September-October 2024

Flipbook

In this issue:

September 18, 2024

TXCPA Thanks Our Faculty and Student Ambassadors!

Faculty and student ambassadors help us strengthen TXCPA’s presence on Texas campuses and learn more about what we can do to support Texas educators and students as we focus on growing the pipeline of CPAs in Texas. Learn more in the Be An Ambassador section of TXCPA's website. Many thanks to these ambassadors for their support and engagement in 2024-2025!

Faculty Ambassadors

Linda Acevedo, CPA, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Dr. Susan Anders, CPA, CGMA, Midwestern State University

Pamela Ansboury, CPA, M.Ed, San Antonio College

Michelle Avila, CPA, Our Lady of the Lake University

Madhuri Bandla, CPA, CFE, University of North Texas

Helen Bassett, Lone Star College – University Park

Okera Bishop, CPA, Austin Community College – Highland

Tara Blasor, CPA, Texas A&M University

Kelli Blount, CPA, Austin Community College – Northridge

Derrick Bonyuet-Lee, CPA, CGMA, University of Texas at Austin and Huston-Tillitson University

Regina Brown, Dallas County Community College District – Eastfield

Ricardo Colon, JD, LLM, CPA, Lamar University

Ginger DeLatte, CPA, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Tiffany DeLuze, DBA, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Dennis Elam, CPA, Texas A&M University – San Antonio

Mary Beth Goodrich, CPA, University of Texas at Dallas

Dr. Marina Grau, CPA, Houston Community College

Jessica Hazel, CPA, McLennan Community College

Narita Holmes, CPA, University of Texas Permian Basin

LaPortia Hurse, Dallas County Community College District – Brookhaven

Selena Jefferies, CPA, Texas A&M University – Texarkana

Dr. Michael Kraten, CPA, University of Houston

Anne-Marie Lelkes, Ph.D., CPA, CMA, Texas A&M University – Kingsville

Yongli Luo, Houston Christian University

Kristy McDermott, CPA, Austin Community College – Round Rock

Dr. Arpita Shroff, CPA, University of Houston – Downtown

Kathleen Moffitt, CPA, CIA, Texas State University

Celinda Moore, CPA, Texas Tech University,

Dr. Renee Olvera, CPA, Texas Christian University

Julia Frink, Tarrant County College – Connect

Patrick Grewe, Tarrant County College – Northeast

Marsha Peters, Dallas County Community College District – Mountain View

Jacqueline Pierson, CPA, CFF, Lone Star College – CyFair

Dr. Richard Pitre, CPA, Texas Southern University

April Poe, CPA, University of the Incarnate Word

Daniel Puhl, CPA, Sam Houston State University

Dr. Laci Richardson, CPA, Lubbock Christian University

Sarah Robertson, CPA, University of Texas at El Paso

Jawanna Sanderson, CPA, Sul Ross State University

Stacie Smith, Kilgore College

Shanshan Pan, University of Houston – Clear Lake

Larry Stephens, CPA, Austin Community College – South Austin

Stephanie Swaim, CPA, Dallas County Community College District – North Lake

Jay Thibodeaux, II, CPA, Austin Community College – Eastview

Charles Thomas, Jr, CPA, CGMA, Tarleton State University

Linda R. Vaello, CPA, University of Texas at San Antonio

Dr. Robert Walsh, CPA, University of Dallas

Dr. Kimberly Webb, CPA, Texas Wesleyan University

Denise White, Austin Community College – Cypress Creek

Sunita White, CPA, Trinity University

Veronda Willis, CPA, CGMA, University of Texas at Tyler

Patricia Wynn, CPA, CMA, CGMA, CFE, CSCA, University of North Texas at Dallas

Ziyun (Calvin) Yang, University of Houston – Victoria

Jaye Simpson, Tarrant County College Northwest

Student Ambassadors

Abdul Aweda, Texas State University – San Marcos

Erica Acosta, Texas A&M University – San Antonio

Gabriela Benavides, University of Texas at San Antonio

Noel Casino, St. Mary's University

Emilio Castaneda, University of Texas at Austin

Gail O’Banner, University of North Texas at Dallas

Nelson Rose, Trinity University

Vaishnavi Jayaraman, University of Houston

Rosa Son, Houston Christian University

Amanda Perrin, Schreiner University

Ninelle Gutierrez, University of Texas at El Paso

John Varghese, Dallas County Community College District

Lenora Williams, Midwestern State University

Alma Martinez, Del Mar College

Ashley Bynum, Texas Wesleyan University

Ayham Rached, University of Texas at Dallas

Erin McSpadden, University of North Texas

Fei Song, University of Texas at Austin

Iman Raji, Huston-Tillotson University

Javier Solis Jr., Dallas County Community College District – Eastfield

Min Tan, Austin Community College

Nubia Hayes, Prairie View A&M University

Sally Simmons, Lubbock Christian University

Shalisa Smith, Tarrant County Community College

 

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




July-August 2026

In This Issue

  • women in leadership

    Grounded in Faith, Guided by Purpose: The Journey of Angela Ragan

    TXCPA’s incoming Chair Angela Ragan has built a career rooted in faith, service and leadership. Inspired by an early interest in accounting, she now helps clients navigate complex tax, business and estate planning matters. Beyond her professional success, Ragan is deeply involved in TXCPA, community service and church leadership. Her story reflects a lifelong commitment to integrity, compassion and serving others.
    View Article

  • CPE: Cryptocurrency Tax Rules and Challenges Explained

    As cryptocurrency continues to become more integrated into everyday financial activity, tax compliance for digital assets remains a growing focus for practitioners. This article offers practical guidance on cryptocurrency taxation, emphasizing the importance of continuing education, monitoring regulatory developments, and maintaining records to support accurate and compliant tax reporting.
    View Article
    Tax Technology
  • Students

    What’s Happening Around Texas - July-August 2026

    TXCPA chapters across Texas hosted a variety of events. Highlights included the Brazos Valley Annual Meeting featuring career insights and advocacy updates, and outreach connecting accounting professionals with aspiring CPAs. Houston members celebrated VITA volunteers and strengthened community ties. TXCPA Panhandle raised scholarship funds through its first golf tournament, while South Plains members closed the year with a meeting focused on connections and member recognition.
    View Article

  • Texas Sales Tax Audits: Why Recordkeeping Determines Who Wins … and Who Pays Sales Tax

    Texas sales tax audits are becoming more data-driven, making accurate recordkeeping critical to avoiding costly assessments. When businesses lack complete documentation, auditors must estimate liability, often leading to inflated taxes, penalties and interest. Strong internal controls, organized records and experienced audit support are essential to achieving successful audit outcomes.
    View Article
    Texas Sales Tax
  • volunteer advocacy

    Celebrating a New TXCPA Year

    TXCPA's incoming Chair Angela Ragan welcomes the new year, highlighting members’ role in strengthening the profession through mentorship, innovation and engagement. Looking ahead, TXCPA will focus on navigating continued change, supporting members with education and advocacy, and protecting the value of the CPA license.
    View Article

  • What Private Equity and Family Offices Look for in Acquisition Targets

    Private equity firms and family offices prioritize acquisition targets with reliable cash flow, strong leadership and clear growth potential. Key factors include clean financials, a capable management team, and a defensible market position supported by loyal customers or exclusive relationships. Overall, businesses that prepare well in advance and strengthen these areas tend to achieve better outcomes in a sale or recapitalization.
    View Article
    succession planning
  • risk management

    Beyond the 5% Rule: Transforming Audit Materiality with Blockchain and Explainable AI

    Traditional materiality benchmarks like the 5% rule are no longer sufficient given modern risks such as ESG issues, financial volatility and cybersecurity. The Adaptive Materiality Framework allows auditors to reassess materiality dynamically when risk events occur. The framework improves consistency, transparency and audit quality while still relying on professional judgment.
    View Article

  • TXCPA Advocacy – A Preview of 2027

    Following key victories that expanded CPA licensure pathways and modernized practice mobility, TXCPA is preparing for the 2027 legislative session. We are monitoring potential deregulation efforts across the country that could weaken licensing standards and public protection. As we develop the 2027 legislative agenda, member involvement is key to help advocate for policies that support the profession’s long-term strength.
    View Article
    volunteer advocacy
  • Texas Sales Tax

    Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: Leadership Nominations; Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN); TXCPA's Mentor Match Program; Word Game - Texas Sales Tax Audits; Accounting Excellence Award Recipients
    View Article

  • Classifieds

    The Classifieds section of Today's CPA provides a one-stop destination to find practices for sale, connect with buyers, and access services that support growth, transition and market expansion.
    View Article
    succession planning

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