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


  • Meet TXCPA’s 2025-2026 Chair Billy Kelley

    Billy Kelley, CPA and managing partner at Dutton, Harris & Co, is the 2025-2026 Chair of TXCPA. With a background in public accounting, industry and entrepreneurship, he is passionate about leadership, mentorship and strengthening the CPA pipeline.
    View Article
  • CPE: What to Know About Profits Interest

    Profits interest is a form of partnership ownership that offers recipients a share of future profits without a capital contribution. While offering strategic advantages, profits-interest contracts involve complex tax and accounting considerations and remain subject to potential regulatory changes.
    View Article
    CPE Creditable
  • What’s Happening Around Texas - July-August 2025

    Members in Austin held a happy hour to wrap up tax season and Houston members volunteered at the Botanic Gardens. Permian Basin members teamed up with UTPB students for a city cleanup. Southeast Texas gathered for a Spring Meeting and Victoria enjoyed a festive Member Appreciation Event.
    View Article
  • 2025-2026 TXCPA Chapter Officers

    Introducing TXCPA’s 2025-2026 chapter leaders – a dynamic group of professionals ready to elevate the accounting profession. With passion, purpose and a bold vision, they’ll guide our chapters forward and help shape the future of TXCPA across the state.
    View Article
  • Optimizing Auditor Precision: Addressing Biases in Large Language Model Technologies

    Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming accounting and auditing by improving efficiency, uncovering financial trends and analyzing unstructured data, but using them also introduces risks, especially biases from training data and algorithms. Professionals are encouraged to stay educated on AI trends to use LLMs effectively.
    View Article
  • Meet the Chair

    In his first message as TXCPA Chair, Billy Kelley discusses his passion for TXCPA and goals for the year. He also reflects on the recent Annual Meeting in Galveston and encourages member engagement.
    View Article
  • TXCPA’s Successes and Key Issues from the 89th Texas Legislative Session

    TXCPA had a highly successful 89th Legislative Session, securing two major wins. Senate Bill 262 creates an additional pathway to CPA licensure and Senate Bill 522 modernizes CPA practice mobility. These achievements strengthen the CPA pipeline and protect the public.
    View Article
  • How ESG Can Create Value for Your Business

    The SEC has introduced climate-related disclosure rules to improve transparency for investors, sparking both support and criticism. This article highlights how businesses can view Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) not just as a compliance issue but as a value-creating strategy.
    View Article
  • Increasing Your Marketing Prowess: How CPAs Can Market with Confidence

    This article discusses common misconceptions that CPAs have about marketing and how even the most successful innovators have marketed their ideas effectively. It offers practical tips for CPAs to market themselves authentically by focusing on excellent client service, continuously improving their skills and committing to execution.
    View Article
  • Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: Accounting Opportunities Month; TXCPA Leadership Nominations; Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN); CGMA® Designation for Management Accountants; TXCPA’s 2025 CPE Programs; Accounting Excellence Awards Presented
    View Article
  • Classifieds

    The classified ad section features listings for practice sales, firm buyers and specialized services. Whether you're expanding, selling or exploring niche opportunities, these ads connect you to valuable 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