Accounting Pro, Your TXCPA Houston Weekly News Brief--10/24/24

October 24, 2024

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Spotlight Feature

CPAs Helping Schools

Grant Program to Fund PreK-12 Educational Programs

Tuesday, Nov. 9 | 4:30 p.m. | Virtual Meeting

Volunteers on the CPAs Helping Schools Committee (CHS) will meet on Nov. 9 to review grant applications and recommend funding. The recommendations go to the Board of Directors at their December meeting for final approval. Any member is welcome to join this meeting.

Since 2002 CHS has provided over $712,000 to schools in the Houston Chapter’s thirteen-county membership area. Volunteers meet twice a year and grant checks are awarded a few weeks after Board approval. Volunteers have an opportunity to deliver the check directly to the school to learn more about local education.

You, as a member, provide funding through your generous support of CHS sponsored fundraising activities. Members may donate anytime with a TXCPA log-in.

Last year, CPAs Helping Schools provided $27,405 for new or ongoing educational programs at 15 local schools. More than 4,200 students are affected by this funding. Only $6.52 per student for a year or more of program-specific learning!

· The Rise School of Houston – STEAM for Special Students

· Dickinson High School (Dickinson ISD) – Frosty Freeze for student entrepreneurship

· Head Start – SuperMentors Reading Program provided books for five local programs

· Memorial Elementary (Houston ISD) - Edison Robotics STEM lab

· Silverlake Elementary (Pearland ISD) – Diving into Math; Science Labs Hands-on Learning

· Woodland Hills Elementary (Humble ISD) – Rise & Shine Bins

· Shirley Dill Brothers Elementary (Alvin ISD) – Math Whiz Kit

· Sweeny High School (Sweeny ISD) – Bulldog Book Club

· Spring ISD – A Place Called America Books

· Spring Branch ISD – Dictionary Program for 3^rd Grade Students

The Rise School of Houston

“The robots that your organization gave us the funds to buy have just been incredible for the kids. I wanted all to see the looks on their faces. They were so excited as they learned to “code” the robots!”

Dickinson High School

The three-day Frosty Fruit debut sales of $414 provided the students with full business and accounting experience plus a profit of $344!

Silverlake Elementary School

TXCPA HOUSTON President Kat Rodriguez delivers the check for two programs: Science Labs with Hands-on Learning and Diving into Math. Victoria Santucci and Briana White happily accepted the check!

New

2024 Dictionary Project

Laura Mardis, CPA, CPAs Helping Schools Committee Chair

As I walked into Hollibrook Elementary on September 20 at 9:30 am, I felt the buzz of energy from the students that I passed as I journeyed from the front office to the cafeteria to spend half an hour of my day with third grade students who would shortly be receiving their very own copy of a dictionary.

Every year TXCPA Houston’s CPA’s Helping Schools Committee donates dictionaries to elementary schools in the Spring Branch ISD so every third grade student can experience the joy of owning their very own book. What makes these dictionaries so special is that they not only provide the definitions of thousands of words that will boost the vocabulary of these students for years to come, but they also include sections that teach students the sign language alphabet, interesting facts about the planets, and the periodic table of elements.

The students were incredibly patient and well-behaved as we passed out the dictionaries and prepared them for a competition of speed and thought. The first word they needed to find in the dictionary was “boot” followed by “dog” and “peer.” The students focused on the task and the first student to find the word stood bravely in front of the group and read the definition. The final word was a doozy as most third graders had not previously encountered the spelling of the word “rhinoceros.” With a little help from their teachers and the CPAs Helping Schools volunteers each student discovered that all words do not sound the way they’re spelled. The students quietly left the cafeteria in single file lines once the presentation was complete, and I started counting down the days until next September when we’ll have a chance to do it all again.

The Perfect Blend of Technical and Soft Skills!

2024 Fall Accounting Conference and Technology Symposium

(F.A.C.T.S.): Session Spotlight

November 20-21 | Norris Conference Center--City Centre | Up to 20 CPE Hours

Accounting professionals in every specialty will assemble on Nov. 20-21 at TXCPA HOUSTON'S inaugural Fall Accounting Conference & Technology Symposium (F.A.C.T.S.)!

Join Dr. Minh Q. Nguyen, Chief Medical Officer at Agile Occupational Medicine, during his insightful Day Two session on living a well-balanced life. This session will dive into how to practice physical, emotional, and mental wellness through actively seeking balance in all three dimensions. Dr. Nguyen will give insight into how easily we can become unbalanced in our daily lives and through our interactions with others. Awareness of these imbalances will lead to more productivity, health, and joy in our lives. Dr. Nguyen's 2022 CFO Controllers Conference session on mental wellness received rave reviews, with attendees noting Dr. Nguyen's presentation provided "relevant and timely information regarding our mental health." Another attendee noted, "We needed that important information on mental wellness. Excellent topic!" Do not miss this great opportunity to learn about this important part of everyone's lives.

Watch for more F.A.C.T.S features in upcoming issues of Weekly News Brief. The conference agenda includes topics such as: leadership skills, Federal Income Tax Updates, Year-End Checklists for CFOs and Controllers, AI, and many more to help both you and your organization thrive. Register today to be a part of this accounting profession event!

Full Conference Agenda

CPE & Certificates of Completion FAQs

Expecting Ethics at this Conference? To make room at the 2024 FACTS Conference for technical, hot-topic, and industry-specific knowledge across all areas of accounting, an Ethics class will not be offered. However, you have plenty of opportunities for exciting in-person Ethics seminars with Deanna Sullivan. The next class is scheduled on December 5! To fulfill your Ethics requirement by the end of the year, click on the button below to register.

TXCPA Houston Members Learned 10 Tips to Avoid Non-Inclusive Language

Everyone inherits language that can have unintended affects on others. Cherry Steinwender and Dr. Christie Harrison from The Center of the Healing of Racism led a workshop to raise awareness of how our choice of words can create more inclusive and welcoming environments. TXCPA Houston appreciates the support of sponsors DWG CPA and Jimerson Tax and Accounting.

Participants in 3-hour workshop on October 8 (pictured above) discussed ways to be conscious of potentially harmful language. View 10 of these tips by clicking on the box below. (Email mallen@txcpahouston.cpa if the document will not open.)

Read 10 Tips for Inclusive Language

New Complimentary 2 CPE Hours

Corporate Governance: Understanding the Board-Management Relationship

Tuesday, Nov. 12 | 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. | Virtual or

In Person at the Houston Chapter Training Facility Fee--Complementary | 2 CPE Hours

Join H. Stephen Grace, Jr., Ph.D., and Joseph Monteleone, Esq., for an in-depth session on the evolving roles and principles of corporate governance. This session will address the interface of senior financial officers, Corporate Counsel, and internal and external CPAs with the Board and Management. Drawing from years of C-suite and board experience, case studies, and expert insights, this session will explore the critical interface between management and the board.

🗓️ Agenda

· 5:00-5:30 p.m. – Check-In

· 5:30-7:20 p.m. – Presentation & Case Studies

· 7:20-End – Networking

Don’t miss this great opportunity for professionals looking to enhance their understanding of governance responsibilities while expanding your rolodex of experts and cross-industry peers.

Participate virtually or in person for extra networking time afterwards.

TXCPA Houston Young Professionals Gather for Networking and Connection

On October 17, young professionals with diverse interests in accounting gathered at Cactus Cove for an evening of networking and camaraderie. The event provided a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to catch up with friends, make new connections, and engage in meaningful conversations about the accounting profession. It was a great opportunity for Houston’s emerging leaders in the field to share experiences and strengthen their professional networks.

Jada Lewis & Ingrid Miranda

Nora Ha, John LaBorde, Rosa Jasso, Romelia Sanchez, and Yulisa Hernandez

Saul Soria & Kunal Masand

Don’t Miss the Next Young Professionals Experience on October 29!

Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. TXCPA Houston Training Facility | Fee: Members: $0; Nonmember guests: $15

Young Professionals, celebrate Hallow with a Pumpkin Decorating Social! Enjoy snacks as you work in teams to create (with markers) a BOO-ti-ful decoration. Prizes for the winning team.

Have a spook-tacular Halloween!

TXCPA Houston Members Named Women Who Mean Business Award Honorees

The Houston Business Journal recently announced its selections for 2024 Women Who Mean Business. The Women Who Mean Business Awards recognize women in leadership roles who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and community. Congratulations to the following TXCPA HOUSTON members who are among the 90 women included in this honor!

Outstanding Business Leader in Finance

· Baria Jaroudi, Director at BDO

· Linda McCoy, Chief Client Officer at Goodman Financial Corporation

· Michelle Mullen, Tax Partner at Crowe

Outstanding Nonprofit Business Leader

· Laura Fulton, Senior Vice President & CFO at American Bureau of Shipping

2024 Lifetime Achievement Honoree

· Amy Chronis, Retired Managing Partner at Deloitte

Read about the other deserving Women Who Mean Business.

Upcoming Events

Click Here to View All Upcoming Events

Social, Networking & Community Service Events

LAST CHANCE! Halloween Pumpkin Decorating with Young Professionals | Register

Young Professionals Volunteer Day at Houston Food Bank | Create Volunteer Account & Register

FREE REGISTRATION! TXCPA Houston Tour of the Holocaust Museum | Register

TXCPA Houston Memorial Park Outing | Register

Morning Buzz Coffee Social in The Heights | Register

Holiday Open House & New Member Welcome | Register

NEW! Morning Buzz Coffee Social in Conroe | Register

CPE Events

LAST CHANCE! Morning Masterclass: Research & Development seminar | Register

LAST CHANCE! Secure 2.0 Act webinar | Register

LAST CHANCE! Nonprofit Seminar | Registration

LAST CHANCE! Accelerate Leadership Development Program | Application Form

Write Like a Thought Leader webinar | Register

Final DISE ASU and Its impacts on Financial Reporting for Public Companies webinar Register

Goodman Financial Seminar - Market Update + Investment Planning from ages 55-RMD Age | Register

NEW! Corporate Governance: Understanding the Board-Management Relationship Register for In Person | Register for Virtual

NEW! Offshoring Fundamentals for Small & Medium CPA Firms webinar | Register

Why CPAs and Their Client Need to Challenge Their Property Taxes Every Year and What To Look For webinar | Register

Fall Accounting Conference & Technology Symposium | Information and Registration

Goodman Financial Seminar - Financial Planning Roadmap-Course Correction + Charitable Gifting & Giving Strategies | Registration

Ethics: It's a Matter of Choice (In Person) | Information and Registration

Individual Income Tax with Blaise Bender (In Person or Virtual) | In Person Registration | Virtual Registration

Business Income Tax Update with Blaise Bender (In Person or Virtual) | In Person Registration | Virtual Registration

Individual Income Tax Update with Blaise Bender (In Person or Virtual) | In Person Registration | Virtual Registration

Business Income Tax Update with Blaise Bender (In Person or Virtual) | In Person Registration | Virtual Registration

Ethics: It's a Matter of Choice (In Person) | Information and Registration

Individual Income Tax Update with Blaise Bender (In Person or Virtual) | In Person Registration | Virtual Registration

Business Income Tax Update with Blaise Bender (In Person or Virtual) | In Person Registration | Virtual Registration

Ethics: It's a Matter of Choice (In Person) | Information and Registration

Excel-based CPE with Flat Fee Consulting | Explore sessions

Member Resources and Notices

Resources for All Members

Accountants Confidential Assistance Network | Information | (866) 766-ACAN

Post or seek job openings | Employers | Job Seekers

Executive Committee | Board of Directors | Past Presidents | Staff

Professionals share information with TXCPA HOUSTON members | Browse episodes

Engage with a TXCPA HOUSTON committee | Explore Committees

IRS News

Disaster relief resources

Exclusive discounts on Wolters Kluwer CCH publications | Browse publications

Help the Houston Chapter pull its weight | Donate to PAC

Check your member profile | Assistance: (800) 428-0272 option 1

Resources for Students and Candidates

2024 CPA Evolution Changes webinar | Register

Tips and Tricks for Sitting for the CPA Exam | Register

TXCPA HOUSTON Candidate Study Hall | See Dates and Register

Gleim CPA Premium Pro Course

UWorld's 2024 Elite Unlimited CPA Review Course | Use discount code BG1999

Student and candidate resources and Student Membership

Chapter Governance and Committee Meetings

Explore committees | Sign up for a committee

Membership Committee | Contact Carol Spencer

Tax Committee |Contact Nicole Lartigue

Financial Planning & Wealth Management Committee | Contact Nicole Lartigue

Energy Committee | Contact Nicole Lartigue

CPE Unification Task Force | Contact Mark Allen

Investments Committee | Contact Kristie Ondracek

Young Professionals Committee | Contact Carol Spencer

Accounting & Auditing Committee | Contact Nicole Lartigue

CFO/Controllers Committee | Contact Nicole Lartigue

Forensics & Valuation Services Committee | Contact Nicole Lartigue

Membership Committee | Contact Carol Spencer

CPAs Helping Schools Committee (Grant Selection) | Contact Carol Spencer

Diversity and Inclusion Committee | Contact Mark Allen

CPE Committee | Contact Mark Allen

Executive Committee | Contact Mark Allen

Board of Directors | Contact Mark Allen

Business & Industry Committee | Contact Nicole Lartigue

Thank You To TXCPA Houston Corporate Sponsors!

PLATINUM SPONSOR

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BRONZE SPONSOR

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FRIEND OF THE CHAPTER

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FRIEND OF THE CHAPTER

TXCPA Houston's Diversity Statement

TXCPA Houston values the diverse contributions and talents of all its members. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging in the workplace, in membership, and in the accounting profession. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, race, gender, generations, abilities, orientation, and religious beliefs.

Contact Mark Allen, TXCPA Houston Executive Director, to learn more about joining the Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

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