November-December 2024

Flipbook

In this issue:

November 01, 2024

Take Note

Join TXCPA's Key Persons Program and Advocate for the Profession

Are you interested in helping TXCPA grow the CPA pipeline, protect the CPA license, and/or engage in politics and government affairs? If so, the TXCPA Key Persons Program is for you! This program connects members with legislators to promote the CPA profession and support TXCPA’s legislative priorities. Key Persons engage with lawmakers to communicate the importance of the profession and protect the CPA license.

With the 2025 legislative session fast approaching, TXCPA is looking for more members to bolster the program, build relationships with legislators and support our efforts in Austin. No experience is needed – just a willingness to get involved. Contact Kenneth Besserman at kbesserman@tx.cpa or Patty Wyatt at pwyatt@tx.cpa for more information, or submit a volunteer interest form at bit.ly/4dknbOa. We look forward to working with you in the coming year and in Austin during TXCPA’s Advocacy Day in January 2025.

Protect What Matters Most with TXCPA Member Insurance

Safeguard your family, property and career with TXCPA Member Insurance. Our association-endorsed insurance offers value and reliability you can trust.

Why choose the TXCPA Member Insurance Program?

  • Coverage designed for professionals and their families.
  • Exclusive member rates from top-rated carriers.
  • Your participation supports the mission of the Texas Society of CPAs.

Learn more at txcpainsure.org or call us at 800-428-0272.

November is Accounting Opportunities Month and TXCPA Month of Service!

This November, TXCPA is hosting Accounting Opportunities Month in conjunction with our annual Month of Service to raise awareness of accounting career opportunities. Your participation can create a meaningful difference! Consider volunteering for classroom visits or utilizing the hashtag #CPAMonth to share your unique career story, words of wisdom or message of gratitude on social media.

Help extend our reach by sharing this opportunity with educators in your network! They can visit this link to request a classroom or virtual visit during the month of November.  Together, we can inspire the next generation of CPAs!  

November is also TXCPA's annual Month of Service, where members, firms and companies come together to make a difference. From food drives and financial literacy workshops to holiday toy collections with a money-smart twist, there are countless ways to give back. If you’re looking for ways to participate in Month of Service, please contact the membership team by email at membership@tx.cpa or give us a call at 800-428-0272.

Save the Date: TXCPA’s Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council Meeting is January 28-29, 2025

TXCPA’s 2025 Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 28-29, 2025, in Austin. Attendees will hear legislative updates during the Advocacy Day program and are encouraged to visit legislators and legislative staff at the Texas Capitol to discuss critical business issues.

Go to the Leadership Meetings area of TXCPA's website at www.tx.cpa for more details about the meeting.

Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN)

If you’re struggling with addiction, substance abuse or mental health issues, TXCPA Peer Assistance is here to help. Join a weekly support group, send a confidential message and find more resources at tx.cpa/resources/acan.

Call ACAN at 866-766-ACAN or send a text to 214-566-2854. There’s no risk!

Find Career Opportunities and Top Talent with TXCPA's Career Center

Looking to hire or searching for a job in accounting and finance? Visit TXCPA’s Career Center! Employers get deep discounts on job postings and internships are always free. Job seekers can browse listings, apply online and create a free Job Seeker Profile. Start today by logging in with your TXCPA credentials at https://careers.tx.cpa.

 

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 Practice Sales

Capstan

Condley and Company

CPA Charge

Goodman Financial

Poe Group Advisors

Professional Accounting Sales


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