March 05, 2026

Take Note

All New: TXCPA’s Mentor Match Program

Big career moments often start with simple conversations – asking a question, sharing an experience or gaining a new perspective. TXCPA’s new Mentor Match program is built to spark those connections.

Designed for student and candidate members (mentees), the program is flexible, relationshipfocused and built to support learning, not job placement. Mentees gain perspective on exams and early career choices, while mentors have a simple, impactful way to give back and learn from the next generation.

Why get involved?

  • Offer perspective at pivotal moments.
  • Support and strengthen the CPA pipeline.
  • Build meaningful, mutually beneficial connections.

Visit Mentor Match in TXCPA Exchange in the Communities section of TXCPA’s website to enroll as a mentor or find your match. One conversation can make all the difference.


TXCPA Member Insurance Program: Smart Protection, Exclusive Benefits

As a TXCPA member, you have access to top-tier insurance plans designed to protect your family, career and peace of mind. With trusted providers and member-only rates, these benefits are tailored to fit your professional lifestyle.

Smart coverage. Exclusive pricing. Real peace of mind. Explore your TXCPA insurance options today and take a confident step toward protecting your future. For more information, go to https://txcpainsure.org/.


Unlock New Opportunities with the CGMA® Designation

Looking to take your career to the next level? The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA®) designation – developed by AICPA and CIMA – is a globally respected credential for management accountants. It signals that you bring more than technical skills to the table.

Why the CGMA® matters:

  • Global credibility recognized by employers worldwide.
  • Strong focus on strategy, performance and decision-making.
  • Emphasis on leadership, ethics and professional standards.
  • Demonstrates you understand both the numbers and the story behind them.

To learn how the CGMA® designation can elevate your career, visit the CGMA website.


ACAN Delivers Confidential Support When You Need It Most

Accounting can be a deeply rewarding profession, but long hours, deadlines and high expectations can take a toll. When work or life feels overwhelming, the Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN) is here to help.

ACAN is a confidential, peer-to-peer support program for CPAs, CPA candidates and accounting students. Program highlights include:

  • Free and protected by Texas law.
  • Available anytime by call or text.
  • One-on-one peer support.
  • Referrals and interventions.
  • Weekly Zoom group meetings.
  • Austin meets Fridays at 12 p.m., Dallas meets Mondays at 6:15 p.m., and the Women’s Group meets on the first and third Tuesdays at 12 p.m.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a confidential, understanding conversation, reach out anytime at 866-766-ACAN or 214-5662854, or visit tx.cpa/community/peer-assistance.


2025-2026 AcctoFi Scholarship Recipients

Click here to see the 2025-2026 scholarship recipients.

 


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 Tax

Goodman Financial

Poe Group Advisors

Professional Accounting Sales

 

 

 

  • 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