November 05, 2025

Take Note

November is Accounting Opportunities Month and TXCPA Month of Service!

The CPA profession plays a vital role in building strong communities, businesses and economies. By becoming involved in Accounting Opportunities Month, you have the opportunity to inspire students across Texas to consider a rewarding career as a CPA. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an educator committed to student success, your participation can make a meaningful impact.

Why get involved?

  • Empower students to discover their potential
  • Make a lasting impact
  • Connect with the community

Click here to learn more about how you can become in Accounting Opportunities Month.

November is also TXCPA's annual Month of Service, a time when members, firms and companies join forces to create real impact in their communities. From stocking food pantries and leading financial literacy workshops to hosting holiday toy drives with a money-smart spin, there are endless ways to get involved. Click here to learn how you can participate. 


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/.


Mark Your Calendar: TXCPA Midyear Leadership Council Meeting – January 22-23, 2026

Get ready to head to College Station on January 22-23, 2026, for two days packed with insights, advocacy updates and powerful networking. Hear the latest on issues shaping the profession, learn how TXCPA is championing CPAs statewide, and build connections with peers and leaders from across Texas. Don’t miss it! Visit the Leadership Meetings section of our website for details.


You Don’t Have to Face it Alone: Support Through ACAN

Accounting is rewarding - but the stress, deadlines and pressure can take a toll. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. The Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN) connects CPAs, candidates and students with peers who understand.

Why ACAN?

  • Confidential – Protected by Texas law
  • Peer Support – Talk to a fellow CPA
  • Quick Help – Call or text anytime
  • Free – No cost

Services: One-on-one support, referrals, interventions, and Zoom meetings.

  • Austin: Fridays, 12 p.m.
  • Dallas: Mondays, 6:15 p.m.
  • Women’s Group: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 12 p.m.

Contact: 866-766-ACAN | 214-566-2854 | tx.cpa/community/peer-assistance

You don’t have to carry the burden alone - ACAN is here to help.


Discover Your Next Big Opportunity - or Your Next Star Hire - at TXCPA’s Career Center!

Whether you're ready to take the next step in your accounting or finance career, or you're looking to bring top-tier talent into your organization, TXCPA’s Career Center is your go-to destination.

Job Seekers: Explore a wide range of openings, apply with ease and build your free Job Seeker Profile to get noticed by employers across Texas.

Employers: Post jobs at exclusive discounted rates - and internships are always free! Connect with qualified professionals who are ready to make an impact.

Getting started is easy. Just log in with your TXCPA credentials at https://careers.tx.cpa/ and unlock a world of possibilities.


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

CPA Charge

Goodman Financial

Paychex

Poe Group Advisors

TaxDome

 

 

 

  • TXCPA’s 2025 Rising Stars

    TXCPA’s Rising Stars Program honors 16 exceptional CPA members under 40 who are making a significant impact in the profession and their communities. These honorees exemplify leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making a difference.
    View Article
  • CPE: Information Security Plans for Tax Professionals: A Review of Existing Guidance

    This article reviews the essential information security responsibilities of tax professionals and CPA firms amid growing cybersecurity threats. It outlines key IRS and FTC requirements, and offers practical steps for safeguarding taxpayer data, detecting and responding to breaches, and complying with data privacy laws.
    View Article
  • Top 10 Estate Planning Topics in Texas in 2025: A Scholarly Perspective

    This article highlights 10 key issues shaping estate planning in Texas. As a client's needs grow more complex, Texas CPAs play a critical role in guiding them with expertise, foresight and personalized strategies.
    View Article
  • The PCC’s 2025 Priorities: Advising FASB on Private Company Issues

    In 2025, the Private Company Council continued its work advising the Financial Accounting Standards Board on financial reporting issues affecting private companies. PCC Chair Jere Shawver discusses key accomplishments and what's ahead.
    View Article
  • Legislative Wins Reshape CPA Licensure and Mobility in Texas

    TXCPA achieved major legislative wins in the 89th Texas Legislature, including creation of a new CPA licensure pathway and modernizing practice mobility. These victories highlight our leadership in opening new doors for current and future CPAs.
    View Article
  • What’s Happening Around Texas - November-December 2025

    TXCPA chapters across Texas hosted events supporting education, professional growth and community engagement. Highlights include Corpus Christi’s school supply drive, Dallas’s behind-the-scenes Meyerson Symphony Center tour, East Texas’s Leadership Day, and San Antonio’s Beta Alpha Psi Competition and Accounting Educators Mixer.
    View Article
  • IAASB Approves New Standard on Sustainability Assurance

    The IAASB approved ISSA 5000, the first comprehensive global standard for sustainability assurance, effective for periods beginning December 15, 2026. The principles-based standard applies to all ESG topics, introduces the concept of double materiality, and allows for limited or reasonable assurance engagements.
    View Article
  • Our Rising Stars Shine Brightly

    TXCPA Chair Billy Kelley highlights the November/December issue of Today’s CPA, where we celebrate TXCPA’s Rising Stars - emerging leaders shaping the profession’s future. He also discusses the articles on estate planning, sustainability standards, information security, and TXCPA advocacy, plus chapter updates as members close out the year.
    View Article
  • Automation and AI and its Impact on the Future of Accounting

    Automation and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing accounting by streamlining tasks, improving accuracy and enhancing decision making. While offering efficiency and strategic benefits, these technologies also raise challenges around ethics, data privacy and workforce skills.
    View Article
  • PCAOB Adopts New Audit Firm and Engagement-Level Metrics Disclosures

    PCAOB's Release No. 2024-002 introduces new firm-level and engagement-level audit metrics to increase transparency and provide more decision-useful information. While broadly supporting the goal, stakeholders raised concerns about high compliance costs, a limited link to audit quality and potential negative impacts on smaller firms.
    View Article
  • Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: November is Accounting Opportunities Month and TXCPA Month of Service; Member Insurance Program Provides Exclusive Benefits; Midyear Leadership Council Meeting is January 22-23; Support Through ACAN; TXCPA’s Career Center
    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