September 01, 2024

TXCPA Annual Meeting - Looking Back and Charting the Path Ahead

TXCPA members and their guests headed to the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star on June 28-29, 2024, for an unforgettable Annual Meeting of Members and Leadership Council Meeting. The event ofered a dynamic blend of networking, insightful knowledge exchange and a dash of fun-filled activities.

TXCPA Chair Mohan Kuruvilla, Ph.D., CPA, Immediate Past Chair Tim Pike, CPA, CFE, and TXCPA President and CEO Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, kicked off the meeting with a review of the work completed in 2023-2024 and a look at what’s ahead in 2024-2025.

Despite the challenges facing the profession, TXCPA maintained a strong membership base, surpassing 28,000 members. Efforts to connect with potential members have remained a priority and student membership has increased. Efforts to build a strong CPA pipeline have been a major focus, with extensive student outreach programs reaching over 11,500 students with messages about accounting careers and membership.

Advocacy is one of the most important reasons members join TXCPA. We are actively representing CPAs at the state and national levels, particularly in professional standards and tax policy. With the upcoming legislative session in 2025, advocacy efforts will be as crucial as ever.

Community building is another area of focus. TXCPA’s chapters are essential in creating a sense of belonging among members. Initiatives like the Month of Service and Accounting Opportunities Month have highlighted the commitment of CPAs to their local communities, and diversity and inclusion efforts are ongoing to strengthen the community further.

TXCPA is an organization that is dynamic, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to both its members and the CPA profession. Looking ahead, TXCPA is focused on continuing to grow the membership, improving member satisfaction, streamlining the delivery of benefits, and increasing support for our advocacy initiatives.

TXCPA’s 2024-2025 Goals

Membership:

  • Stabilize and grow
  • Leverage member research to improve the experience
  • Identify nonmembers’ needs and perspectives

Community:

  • Resources to empower chapter leaders
  • Streamline for efficiencies

Advocacy:

  • Bolster the TXCPA PAC to support advocacy
  • Engagement in the 2025 legislative session

Leading Through Uncertainty

AICPA’s Immediate Past Chair Okorie Ramsey, CPA, CGMA, PMP, gave the keynote presentation on “Accelerate and Lead Through Uncertainty.” He said the top concerns for finance and accounting teams are:

  • Accelerated digital transformation;
  • GenAI and AI;
  • The need for new competencies and skills;
  • Finding and retaining talent; and
  • Maintaining culture in a hybrid environment.

He also discussed the future of finance, transformation in public accounting, the changing workforce, AI-driven solutions, the path to success for diversity, equity and inclusion initiative, and more. Go to the TXCPA website to see his presentation.

Okorie also joined TXCPA’s Destination CPA podcast as our June guest! Tune in to learn more about his path to the CPA license, his advice for students, the importance of representation, and his reflections on his time as AICPA Chair.

The CPA Pipeline

In 2022, TXCPA launched our CPA Pipeline Strategy. By 2023, TXCPA had successfully influenced a legislative change to the Texas Public Accountancy Act, reducing the required hours to sit for the CPA Exam from 150 to 120. New initiatives are opening new doors, while partnerships with influential groups such as the Center for Audit Quality are amplifying TXCPA’s presence in Texas high schools.

We’ve shared career insights with nearly 24,000 students, hosted two CPA Weeks, organized two Accounting Opportunities Months, and expanded our network of Faculty and Student Ambassadors across Texas campuses. Additionally, we’ve introduced new branded materials with Spanish translations. To read the CPA Pipeline Strategy, visit https://bit.ly/FutureTXCPAs.

TXCPA Strategic Plan

TXCPA Chair-elect Billy Kelley, CPA; Immediate Past Chair Tim Pike, CPA; Past Chair Sheila Enriquez, J.D., CPA; and Past Chair Stephen Parker, CPA, shared the goals and objectives of TXCPA’s new Strategic Plan. The goals include:

  • #1: Secure the future of the accounting profession by attracting and retaining talent.
  • #2: Ensure the continued influence, impact and viability of the organization by expanding resources to grow and serve our market and responding to its evolving needs.
  • #3: Improve the quality and efficiency of the delivery of services and expand opportunities through a streamlined organization structure.
  • #4: Enhance TXCPA’s position in the marketplace with a robust, multichannel marketing strategy to increase visibility, engagement and growth.

Attendees were then invited to break into small groups at their tables to discuss the Strategic Plan goals and share their insights. TXCPA will leverage this valuable feedback to finalize our tactics and drive the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

Business Matters

In other key updates and reports:

  • TXCPA Treasurer Christi Mondrik, CPA; Past Treasurer Angela Ragan, CPA; Investments Committee Chair Chris Lucas, CFA, CPA/ABV; and TXCPA’s former CFO Edie Cogdell, CPA, CGMA, gave the annual financial report;
  • Joe Barnard, CPA, shared information on the TXCPA Insurance Trust;
  • Accounting Education Foundation Chair Gary McIntosh, CPA, provided an AEF update and special awards;
  • Ed Kless from Tipping Point Advisors/VeraSage Institute presented information on business model transformation; and
  • TXCPA PAC Chair Terri Hornberger, CPA, shared important PAC updates.

Coming Up: Don't Miss Advocacy Day and the Next Annual Meeting

Join us for TXCPA’s Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council Meeting on January 28-29, 2025, at the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol. Keep an eye on the weekly Viewpoint e-newsletter for registration details.

Mark your calendars now for our next Annual Meeting of Members and Leadership Council Meeting, set for June 26-27, 2025, at the beautiful Tremont House and Grand Galvez in Galveston. Save the date and get ready to kick off another fantastic year with TXCPA!

Awards, Leadership and Membership Highlights

Outstanding Chapter Awards: Please see the Chapters Column in this issue of Today's CPA to read about the 2023-2024 Outstanding Chapter Awards.

Kenneth W. Hurst Fellow Award: Larry Edgerton, CPA, TXCPA Permian Basin

2024-2025 TXCPA Leadership: Board of Directors and Leadership Council

 

Membership and Student Reach:

  • 28,085 Members
  • 75% CPAs
  • 1,426 New Licensees
  • 5,453 Student Members
  • 11,674 Students Reached
  • 300 EVERFI Reach
  • 802 Destination CPA Podcast Downloads
  • 5,022 Reached During Accounting Opportunities Month

 

2023-24 TXCPA PAC Chapter Awards

Closest to 2023-24 Fundraising Goal:

  • TXCPA Dallas
  • President: Max Duplant
  • PAC Chair: Terri Hornberger

Highest Percentage of Members Contributing:

  • TXCPA South Plains: 9.2%
  • President: William Sanders
  • PAC Chair: Mark Dickson

Special Recognition Award - Chapter with the largest year over year fundraising increase:

  • TXCPA Fort Worth
  • President: Stephanie Shaner
  • PAC Chair: Renee Prince

Highest Percentage of Fundraising Goal:

  • TXCPA Southeast Texas: 181.5%
  • President: Ricardo Colon
  • PAC Chair: Josh LeBlanc

 

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

CPA Charge

Goodman Financial

Poe Group Advisors

 



  • How Accountants Can Leverage Corporate Culture for Success

    High-profile accounting scandals have led to reforms aimed at reducing fraud and corporate misconduct, with regulators emphasizing the need for ethical corporate cultures and strong leadership. Despite its importance, corporate culture is rarely included in accounting and audit standards, leaving CPAs without clear guidance on how to assess or apply it.
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  • CPE: The Tollgates of Inventory and Financial Control

    A key challenge for management accountants and manufacturing companies is managing operations and the resulting impact on financial statements. Standard procedures, work instructions and shop floor decisions significantly influence the financial performance of inventory-focused companies. Effective monitoring of five tollgates of inventory movement is essential.
    View Article
  • Spotlight on CPAs: Madhuri Bandla, CPA-Dallas, CFE

    Madhuri Bandla is a Senior Lecturer of Accounting at the University of North Texas G. Brint Ryan College of Business. She is dedicated to student success, mentoring and volunteering, aiming to positively impact the university, the accounting profession and the local community. Learn more about her career path and her commitment to teaching, learning and facilitating professional development.
    View Article
  • Top Cybersecurity Tactics for CPAs in the Digital Age

    The article highlights the growing cybersecurity risks facing CPAs and accounting firms as digital transformation reshapes the landscape. As firms adopt advanced technologies like AI and automation to streamline operations, they become prime targets for cybercriminals due to the sensitive data they hold. Ensuring strong security practices is essential for protecting sensitive data.
    View Article
  • Every Member Plays a Part

    Read about an important update from AICPA’s National Pipeline Advisory Group. The group released a report outlining six strategies to address the accounting talent shortage, including enhancing education, supporting CPA Exam candidates and increasing diversity. TXCPA, now in the third year of our CPA Pipeline Strategy, is aligning our efforts with these national initiatives to boost outreach and workforce development.
    View Article
  • TXCPA Annual Meeting - Looking Back and Charting the Path Ahead

    TXCPA’s Annual Meeting and Leadership Council Meeting was held on June 28-29, 2024, at the Omni Frisco Hotel, blending networking, learning and fun. Leaders reviewed the accomplishments of 2023-2024 and set priorities for 2024-2025. TXCPA also emphasized community-building through local chapters, service initiatives and diversity efforts. TXCPA aims to continue addressing CPA pipeline issues, growing the membership, enhancing member benefits, and supporting advocacy initiatives.
    View Article
  • What’s Happening Around Texas - September-October

    Learn about some of the recent events and activities that happened around the state in the TXCPA chapters.
    View Article
  • 2023-2024 Outstanding Chapter Awards

    Each year, Outstanding Chapter Awards are awarded to the small and medium-sized chapters to inspire their continuing work to elevate member service. For 2023-2024, TXCPA San Angelo and TXCPA South Plains received the awards. Read about their impressive accomplishments.
    View Article
    chapter-map-coded-by-size
  • SEC Adopts Climate-Related Disclosures

    The SEC issued final rules in March for climate-related disclosures. Just a month later, the SEC issued a stay even though the rules do not become effective until 2026. With a pending review in the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, the SEC stated that the stay’s purpose is to avoid regulatory uncertainty until the court hears the matter.
    View Article
  • Optimizing Consultant Engagement for Business Growth

    Managing a growing company involves balancing daily operations with strategic planning, financial management, marketing and compliance. In smaller firms with fluid roles, it can be hard to focus on all functions equally. Consultants can offer valuable expertise and solutions, helping business owners achieve their goals more effectively.
    View Article
  • The Importance of the CPA Pipeline

    Focus on the CPA pipeline issue has become a key topic in the accounting profession. Various task forces, state societies and legislative bodies are working on addressing the shortage of CPAs, and TXCPA is actively involved in national efforts. TXCPA is also exploring legislative changes in Texas, while ensuring that CPA mobility – allowing CPAs to practice across state lines without additional licensing – is preserved.
    View Article
  • TXCPA Thanks Our Faculty and Student Ambassadors!

    A big thank you goes to TXCPA's 2024-2025 Faculty and Student Ambassadors! Our ambassadors play a vital role in enhancing TXCPA’s presence on Texas campuses, helping us better understand how to support educators and students. Together, we are working to expand the pipeline of future CPAs in Texas.
    View Article
  • Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: Join TXCPA's Key Persons Program; Occupational Wellness - Tips for a Fulfilling Work Life; November is Month of Service and Accounting Opportunities Month; Submit an Article to Today’s CPA Magazine
    View Article
  • Classifieds

    The classified ad section of Today's CPA offers a dynamic marketplace, featuring 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, this section connects professionals with 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
Shivam Arora, CPA-Dallas;
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;
Nikki Lee Shoemaker, CPA-East Texas, CGMA;
Natasha Winn, CPA-Houston.

CONTRIBUTORS
Melinda Bentley; Kenneth Besserman; Holly McCauley; Shicoyia Morgan; Craig Nauta; Kari Owen; John Ross; Lani Shepherd; April Twaddle; Patty Wyatt

 

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