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




  • 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
  • 89th Legislative Session Review: New House Leader, Rule Changes and 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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; Barry Kaplan; Holly McCauley; Shicoyia Morgan; Craig Nauta; Kari Owen; Dipesh Patel, CPA, CGMA; John Ross; Lani Shepherd; Patty Wyatt

 

Your TXCPA membership has not been renewed for 2025 -2026. Renew now.