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council Meeting

Austin was buzzing with energy as over 200 passionate leaders from the accounting profession gathered for TXCPA’s highly anticipated 2025 Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council Meeting, held on January 28-29. These two days were packed with powerful conversations, bold ideas and a shared commitment to advancing the profession.

Tuesday kicked off with the Advocacy Day program, offering attendees critical legislative updates and a call to action. Armed with details about recently filed pathways and mobility bills, participants headed to the Texas Capitol to engage directly with legislators and staff. Their mission? To advocate in support of legislation promoting alternative pathways to CPA licensure (SB 262/HB 1757) and bills that enhance and modernize CPA mobility (SB 522/HB 1764). For a deep dive into the topics covered, don’t miss the cover story in this Today’s CPA issue.

The TXCPA Leadership Council Meeting on Wednesday was nothing short of dynamic. Led by TXCPA Chair Mohan Kuruvilla, Ph.D., CPA-Houston, the gathering included strategic discussions and updates on bold new initiatives shaping the future of TXCPA.

Treasurer’s Report. The financial report set the stage with insights from TXCPA Treasurer Christi Mondrik, J.D., CPA-Austin; Accounting Education Foundation Treasurer Lucas LaChance, CPA-Dallas, CIA; Investments Committee Chair Chris Lucas, CPA-Fort Worth, ABV; and TXCPA’s Chief Financial Officer, Jacob Briggs, CPA-Fort Worth.

Membership trends were then discussed. While TXCPA boasts an impressive CPA member retention rate of 85%, the challenge lies in replenishing new CPA members as others transition into retirement. To address this, the Leadership Council voted on a nominal dues increase – a strategic move to maintain financial stability and long-term success.

New Leadership and a Bold Rebrand. There was excitement as the 2025-2026 TXCPA leadership team was introduced. Chair-elect Angela Ragan, CPA-Central Texas, delivered an inspiring message about her journey to leadership and commitment to service.

Gary McIntosh, CPA-Austin, CFF, unveiled a new name and brand for the TXCPA Accounting Education Foundation. Stay tuned this spring as we share the news with members and the public!

Strategic Growth and Structural Evolution. TXCPA’s President and CEO Jodi Ann Ray delivered key updates and timelines related to TXCPA’s Strategic Plan. The Membership Task Force is reviewing an updated membership model study to ensure TXCPA adapts to shifting demographics, enhances recruitment and retention, and provides greater flexibility and value to members.

Additionally, TXCPA’s Organizational Structure Task Force is discussing opportunities to streamline operations, leverage technology and improve localized service delivery.

The initial framework for value proposition messaging was also shared with the Leadership Council. Specialized toolkits for leaders and our chapters will be developed and shared soon to help us focus on communicating our value to members at every stage of their careers.

Looking Ahead. The momentum continues at the Annual Meeting of Members and Leadership Council Meeting on June 26-27, 2025, in Galveston. Don’t miss your chance to be part of these transformative discussions.


Now Hiring? Turn to the TXCPA Career Center

Post your open positions for new and experienced accounting staff on the TXCPA Career Center! Members receive exclusive discounts and internship postings are always free. Highlight your organization’s culture, benefits and growth opportunities to attract top talent. Visit careers.tx.cpa to get started and find your next superstar!


Management Accountants - Stand Out With the CGMA® Designation

The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA®) designation is a globally recognized professional credential for management accountants. It was established through a joint venture between the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

The CGMA designation signifies expertise in management accounting and is highly regarded by employers for leadership, strategic thinking, and financial analysis skills. Key features include:

Global Recognition - It is one of the most recognized management accounting designations globally.

Focus on Strategy and Leadership - It emphasizes strategic financial management and leadership skills.

Ethics and Professionalism - CGMAs adhere to a code of ethics and demonstrate professionalism.

To learn more, visit the CGMA website.


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

 

 


 

  • TXCPA Strategic Plan

    Building What’s Next: TXCPA’s 2025-26 Year in Review

    TXCPA’s 2025–26 Year in Review highlights how the organization is responding to rapid change in the accounting profession through a clear strategic vision focused on people, innovation and advocacy. Key efforts include new programs, enhanced CPE and learning through AcctoFi, and technology and chapter integration initiatives. The year also marked major legislative wins, positioning Texas as a national leader.
    View Article
  • CPE: Option-Based Contracts and Foreign Currency Transactions

    This article covers option-based contracts in foreign currency transactions and their treatment as derivatives under ASC 815. It highlights how options differ from forwards and futures, outlines call and put options and their accounting implications, defines key derivative terminology, and illustrates how FX options can hedge one-sided currency risk while preserving upside potential.
    View Article
    Underlyings
  • volunteer leadership

    Celebrating Progress. Shaping What’s Next.

    This issue of Today’s CPA reflects on TXCPA’s achievements during the 2025–2026 membership year while looking ahead to the future. It highlights advocacy successes, profession updates, expanded education offerings, technology investments, and strong member and volunteer engagement. As the year closes, members are encouraged to stay engaged and help shape what’s next.
    View Article
  • CARB vs. No-CARB – The California Climate Accountability Package

    California’s Climate Accountability Package significantly expands corporate climate disclosure requirements, mandating detailed greenhouse gas emissions reporting and climate‑risk analysis for companies doing business in the state. Ongoing legal challenges remain, but enforcement timelines are intact, placing growing responsibility on companies and CPAs to manage data quality, Scope 3 estimates and audit‑ready disclosures.
    View Article
    Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
  • Pro Bono Services

    Justice for Fraud Victims Project: Bridging the Justice Gap in Financial Fraud

    The Justice for Fraud Victims Project (JFVP) is a national program that delivers free forensic accounting and fraud investigation services to vulnerable individuals, small businesses and nonprofits. With partnerships among universities, anti-fraud professionals and law enforcement, they help uncover financial crimes and educate future forensic accountants. The model is expanding, including a new program at Lubbock Christian University.
    View Article
  • A Refresher on Auditor Independence: Best Practices Every CPA Should Know

    Auditor independence is essential to maintaining trust in the accounting profession, requiring both objectivity and the appearance of impartiality. Common threats - such as self-interest, self-review and familiarity - continue to lead to violations. Strong firm policies, ongoing training and effective use of technology are key to preventing these issues.
    View Article
    Quality Control Systems
  • Tax‑Exempt Securities

    Are Municipal Bond Investors Sitting on a Ticking Tax Bomb?

    Tax‑exempt municipal bonds purchased at deep discounts can quietly trigger ordinary income taxation under the IRS de minimis rule, eroding after‑tax returns and creating surprise tax bills at maturity. By comparing after‑tax “true yield” and proactively swapping discounted bonds for higher‑coupon alternatives, CPAs and financial advisors can help clients defuse a hidden tax bomb and improve portfolio outcomes.
    View Article
  • Risks, Realities and the Evolving Role of CPAs Auditing Emerging Technologies

    Emerging technologies are reshaping auditing by embedding automation, advanced analytics and decentralized systems into core business processes. While these tools improve efficiency and insight, they introduce new risks that challenge traditional audit approaches. CPAs must adapt methods, rely more heavily on professional judgment, and uphold independence and integrity to sustain trust in financial reporting.
    View Article
    Quantum Computing
  • volunteer advocacy

    What’s Happening Around Texas - May-June 2026

    TXCPA chapters across Texas are making an impact through service, networking and professional development. Recent highlights include volunteer and scholarship efforts in Austin, community engagement and member meetups in Dallas, student outreach and advocacy in East Texas, and career-focused events in Houston that strengthen connections within the accounting community.
    View Article
  • Advocacy Update – Elections and the 2027 Legislative Session are Right Around the Corner

    TXCPA is preparing for the 2027 Texas legislative session as the 2026 elections shape the political and policy landscape. Key focuses include monitoring election outcomes, emerging legislative issues and national deregulation efforts that could impact CPA licensure and practice, while encouraging continued member engagement and advocacy.
    View Article
    volunteer leadership
  • Service differentiation

    Why Positioning Matters More Than Ever for CAS Firms

    Client advisory services deliver the most value when firms clearly define who they serve and which problems they solve. Clear positioning enables standardized workflows, repeatable service offerings and more predictable growth.
    View Article
  • Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: Renew Your TXCPA Membership; Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN); 2026 CPE Programs; Word Game - Positioning That Powers Growth
    View Article
    Word Challenge
  • 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

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