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

The accounting profession is navigating a period of unprecedented change – from talent shortages to rapid technological transformation. Meeting this moment requires leadership, adaptability and connection.

Across Texas, TXCPA is doing just that: advancing solutions to pipeline challenges, evolving how members are supported and strengthening advocacy to protect the CPA license. Behind every initiative are dedicated volunteers and leaders committed to ensuring the profession remains strong, relevant and trusted.

The Future Starts With People

Securing the future of the profession begins with people. In support of Strategic Plan Goal 1 – attracting, retaining and sustaining talent – TXCPA expanded student outreach to a goal of 16,000 this year, building on last year’s reach of 14,000 students.

Connecting with students early is critical to the profession’s future. By showcasing the wide range of accounting career paths, TXCPA helps break down misconceptions, ignite interest before decisions are made and build a stronger, more sustainable CPA pipeline.

Through Accounting Opportunities Months in November and April, CPA volunteers bring the profession to life – visiting classrooms and communities to lead career talks, financial literacy sessions and mentoring conversations. These efforts showcase accounting as a dynamic, impactful field with diverse career paths, while building meaningful connections between students, schools and local communities.

Accounting Opportunities Month continues to be a cornerstone of this effort. During the November 2025 campaign alone, 68 volunteers participated, 3,053 students were reached, and 51 events were held across Texas.

This year, TXCPA launched the Champions Program, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen and scale student outreach. The program equips members with presenter training on research-backed messaging, as well as practical tools. Through a one-hour interactive training session, Champions gain the confidence and resources to connect authentically with students, support outreach efforts and strengthen the talent pipeline.

The TXCPA Mentor Match Program was also launched this year for TXCPA candidate and student members. Built around flexibility and learning, the program connects mentors and mentees based on goals and availability. Mentees gain insight into the CPA Exam and early career decisions, and mentors have an effective, meaningful way to give back.

Another key resource is the Candidate Community on TXCPA Exchange, an online platform that brings students, CPA candidates and licensed CPAs together. This space allows members to ask questions, share experiences, exchange advice, and encourage one another throughout the journey to licensure.

Finally, the Faculty and Student Ambassador Program continues to strengthen connections on college campuses across Texas. During the 2025-2026 academic year, 31 students and 72 faculty have represented TXCPA across Texas campuses. These ambassadors play a critical role in expanding TXCPA’s reach and inspiring future CPAs.

TXCPA Talent and Workforce Development Resources. TXCPA has resources to support every stage of the accounting journey – from curious students and CPA candidates to educators and employers. Whether you’re discovering the profession, shaping future accountants or building your team, TXCPA brings together the resources, connections and opportunities that drive lasting impact. Click here for our resources.

Evolving to Serve a Changing Member

As the profession evolves, so do the expectations of today’s accounting and finance professionals. Strategic Plan Goal 2 reflects TXCPA’s commitment to modernizing member value – expanding resources, strengthening partnerships and creating flexible pathways that support long-term professional success.

In alignment with this goal, the Leadership Council formally approved dues associated with a new three-tiered CPA membership offering structure during the Annual Meeting of Members and Leadership Council Meeting. This approval allows for implementation of the new membership model beginning with the 2026–2027 membership year.

The new tiered model was designed to support members by enhancing member value, providing greater flexibility and choice, and modernizing the dues structure to align with member needs.

TXCPA is strengthening its long-term financial sustainability by expanding non-dues revenue opportunities. This includes exploring strategic partnerships and revenue-sharing opportunities, along with ongoing work with a business development partner to grow sponsorships.

Driving Professional Growth With Education and Collaboration

In December and January, AcctoFi delivered 18 Federal Tax Update sessions throughout the state, equipping 1,100+ attendees with the latest tax insights.

TXCPA members enjoyed over 20 hours of free CPE, covering essential topics like Texas taxes, ethics and industry trends. As of March 30, 2026, more than 9,000 total registrations had been recorded for these free programs in the membership year.

AcctoFi also launched the Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory Certificate, a first-of-its-kind, cohort-based program. The program equips CPAs and other professionals with end-to-end M&A advisory skills, helping them expand into transaction advisory and deal-focused consulting through practical, real-world training.

The busy spring and summer conference season is upon us. Our conference and cluster lineup promises not only top-tier education from dynamic presenters, but also an opportunity to come together with peers for shared learning and networking.

Strengthening the Organization Through Integration, Technology and Culture

Integration

Under Strategic Plan Goal 3, TXCPA is modernizing how we deliver value through a multi-year strategy focused on strengthening chapter operations and increasing collaboration across all 20 chapters for more consistent, efficient support statewide.

A chapter integration pilot with TXCPA Corpus Christi tested ways to streamline operations, align resources and improve consistency. Insights from this pilot will guide future efforts.

For members, this work translates into meaningful improvements:

• More efficient use of resources
• More efficient use of resources
• More consistent programs and events across chapters, while keeping each chapter’s distinct personality and brand

By centralizing administrative work, TXCPA and our volunteers can focus more time and resources on engagement, education, mentorship and career development.

As of June 1, the following TXCPA chapters will be integrated:

• Brazos Valley
• Corpus Christi
• Southeast Texas
• Victoria
• Wichita Falls

Technology Investments

TXCPA is modernizing its technology to elevate the member experience and improve how work gets done. Upgrades to core systems and the launch of 22 new websites – including redesigned chapter sites – are creating a faster, more cohesive digital presence.

What’s improving: Streamlined systems and workflows, reduced administrative bottlenecks, faster and more efficient service delivery, and stronger foundation for AI and automation.

TXCPA is also advancing a strategic AI roadmap to enhance capabilities and deliver practical tools for staff, members and the profession. Key AI initiatives include:

• Staff training, AI Ambassador cohort and internal tools
• AI-driven search tools
• A custom AI membership assistant
• Enhanced website content and structure to improve visibility for TXCPA and AcctoFi in search results

Together, these efforts position TXCPA to deliver smarter, more responsive value at scale.

Meeting Members Where They Are With a Smarter, Data-Driven Approach

TXCPA is strengthening marketing reach, visibility and its digital ecosystem under Strategic Plan Goal 4, with a more modern, data-informed approach focused on meeting members where they are. Key progress includes:

• A marketing audit identified opportunities to modernize and align our digital presence
• Website and social updates improved consistency, clarity and accessibility
• A more coordinated multichannel strategy across email, web, publications and social
• Expanded social media focus, including video and new platforms like Reddit
• A new email platform enabling more timely, targeted communications

The impact: a stronger, more cohesive brand experience, increased visibility and engagement, and a scalable, future-ready marketing foundation for continued growth.

Protect the License. Protect the Future.

Protecting the CPA license – the foundation of public trust – remains at the heart of TXCPA’s advocacy work. During the 2025 Texas legislative session, TXCPA achieved two historic victories by securing passage of landmark legislation strengthening CPA licensure and mobility. With Senate Bill 262 and Senate Bill 522, Texas became the first large state, and one of the first nationwide, to modernize CPA licensure pathways and practice mobility.

SB 262 created an additional pathway to CPA licensure that includes:

• A bachelor’s degree with specified accounting and business coursework
• Two years of qualifying experience
• Passage of the CPA Exam

TXCPA worked closely with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy on implementation, resulting in final rules effective October 10, 2025. The rules require:

• 27 upper-level accounting hours
• 21 business hours
• A three-hour ethics course

They also allow flexibility for candidates transitioning between pathways. While the new pathway officially launches August 1, 2026, currently enrolled students may elect to pursue it if it suits their circumstances.

SB 522 modernized the Texas CPA mobility statute to ensure out-of-state CPAs may continue to practice in Texas if they meet their home state’s licensure requirements under either pathway or were licensed by December 31, 2024.

By shifting to an individual-based mobility model, the law protects cross-border practice while enhancing public protection, ensuring only properly licensed individuals practice in Texas.

Standing Firm Against Deregulation

In 2025, TXCPA actively opposed national and state efforts to deregulate licensed professions. These proposals – including consolidation of licensing boards and reduced education or CPE standards – posed serious threats to licensure integrity and mobility. TXCPA successfully blocked hearings on CPA-opposed legislation and removed CPAs from bills that could have weakened practice protections.

Preparing for 2027 and Beyond

Following the 2026 elections, TXCPA is focused on building relationships with members, candidates and officeholders to address emerging issues. TXCPA is also developing its 2027 legislative agenda. The Legislative Advisory Committee will meet later in 2026 to:

• Assess new and emerging issues
• Evaluate potential technical clarifications to pathways or mobility
• Identify additional legislative priorities

Members are encouraged to share ideas and concerns as this work progresses.

Powering Advocacy Through Engagement

These efforts are supported by the TXCPA PAC and the long-standing Key Persons grassroots network. Together, they enable TXCPA to protect the CPA license, advocate effectively at the Capitol and strengthen relationships with decision-makers. Click here to learn more about the TXCPA PAC.

As Texas continues to grow, protecting licensure standards and mobility is essential to public trust and a modern, competitive profession. TXCPA’s impact is driven by strategy, relationships and active member involvement.

Shaping What’s Next for the Accounting Profession

The profession stands at an inflection point – shaped by change, yet grounded in purpose. Through strategic action, strong advocacy and deep member engagement, TXCPA is helping ensure the profession not only adapts, but thrives.

This progress is powered by members, volunteers and leaders across Texas. Their commitment strengthens the profession, protects the CPA license, and positions TXCPA to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Now is the time to be part of what’s next. Join us in San Antonio on June 25-26 for the Annual Meeting of Members and Leadership Council Meeting – an opportunity to connect, contribute and help shape the future of the profession.

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:

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