Printable PDF - Houston CPA Society

www.houstonCPA.org
CPA
President's Farewell Letter
AT A GLANCE
Annual Awards
2
Classified Ads
11
Community Service
19
CPA Aces
12
CPAs Helping Schools
19
CPE News Flash
4
In Remembrance
8
Roundtable Study Groups 4, 7
Member Benefits
14
Member News
8
New Members
9
Nonprofit Assistance
19
Student Auxiliary Advocate
18
TSCPA: Explore ROI
8
MAY 2015, NO. 5
HOUSTON CPA SOCIETY
HOUSTON TSCPA
FOUNDATION
Telephone No.
713.622.7733
Admin. Fax No.
713.622.0522
CPE/Order Fax No.
713.622.3327
Email Address:
[email protected]
Web Site:
www.HoustonCPA.org
Greetings Fellow Members,
It has been an honor and a
privilege to serve as
President of the Houston
CPA Society this year.
My theme this year has been
Pay it Forward. We all have
the obligation and privilege
to give back to our profession, to the public who relies
Carol G. Warley
on us, to our community,
and to the students and new CPAs who are the future of
our profession. I truly believe that the Houston CPA
Society makes a difference, and have enjoyed working
with the members of this great organization this past
year.
I want to thank Executive Director Nancy Rutledge for
her guidance and leadership this last year. We will soon
begin our search for her replacement as she nears retirement. Many of us know though that we will never be able
to replace her, and the wealth of knowledge she has from
being at the helm of our organization for over three
decades as our Executive Director.
I also want to thank the staff and our great volunteers.
Without their hard work and devotion we would not be
able to accomplish our goals. It has been a joy to serve
with our dedicated leadership of board members, committee chairs, committee vice chairs and committee
members. I am confident that our organization is in good
hands and that incoming President Gerrad Heep and his
team will continue as stewards of this great organization.
This has been a year of many accomplishments. We continue to provide high quality CPE and have had many
very successful conferences, while increasing sponsor
support for these conferences. The Energy Conference
had over 300 attendees with 20 sponsors (many thanks to
the committee and Chair Brian Baumler). The
CFO/Controllers Conference had 150 attendees with 16
sponsors; this committee partnered with TSCPA to produce a webcast which drew 24 participants (many thanks
to the committee and Chair Barry Wilken).
Continued (See President on page 13)
Society Issues Paperless
Monthly Newsletter:
Multiple Formats Available
With the elimination of print newsletters, multiple formats are now available! All formats are produced monthly.
• DIGITAL FORMAT is available via a link on the Home
Page, and in the Resources>Forum Newsletter page of
www.HoustonCPA.org. This format is searchable,
shareable and features hotlinks to outside references
and resources.
• Printable PDF – a full paged version of the newsletter
you can print all or a portion of to take with you on
your travels, to the gym, or to keep in your briefbag
for easy reference.
• Online eForum – is distributed the first Tuesday of
each month. Each section has a "Printer Friendly
Version" tag at the bottom of the page. Provide the
Society with a valid email address so you can plan for
your CPE hours, and keep your calendar up to date
with committee meetings and other activities and special events. There are also links to the printable and
digital versions in the left menu.
TSCPA/HCPAS Joint Dues
Statements: Due June 1
The initial 2015-2016 Joint Dues Billing has been
issued with a Due Date of June 2, 2015. All members with a valid email address should have received
an electronic dues statement by the end of April.
Members without an email address will receive a
paper statement via USPS mail this month. There will
be subsequent electronic and mailed statements
issued until August when delinquent members will
forfeit their membership. You don't miss a
thing…pay your dues in a timely manner to avoid any
interruption in services and support provided by your
State and local CPA Societies. If you have not received
a dues statement, would like to reinstate your dues,
or have any other questions regarding membership,
contact TSCPA Member Services
([email protected]; 800.428.0272 option 1).
May/June CPE Now Available For Registration…
go to the CPE News Flash pages to find out more.
2
FORUM FEATURES
Houston
CPA Society
A Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs
Houston TSCPA Foundation
2014-2015
Recognition Awards and Reception
Honorary Life Members
40-Year Members
Outstanding Volunteer Service
Presidential Citations
TSCPA Accounting Excellence Awards
Accounting Scholarship Recipients
Diversity & Inclusiveness Champion Awards
Taxing Authority Excellent Service Awards
Wednesday, May 21, 2015
6:00 to 9:00 PM
BraeBurn Country Club ~ Grande Ballroom
8101 Bissonnet
Houston TX 77074
RSVP to Vicki Hart
(713.622.7733; [email protected])
OR, LOG IN to www.HoustonCPA.org and register online in the Event Calendar
FORUM FEATURES
MAY 2015
Generating
Success for
Generations
of Texas
Families
CPA
The Forum is published monthly by the
Houston Chapter, Texas Society of
Certified Public Accountants.
Carol G. Warley
President
Nancy A. Rutledge
Executive Director
Elyse A. Turla
Editor
Newsletter Deadline
3rd Thursday of the
month prior to issue date.
Forward information to:
Houston CPA Society
777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77056-3212
Voice Phone: (713)622-7733
Administrative Fax: (713)622-0522
CPE/Order Fax: (713)622-3327
E-mail: [email protected]
Parking at CPA Office
Building
777 Post Oak Boulevard (parking
entrance on Hollyhurst, behind building)
3
From left standing: Judy Bozeman, Donnie Roberts,
Allen Lewis and Michael Ringger
From left seated: Bill Cunningham, Maureen Phillips,
Rick Morales and Tom Williams
s Investment Management
s Financial Planning
s Trust and Estate Services
More Than 30 Years of Building
Successful Financial Futures
Learn more at
www.woodwayfinancial.com
10000 Memorial Drive, Suite 650
650sHouston,
s Houston, Texas 77024
[email protected]
Visitor Parking is on lower level of garage. If
that area is full, return to first level and proceed up ramp to second level where there is a
card access box with a push button. Depress
the button and tell whoever answers that you
are visiting the Houston CPA Society offices
and need a parking spot. They will raise the
gate so that you can proceed to an upper level
(third or fourth floor) to park. Special needs
accessible parking is also located on the
garage second level.
Help insure the continuation of the profession!
Contribute to the Accounting Scholarship
Endowment Fund and help provide an
education to aspiring new CPAs. For an updated
donor listing, CLICK HERE
Donate to the CPAs Helping Schools initiative
which supports Houston area schools PreK-12.
CPE NEWS FLASH
4
Let the Houston TSCPA Foundation help fulfill your required CPE needs…
registration information on the courses featured below can be found in the monthly CPA CPE Circular
(https://www.houstoncpa.org/IMIS15/pdfs/Monthly_CPE_Circular.pdf) distributed by email and USPS mail to all members. Or, LOG IN and register online in the Event Calendar at www.HoustonCPA.org .
Roundtable Discussion
Study Groups Final
2014-2015 May Sessions
The MAP Roundtable Discussion Group consisting of practitioners in the Downtown to
Galleria area will hold its final session of this
year on May 12 from Noon to 2:00 PM in the
Houston CPA Training Facility (777 Post Oak
Blvd. #500, Houston 7706). Chad Forsberg,
senior vice president at BB&T Wealth, will
share his "Top 10 Financial and Business
Planning Ideas." Registration for this session
is $25 for member/non-CPAs and $40 for nonmembers; everyone is welcome to attend.
Dutch treat lunch is available if ordered in
advance.
group with one last meeting on Thursday, May
21 from 2:30 to 5:00 PM at the Wine Styles,
located at 10300 Louetta Rd. #150, Houston
77070. The first of the two discussion topics is
"Tax Season Review" with Samantha Kramr,
chair of the group, leading the discussion and
highlighting the effects on ACA and Repairs
regulations and how those affected the filing
season. The second topic is "How to Collect
From Your Clients." Elizabeth Harris, Crady
Jewett and McCulley, will provide guidance
regarding how the small business owner can
collect on outstanding receivables.
Registration for this session is $25 for member/non-CPAs and $40 for nonmembers; everyone is welcome to attend. Mark your calendars
for next year's meeting dates: 6/18, 7/23, 8/20,
9/24, 10/22, 11/19, 12/10, 1/21 and 5/19,
To subscribe to a 2015-2016 Study Group,
LOGON to www.HoustonCPA.org and go to
June 1 on the Event Calendar. Or, use the registration form on page 7. Single session registration will be available as topics and speakers
are confirmed.
Salute to Excellence
The CPE Committee would like to recognize exceptional committeesponsored continuing professional education presenters for
November 2014.
If you work or live near the FM 1960 area, you
won't want to miss this CPE and networking
opportunity! The NW Houston CPA Business
Roundtable will finish up its annual study
Kevin Cooke, CFE, U.S. Secret Service, for his luncheon presentation Identity Theft and Cyber Crime for the 2015 Tax Expo, January
5-6, 2015.
35th Annual
26th Annual TAX EXPO
JANUARY 11-12, 2016
FINANCIAL REPORTING SYMPOSIUM
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Westin Galleria Hotel - 5060 West Alabama
Moderator: Katherine Schipper (Duke University)
Panelists:
Gary Bohnsack
(Kinder Morgan Energy Partners)
Julie Erhardt
(Securities & Exchange Commission)
Mark LaMonte
(Moody's Global Financial Institutions
Group)
James J. Leisenring
(Financial Accounting Standards Board)
Thomas J. Linsmeier
(Financial Accounting Standards Board)
Paul Munter (KPMG LLP)
Topics:
Current State of Financial Reporting
Standard Setting Processes
Status of Joint FASB/IASB Projects
Other FASB Projects and Activities
Activities of the Private Companies
Council
Current Developments and Activities at
the SEC
(Panelists and topics subject to change)
LOGON to www.HoustonCPA.org to register online in the Event Calendar.
Download and print a detailed brochure from the Conference and Event page.
Sugar Land Marriott
Town Square
16090 City Walk
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Special overnight Room Rate of $169,
while available!
The CPE Tax Expo Committee is already
confirming speakers and topics of interest to
YOU! There are limited spaces available for
new committee members to join in the fun
and excitement of planning this premier conference. If you cannot join the meeting, we
encourage you to submit suggestions of topics. If you want to join the planning meeting
on JUNE 2, or have topic suggestions, contact Houston CPA Society Staff Liaison Carol
Spencer ([email protected] or
713.622.7733 x320).
MAY 2015
CPE NEWS FLASH
5
26th Annual
SPRING ACCOUNTING EXPO
Monday, May 18, 2015 & Tuesday, May 19, 2015
NRG Center @ NRG Park
LOGON to www.HoustonCPA.org to register
online in the Event Calendar. Download and
print a detailed brochure from the
Conference and Event page.
“Get your CPE Done Before Your
Summer Vacation”
It is not too late to sign up for the 2015
Spring Accounting Expo and get 18 Hours of
CPE in before you start enjoying your summer
vacation. If you sign-up by May 11 you get 18
hours for $325 as a TSCPA member. That is
only $18 an hour for CPE, which includes a
seated luncheon with exciting keynote speakers each day and a Networking Social Hour
event at the end of the first day. After May 11,
a $25 late registration and walk-in surcharge
is assessed.
Our Keynote Luncheon Speakers will be delivering relevant topics to our audience. Jesse
Thompson, a Business Economist with the
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston
Branch, will give us the latest update on the
State of the Houston Economy. Christine
Spray, a nationally recognized business development speaker, and best-selling authos, will
speak on developing new business strategies
and implementing revenue growth programs.
If this is your Ethics year, we also have the
state-approved, four-hour course on Tuesday
May 19.
What advice would you give the finalist if you
were a Teamwork Shark? What will be the
takeaways for you? You’ll only know if you
attend.
The Teamwork SharksTM – Not Your
Typical CPE
Come join in on this high energy, learning
event about a key focus area in Making
Teamwork ProfitableTM. The finalists will be
announced in early to mid-May. You can go to
www.goodfriendconsulting.com to see the
announcement of the finalists and their bios.
Tuesday, May 19, come experience Mike
Goodfriend, Kay Breeden and Cheryl Bryan,
the Teamwork Sharks, as they focus on
Making Teamwork ProfitableTM from 1:20 to
3:00 PM.
If you like the Shark Tank TV show, come to
the Teamwork Sharks session to watch the
finalists try to make the best case for how
their team can take advantage of a business
opportunity by working well as a team. Maybe
it will be a business opportunity like increasing customer wallet share through collaborating across business units or like reducing
turnaround time from 3 days to next day
through an end-to-end process improvement
effort.
If you would like to be one of the first to know
who the finalists are, get a preview of each
finalist’s business opportunity they will present, learn a few tips for Making Teamwork
Profitable and be able to submit your questions for the finalists in advance of the session, please “opt-in” for Teamwork Shark
Bytes – a weekly update in your Inbox that
you will only receive between now and the
Expo. To “opt-in,” just email Mike Goodfriend
at [email protected] with the
words “Teamwork Shark Bytes” in the subject
line.
This is not your typical CPE. Prepare to be
entertained -- in this learning event about
actual business opportunities that can only be
achieved by working well as a team. Your
opinions and questions will count as well.
LOGON and register online…or via mail or
fax using the monthly CPA CPE Circular or
Spring Expo Brochure. We look forward to
seeing you at the 26th Spring Accounting
Expo May 18 and 19.
CPE By The Sea
It’s Shore To Be Your Favorite CPE This Year!
June 10-12, 2015
Galveston Island Convention Center
Register today and help TSCPA and the
Houston TSCPA Foundation celebrate 20 years
of one of their star conferences at the
Galveston Island Convention Center June 10 June 12, 2015. Participants can earn up to 24
hours of CPE (including the state-approved
Ethics) by diving into three tracks of professional knowledge and there are plenty of fun
family activities on the Island everyone can
enjoy while you earn your CPE. This year’s
topics include several technology sessions and
updates on estate planning, Texas franchise
tax, accounting and auditing, and compilation
and review. Conference attendee favorites Mark
Lee (current TSCPA chairman) will share a
timely overview of important topics affecting
the profession and Steve Tillinger is back for
his individual and business tax updates.
For detailed information and to register for
one, two, or all three days, visit the CPE By
The Sea Conference page at www.tscpa.org –
online registration is available! Detailed
brochures with course offerings, lodging information, and a programming schedule were
mailed last month and that information is also
available online. Registration for three days for
a TSCPA member is $435 and for a nonmember is $555. Registration for two days for a
TSCPA member is $335 and for a nonmember
is $455. Registration for one day for a TSCPA
member is $235 and for a nonmember is $355.
Also, hotel blocks are open until May 10th (or
until the block fills) and the rooms are going
fast – use the reservation code “2015 CPE By
The Sea” to book by phone (409-744-5000) or
online for the Hilton
(http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/texas/hilton
-galveston-island-resort-GLSGIHF/index.html).
(The San Luis Resort rooms block IS FULL.)
Please remember that number of discount
priced rooms is limited so only one hotel room
reservation per attendee is allowed from the
hotel block.
If you have any questions, please contact
HCPAS CPE Manager Amy Newell at
713.622.7733 x260; [email protected].
CPE NEWS FLASH
6
Becker Professional Education and the Houston CPA Society are
joining forces to offer you an incredible member benefit!
5% off the standard $295 for the B2C On-Demand Subscription, Use Promo
Code - HoustonCPE100
5% off the standard $395 for the B2C On-Demand & Webcast Subscription, Use
Promo Code- HoustonCPE105
5% off the standard $79 for the B2C Single Course Purchase
Use Promo Code: HoustonCPE50
Becker’s Continuing Professional Education covers the critical topics you need to
know, including:
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Government
Revenue Recognition
Tax
Audit
Finance and Economics
And much more
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Visit www.becker.com/cpe to view our full course catalog or visit www.houstoncpa.org and click
member benefits in the member services section.
For more information, contact Amy Newell at 713-622-7733 ext. 250, [email protected]
CPE NEWS FLASH
MAY 2015
7
2015 – 2016 ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION GROUPS
Join this popular alternative to classroom continuing education. The lecture/roundtable discussion format
makes for a lively exchange of information and experiences among CPAs with similar interests. Some
members have formed long-term friendships and associations through their involvement with a study group.
CHECK YOUR PREFERENCE:
MAP Roundtable Discussion Group (MAP125.S) sponsored by the Management of an Accounting Practice
(MAP) Committee. If you are in practice or live near the Downtown to Galleria area this is for you! This group
meets at the Society’s Galleria office the third Tuesday of each month, except during tax season, from 12:00–
2:00 PM (Dutch treat lunch is optional). By joining this group you can earn up to 27 hours of CPE Credit.
______
$75 – Houston/Other Chapter Member or Non-CPA ($25 for single session registration)
______ $160 – Nonmember CPA ($40 per session)
NW Houston CPA Business Roundtable (NWS126.S) If you work or live near the NW Houston/FM 1960
area, you will want to join this group. This roundtable meets 2:30-5:30 PM the third or fourth Thursday of each
month, except during tax season, at Wine Styles, 10300 Louetta Rd. #150. This group has CPAs who are in
industry, public practice, and tax-exempt career areas. Join this group and you can earn up to 27 hours of CPE
Credit!
______
$75 – Houston/Other Chapter Member or Non-CPA ($25 for single session registration)
______ $160 – Nonmember CPA ($40 per session)
Participants may register for all sessions by selecting the discounted annual fee, or may select the per session
fee for only those presentations of interest. Study Group members are e-mailed notices at least seven (7)
working days prior to each meeting with topic and speaker information. Suggestions for topics and discussion
leaders are welcomed!
=============================================================================
* * * FEE MUST ACCOMPANY REGISTRATION * * *
Complete and return entire form with payment to:
Date ____________
Houston TSCPA Found ation
Ck # __________ F I
777 Post Oak Blvd #550
Amt ______ _______
Houston, TX 77056-3212 (713/622-7733); FAX - CREDIT CARDS ONLY (713/622-3327)
Are you a CPA? Yes ___
No___
_____ New Address/Phone
Name
Firm
Address
City/St/Zip+4
Day Phone
Day FAX
Email
ADA Requirements
FOR CREDIT CARD PAYMENT: ¦ AMEX ¦ VISA ¦ MasterCard ¦ Discover
Card No.
Exp Date
CSC Number
office use
CSC is the three digit verification number on the back (or four digit on the front for American Express) of your card.
Cardholder (please print)
Card Billing Address
Signature
Zip Code
8
MEMBERS NEWS-----
Member News
Onward and Upward
Thomas J. DeGeorgio, CPA, has joined
the firm of KPMG LLP, 811 Main St
#4400, Houston 77002-6124
(713.319.2000).
Natasha D. Erskine, CPA, has joined
Calvetti Ferguson as partner in the audit
department at 1201 Louisiana #800,
Houston 77002-5603 (713.957.2300).
Steven P. Gokeler, CPA, has joined the
firm of Deloitte Tax LLP, 1111 Bagby St
#4500, Houston 77002-2591
(713.982.2000).
Kathryn L. "Kat" Hulbert, CPA, has
joined Waste Management Inc., 1001
Fannin #4000, Houston 77002-6711
(713.512.6200).
Mohan Kuruvilla, CPA, has joined the C.
T. Bauer College of Business
Accountancy & Financial Department
as a clinical associate professor at 334
Melcher Hall, University of Houston,
Houston 77204-6021 (713.743.4600).
Lynn L. Menard, CPA, has joined the
firm of Briggs & Veselka Co., 9
Greenway Plaza #1700, Houston 770460905 (713.667.9147).
In Remembrance
The Houston CPA Society would like to
express deepest sympathy to the families
of:
TSCPA: Explore ROI
Jimmy Tom Buford, CPA, who earned
Texas Certificate No. 15700 in 1976.
The Texas Society of CPAs knows how valuable
your CPA license is. You represent all that it
stands for, and you work each day to be an
example of honesty, integrity, and the high
ethical standards CPAs are expected to uphold.
In a word, you could say CPAs are responsible.
Responsible to many – your clients, your
employer, your family, your community, yourself, and your profession. The responsibility of
individuals, your ROI if you will, is maximized
when combined through membership in and
with support of your professional association.
Earl C. Lairson, CPA, a Texas Society
Life Member and Houston CPA Society
40-Year Member, who received Texas
Certificate No. 3956 in 1957.
B. F. Rodgers, Jr., CPA, a Texas Society
Life Member and Houston CPA Society
40-Year Member, who was granted Texas
Certificate No. 4119 in 1957.
(Responsibility Of Individuals)
ASE  AFL
James David Shockney, CPA, who had
held Texas Certificate No. 42880 since
1986.
TSCPA exists for you, the CPA, and only you.
Without you, TSCPA cannot effectively protect
Accounting Scholarship Endowment  Assisting Future Leaders
Visit the Resources > Sharing the Legacy page at www.HoustonCPA.org to find out
more and/or to make a contribution.
the profession you worked so hard to be a part
of. There is strength in numbers. People listen
more. Businesses listen more. Legislators listen more. The collective voice of 28,000 is
more than your individual voice.
It's your duty to help ensure these efforts continue for the good of the profession and the
good of those you serve so responsibly. The
investment of your membership dues is a small
price to pay for the protection of a profession
you hold dear. We are here to help you uphold
your many professional responsibilities and pay
it forward for the future of Texas CPAs.
Allow us to help you connect with what you
need when you need it. Use the links below, or
contact our member service team for personal
assistance (800/428-0272 or
[email protected]).
Questions about membership categories, dues,
or benefits can be directed to the TSCPA
Member Service Team
([email protected]; 800.428.0272).
To learn more about recruiting activities by the
Houston CPA Society, contact Membership
Marketing Manager Frances St. Cyr
([email protected]; 713.622.7733 x240).
MAY 2015
TSCPA Tip Sheet
Private Company Town Hall Meeting
in Texas
The Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) and the Private Company Council
(PCC) are hosting their fourth Private
Company Town Hall Meeting on April 28,
2015, at Southern Methodist University in
Dallas. Interested individuals should register
in advance to participate
http://www.fasb.org/jsp/FASB/Page/SectionPag
e&cid=1176163749144). The town hall meetings are intended to provide stakeholders
across a wide variety of industries the opportunity to discuss private company accounting
issues and share input on FASB and PCC
agenda topics. In addition, attendees can
obtain three hours of CPE credit sponsored by
the TSCPA CPE Foundation. TSCPA member
Billy Atkinson, CPA-Houston, chairman of the
PCC, will lead the discussion. FASB and PCC
members are among the other expected participants. Get More Information.
http://www.fasb.org/cs/ContentServer?c=FASB
Content_C&pagename=FASB%2FFASBConten
t_C%2FNewsPage&cid=1176164734698
New Members
The following licensees, candidates, and students became Society members in March
2015. Perhaps you work or have come in contact with one of these new members. Help us
welcome them! We look forward to their
active involvement in Society activities.
Members in Good Standing
Sarah E. Armel (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Michael E. Arnell (Whitley Penn LLP)
Mary E. Babcock (Transocean Inc)
Philip W. Bauch (Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Anthony L. Blakeney (Cameron Corp.)
Evan B. Blumfield (BDO USA LLP)
David M. Boudreaux
(Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC)
Miriam R. Boyer (BDO, USA)
Kristin C. Brown (Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Grant G. Buehrer (Padgett Stratemann & Co)
Kim Anh A. Bui (Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Jared A. Burrell (Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Trenton Bush (Quanta Services)
Lydia Y. Byun (Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Aimee E. Carpenter
(Weinstein Spira & Company)
Yonlawan Chirawatcharradej
(Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Oneisha S. Conley (Ernst & Young LLP)
Robert F. Contreras (Ernst & Young LLP)
Nichole Daigle (Grant Thornton LLP)
Nominate a Member for a TSCPA
Award
Do you know of a TSCPA member who has
exhibited a strong commitment to the
accounting profession? Does someone in your
chapter make substantial service contributions to your community? Is the next Young
CPA of the Year in your hometown? Consider
nominating a member for one of TSCPA's
service awards. Categories include Meritorious
Service to the Accounting Profession in Texas,
Distinguished Public Service, Honorary
Fellow, Outstanding TSCPA Committee
Chairman, Young CPA of the Year, and
Honorary Member. Get details through the
TSCPA website
(https://www.tscpa.org/eweb/DynamicPage.asp
x?webcode=ABTawards) or contact Melinda
Bentley (phone 800-428-0272 x 279 or 972687-8579). The deadline for nominations is
April 30.
TSCPA Financial Literacy Social
Media Outreach Day April 30
Consumers continue to look for ways to
become fiscally fit and sustain their personal
finances. TSCPA does its share to help promote financial literacy by offering free
resources and information on
Rodolfo De Leon (CB&I Inc)
Ashley R. Degroot (Ernst & Young LLP)
Jessica L. Dettloff
Jennifer L. Dye
Trent R. Fell (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Zev B. Fried
Laura E. Fu (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Roger Gambrell (Ernst & Young LLP)
Amy J. Garms (Ernst & Young LLP)
Jesse T. Goforth (Padgett Stratemann & Co)
Gregory S. Goldsmith
Grant L. Gullo
Sooravi Gupta
Grace C. Harms
(PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Kathleen L. Harris
(University of Houston Bauer College)
Lauren R. Herbst
(PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Ashlee L. Higginbotham (BDO USA LLP)
John R. Hillhouse
(PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Jaime M. Humphrey (James D Humphrey CPA)
Rao G. Iqbal (HRSS LLP)
Traci J. Jackson (Ernst & Young LLP)
Brad L. Jamison (Hein & Associates LLP)
Caley M. Jeter (Anadarko Petroleum Corp.)
Kevin M. Jett
(Deloitte Financial Advisory Svcs LLP)
Christopher D. Jolivette
Amit Kaphalia (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
MEMBER NEWS
9
ValueYourMoney.org. On April 30, TSCPA's
annual Financial Literacy Social Media
Outreach Day will leverage the power of social
networking to spread the word about
ValueYourMoney's free consumer resources
and Texas CPAs' role in promoting financial
literacy. Don't forget to follow the new TSCPA
ValueYourMoney Facebook and Twitter
accounts, and watch for more details in the
coming weeks!
Protecting Your Investment
Thanks to TSCPA CPA-PAC donors, you don't
have to list your license number on your business cards.
Thanks to PAC donors, you don't have to get a
law license to give tax advice.
Thanks to PAC donors, there is no sales tax on
accounting services.
All TSCPA members benefit from the hard
work and financial support of PAC donors;
their contributions are what keep the wolves
at bay.
If you haven’t given to the PAC, won't you
thank those who have?
Or better yet, why not give to the PAC yourself
at http://www.txcpapac.org/?.
Adam J. Keel
(Bentley, Bratcher & Associates P.C.)
Kevin D. Knotts (Lodge Lumber Co., Inc.)
Monica R. Lahoti (Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Elizabeth J. Lean
(PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Tiffany N. Lewis (StoneTurn Group)
I-Li C. Lin (Postlethwaite and Netterville)
Robert E. Luman (Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Steven Maldonado
Celeste F. McColloch
Bradley A. Miller (DoerenMayhew PLLC)
Vu H. Nguyen (Ensco PLC)
Taisiya R. Oliphant
(Sewell Automotive Companies)
Kenneth Omoruyi
(Neighborhood Centers, Inc.)
Marika E. Ponton (BDO USA LLP)
Allena J. Portis (Harris County CSCD)
Aaron L. Pyle (GulfStar Group)
Catharine E. Rodgerson
(Belt Harris Pechacek LLLP)
Ingo S. Rumohr (Ryan LLC)
John P. Schlant (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Darryl L. Schwark
(PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Abdoulie Sissoho
Angela M. Smith (Nexen Petroleum USA Inc)
Brooke L. Smith (Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Lakesha N. Smith (Phillips 66)
Continued (See New Members on page 11)
10
CLASSIFIED
MAY 2015
CLASSIFIEDS
PRACTICE PURCHASE/SALE/ MERGER
CPA Firm Would Like To Purchase the
audit clients of CPA firms no longer wishing
to do audit work or to joint venture the audit
work, with the referring CPA firm retaining
the tax, consulting and other client services
work. Reply to Confidential Box No. 1223.
Retirement-Minded CPA In
Kingwood/Porter Area looking to sell all or
part of practice; gross $300+. Contact Marvin
at [email protected] or 713.305.8569.
West Houston Accounting Practice would
like to purchase or merge with a bookkeeping and/or tax oriented practice. Call 713366-3111 or email:
[email protected].
Practices For Sale: Gross revenues shown:
West Houston $1.9M; Coastal Bend CPA
New Members (Continued from page 8)
Olga V. Smylie
Lauren K. Sribnick
(PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Bethany L. Stanley (NCR)
Jennefer Thai (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Mark A. Thomas
Daniel S. Townsend (Whitley Penn LLP)
Jason T. Tucker (Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Kevin M. Vandamme
Jennifer C. Wallace (Protiviti Inc.)
Douglas A. Wilkinson
(Five Point Capital Partners LLC)
Amy J. Wilson
Bolat Yermagambetov (Deloitte & Touche
LLP)
Julieen X. Zhang (Duke Energy Marketing)
Candidates for Membership
Darwin I. Cortez
Betty G. Hemenway
Lin Lin
Hui Liu
Patrick Moore (Protiviti Inc.)
Charlotte C. Ruemke (Briggs & Veselka Co.)
Chad R. Stanfield
Jason Wall (Anthony & Sylvan Pools)
Johnny R. Williamson
Student Auxiliary
Nazly Bojnourdy
Peter J. Del Rosario (Thomas J. Crayton,
CPA)
Shayla Duval
Valeria K. Gonzalez
Sujun Guan
Christian S. Hollowell
John Joseph
Temsiri Laoboonraung
$1.2M & $160K; Houston CPA $980K;
Victoria area CPA $303K; Sugar Land $140K;
West Houston tax $128K; Gonzales area tax
$87K. Call 888.847.1040 x2; or email
[email protected].
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Business Valuation Appraisals: For corporations, partnerships, medical practices
(gift/estate tax,"C" Corp conversions, selling a
company, corporate planning purposes).
David Palmer, CPA, ASA, CFF. Call
713.828.1751.
Tax Problems? Audits, appeals, non-filer,
Federal and State; CDP, US Tax Court, SOAH,
Texas tax courts, US Bankruptcy Court, US
District Court. E Rhett Buck, Attorney-CPA,
[email protected]; 713.868.9447.
(Send replies to Confidential Box Nos. to
Houston CPA Society, 777 Post Oak Blvd.
#500, Houston 77056-3212.)
Ethan Lawrence
Alejandro Montano
Logan Piper
Rachel C. Scott
Melania Smith
Natalia Tolpeeva
ATTENTION CPAS IN
GOVERNMENT…TAX
SPECIALISTS
Friday, May 22, 2015
GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING & AUDITING SEMINAR
(https://www.houstoncpa.org/imis15/Houston
CPA/EventDetail?EventKey=GVT119.F) (8
CPE Hours)
FUNDamentals of Governmental Accounting
(Barry Marks, PhD, UH/Clear Lake)
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Box Lunch 12:00 - 1:00 PM
FUNDamentals of Governmental Auditing
(Leslie Wilkes, CPA, CFE, Whitley Penn LLP)
2:30 – 4:30 PM
This full day program is designed to cover
fundamentals of governmental accounting
and auditing with an emphasis on those
accounting and auditing issues unique to governments and on new issues related to governmental accounting and auditing.
11
TSBPA CPE Forms
Available
Have you taken continuing education from a nonregistered sponsor?
Are you eligible for exemption from
continuing education?
If you have attended a CPE program
sponsored by a vendor who is not registered with the Texas State Board of
Public Accountancy, you may still be
able to claim credit. Also, if you think
you may be eligible for exemption from
required CPE, the State Board will
review and take action on your request.
The State Board has a committee which
meets quarterly to review requests for
CPE credit and exemptions. If you need
one of following request forms to complete and return to the Texas State
Board of Public Accountancy, call the
Society office at 713.622.7733, or download these forms online at
www.tsbpa.state.tx.us.
•
Request for Continuing Education
Credits from Nonregistered Sponsor
of Continuing Education
•
Exemption for Continuing
Education
Thursday, May 28, 2015
SALT STUDY GROUP: INDIRECT TAX –
LEGISLATIVE CHANGES (2 CPE Hours)
(https://www.houstoncpa.org/imis15/Houston
CPA/EventDetail?EventKey=SLT121.S)
Join this popular alternative to classroom
continuing education. The lecture/roundtable
discussion format makes for a lively exchange
of information and experiences among CPAs
with similar interests. Join us from 3:00 to
5:00 PM at the Offices of Deloitte (Heritage
Plaza, 1111 Bagby St, 45th Floor) for only $25
for members/non-CPAs and $40 for nonmember CPAs. Presenters will provide updates on
recent legislation, court cases, and rulings
affecting sales and use tax, and motor fuel
excise taxes. For sales and use tax purposes,
these updates are centered around manufacturing, contracting and nexus topics. For
motor fuels excise tax purposes, the topics are
centered around state and federal proposed
and enacted legislation affecting the taxation
of motor fuels.
Speakers: SaraBeth Egle Smith and Jeffrey
Marks (Excise Tax); and Danny Fuentes and
Rebecca Zahn (Sales and Use Tax).
12
MEMBER NEWS
We Love CPAces!
Join the CPA Aces -- another way for you
and your business to be recognized as a leader
in the Greater Houston community and
brought to you through the Houston CPA
Society.
Membership is easy and FREE. The CPA
Aces are comprised of companies and firms
employing at least one CPA with 100% of CPA
employees being members of the Houston
CPA Society. The Aces program is a great way
to recognize the Houston businesses that
demonstrate a top-flight level of support and
commitment to their employees as well as
those employees' local professional association where they receive quality continuing
education, grow professionally, develop lead-
ership skills, and maintain contacts of benefit
to the individual and business alike. It's a
win-win partnership, which, as the 3rd
largest local chapter in the nation, allows
Houston's CPA professional society a strong
voice.
Benefits of membership in CPA Aces
include:
• A Listing in the Resources Section
(http://www.houstoncpa.org/Content/Navig
ationMenu/Resources/CPAAces/default.ht
m) of the Society web site at
www.HoustonCPA.org linked to Your Firm
or Company's site (based on availability);
• A Certificate of Membership suitable for
framing; and
• Periodic Recognition and Promotion in
the FORUM and eFORUM, and at Society
Events.
If all CPAs in your firm are members of the
Houston CPA Society, then join today! As
stated above, there are no additional costs,
just supplementary recognition and promotion within the Society and the community
for your firm. If not, contact the Texas Society
of CPAs (800.428.0272 x260; www.tscpa.org)
for a joint membership application. First time
members are afforded a discounted first year
rate, and reinstating members may request
their reinstatement fee be waived. To check
your employees' membership status, contact
Elyse Turla at the Society office
([email protected]; 713.622.7733 x290).
MEET OUR CPA ACES
JOIN THE GROWING LIST OF COMPANIES AND FIRMS EXCELLING . . .
in their profession, in their leadership, in their commitment to keeping their business flying high and staying on top.
adm CPA P.C. (www. admcpapc.com)
Kristi Albaugh, PLLC
All Reverse of Texas LLC
ABIP, PC. (www.abipcpa.com)
John A. Anderson, PC
(www.johnandersoncpa.com)
Mark H. Andrus, Attorney at Law
Bickley, Prescott & Co., P.C.
Bowles, Womack & Company, PC
(www.bowleswomack.com)
Boxer Property Mgmt
(www. boxerproperty.com)
Brooke Staffing Companies, Inc.
(www.brookecompanies.com)
Charles K. Burns, Jr., CPA
Byrd Interior Construction, LP
(www. byrdinterior.com)
Cenikor Foundation Inc. (www.cenikor.org)
Clanton CPA, P.C.
Conklin Hruzek & Co., P.C.
(www.chco-cpa.com)
Carol A. Cooper, P.C. (www.carolacooper.com)
Cornelius, Stegent & Price, LLP
(www.CPAdvisers.com)
Thomas J. Crayton, CPA
Cummings & Houston, LLP
(www. cummingshouston.com)
DWG CPA PLLC (www.dwgcpatx.com)
Dabney Investment Consulting Associates,
Inc. (www.dabneyinvestmentconsulting.com)
Dao CPA, P.C. (www.accountinginabox.com)
Day West & Associates, Inc.
(www.daywestinc.com)
Decker Consulting (www.deckerusa.com)
Durio & Company, PC (www.durio.cpa.pro)
E B F Office Products, Inc.
(www.ebfofficeproducts.com)
Edward Jones Investments
Ramon Fernandez
Firefly Business Group
(www.fireflybusinessgroup.com)
Fitts, Roberts & Co. P.C.
(www.fittsroberts.com)
Ruth Hughes Fletcher, P. C.
Genesis Partners (www.genesispartners.info)
Global Custom Commerce, LP
(www.blinds.com)
Robert D. Goldstein, CPA
Goodman Financial Corporation
(www.goodmanfinancial.com)
Joanne L. Gore, CPA, LLC
Green & McElreath (www.1cpa.com)
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
(www.giveblood.org)
Hahn & Clay (www.hahnclay.com)
Harper & Pearson Company, P.C.
(www.harperpearson.com)
Heartspring Methodist Foundation
(www.heartspringmethodist.org)
L. Wendell Hefton CPA
Herzstein Investments, Inc.
(www.herzsteininvestments.com)
Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller LLC
(www.hsskgroup.com)
David M Hoffman & Co., P.C.
Joanna Hoover, CPA
Interdyn BMI (www.interdynbmi.com)
International Cellulose Corporation
(www.spray-on.com)
Don F. Jones PC
Kathleen Jaap CPA
(www.prosperitycoachingnow.com)
KSBJ Educational Foundation Inc.
(www.ksbj.org)
Kaminski & Company, P.C.
(www.kaminskico.com)
L. Klein & Company, P.C.
(www.kleinwealthmgmt.com)
Klodosky & Company, PC
Karen B. Lipshy-Goldberg
Allan J. Maierson Inc.
Susanne Mariga, CPA, PLLC
(www.susannemarigacpa.com)
McCall Gibson Swedlund Barfoot PLLC
(www.mgsbpllc.com)
Robert M. Mendell, Attorney at Law, PC
(www.mendellgroup.com)
The Mitchell Family Corporation
Moore, Reichl & Baker, P.C.
(www.mrbcpas.com)
Morris, Ligon & Rodriguez PC
(www.mlrcpa.com)
Mosher Seifert & Company, CPAs
(www.cpa1099.com )
Nathans & Rust, Inc.
Marie H. Newton, CPA
Katherine Nixon, CPA/PFS (www.knixon.com)
The Personagram Institute Inc.
(www.personagram.com)
PLS Advisory, LLC (www.plsadvisory.com)
Darlene Plumly, CPA (www.plumlycpa.com)
Thomas G. Post, CPA (www.texastaxman.com)
Prince Food Systems, Inc.
(www.princefoodsystems.com)
Charles P. Quirk, Jr., CPA, CVA
Charles V. Raimond, CPA
Ralph & Ralph CPAs
Ridgeback Capital Management
(www.ridgebackcm.com)
Continued (See CPA Aces on page 13)
MAY 2015
President (Continued from page 1)
Several of our committees embraced the Pay
It Forward theme and added activities this
year. The Community Services Committee
(COM), led by Co-Chairs Jim Tomlinson and
Cheryl O'Brien, instituted the June/July Food
Drive for the Houston Food Bank and formed
the Running the Numbers running team (top
100 fundraiser recognition for the Komen
Race for the Cure). The Young Professionals
Committee (YPC), under the leadership of
Eleni Ntounakis, prepared "Breakfast for
Dinner" for Ronald McDonald House residents, and the Public Relations Committee,
guided by Adam Dimmick participated in the
Houston Hispanic Forum for High School
Students. The COM and YPC Committees
worked together to identify volunteer opportunities and promote participation in the
TSCPA May 2, 2015 Day of Service (many
thanks to Staff Liaisons Frances St. Cyr and
Elyse Turla for their assistance in helping
these projects come to fruition).
Our Annual Golf Classic again raised funds for
the Make-A-Wish Foundation current wishes
and the Houston CPA Wish Fund Endowment
(many thanks to the committee, the committee chair David Borda, and our long time driving force Bob Barr.)
Our Scholarship Extravaganza Committee
broke the all-time record by raising almost
$400,000 in scholarship funds for 5th year
students planning to sit for the CPA exam, the
Accounting Scholarship Endowment, and
CPAs Helping Schools (many thanks to the
committee, co-chairs Susan Sample and
Vernon Tyger, Nancy Rutledge, as well as staff
CPA Aces (Continued from page 12)
Michael Rose, CPA, PC (www.mrosecpa.com)
Rose G. Rose, P.C.
Ruderman Financial Group
(www.rudermanfinancialgroup.com)
Sawtooth Capital Management, LLC
(www.sawtoothmanagement.com)
Seefeld Lawson Moeller LLP
(www.seefeldcpa.com)
Sentinel Trust Company
(www.sentineltrust.com)
WM Shirley & Associates
(www.wmshirley.com)
Shrieve Chemical Company
(www.shrieve.com)
Mary Elizabeth Smith, CPA
V L Snider, P.C. (www.vlsnidercpa.com)
Solis Medical Laboratory
(www.home.earthlink.net/~mmsbcs/)
E. Mike Spartalis, CPA, CPC
Texas Chiropractic College (www.txchiro.edu)
Michael W. Thurman, P.C.
Steven J. Tillinger, CPA
Deborah K.P. Touchy, CPA, Attorney at Law
TriEagle Energy (www.trieagleenergy.com)
members Frances St. Cyr, Carol Spencer,
Nancy Toberman, Elyse Turla, and Vicki Hart
without whose hard work and creativity in
planning for this event would not have been a
success.)
This was the inaugural year for the State and
Local Tax (SALT) Roundtable Group (many
thanks to chair Michael Regan.) We hope to
add additional study groups in the years to
come. The Diversity and Inclusiveness
Committee inaugurated its Annual Excellence
in Diversity and Inclusiveness Award this year
(many thanks to the chair Gayla Samuels and
the committee.)
The Leadership Development Accelerate
Program serves a vital role in the future of our
organization in providing both leadership
training as well as being key to our succession
planning (many thanks to the committee and
the chair David Pichon.) Our Young
Professionals Committee also makes significant contributions to our future (many thanks
to the committee and Chair Eleni Ntounakis.)
This was also a successful year for the One
Firm Billing Initiative. Twenty-one Houston
firms participated this year. It is anticipated
that this initiative will impact recruitment, as
well as retention, of members. The Large Firm
Initiative and Membership Development
Committees continue to make great progress
in focusing on new member orientation and
existing member involvement through membership meetings and events, one-on-one calling, a review of member benefits, presentations on campus to recruiters from various
firms as well as students, and presentations at
the large firms (many thanks to Chair Paul
TriFlex Staffing Solutions, L.L.C.
(www.triflexstaffing.com)
Turlington, Reeves & Richard, PLLC
(www.trrcpa.com)
VLS Recovery Services, LLC (www.vlsrs.com)
The Vanek Consultancy Group, LLC
(www.vanekconsultancy.com)
Viebig, McCommon & Associates
(www.vmatax.com)
Voelkel Commercial Advisors LLC
(www.voelkelca.com)
John B. Wardlaw
(www.johnbwardlawcpa.com)
Alan D. Westheimer, CPA/CFF, CFE
(www.westheimercpa.com)
Barry M. Wuntch, LLP
Jess H. Young & Co.
Zientek & Co., PC (www.zientek.com)
Contact Elyse Turla at the Society offices
(713.622.7733 x290; [email protected]).
She will research the membership status of all
CPAs in your office, and your firm or company is
well on its way to becoming a member of CPA
Aces.
MEMBER NEWS
13
Vanek, Co-chairs Austin Carlson and Lisa
Pitts, Frances St. Cyr and the committee
members.)
This year the new digital format of the Forum
was launched in August 2014. The Forum is
accessible at www.HoustonCPA.org in online
and digital magazine formats as well as a
printable PDF format. Many thanks to
Technology/Communications Manager Elyse
Turla for bringing us into the digital age. We
also enjoy regular emails from Frances St. Cyr
regarding upcoming events and Linked In
communications.
Our organization offers its members opportunities to gain leadership skills, to network
with other professionals, to gain technical
skills, to serve our community and profession,
and to advocate for our clients and our profession.
“If you wait until you can do everything for
everybody, instead of something for somebody, you’ll end up not doing anything for
anybody.” Malcom Bane.
We have had a great year of doing great somethings!
Thank you again for this opportunity to serve.
Carol G. Warley
2014-2015 President
YOUR LAST DECISION
IS THE BIGGEST.
When it is time to transition out of your practice
you want to do it right. We are the largest
facilitator in North America for selling accounting
and tax practices. We provide a free estimate of
your firm’s value, market extensively, assist in
negotiations and find you the right situation.
Contact us today so your last decision will be your
absolute best.
Wade Holmes 888-847-1040 x 2
www.AccountingPracticeSales.com
[email protected]
MEMBER BENEFITS
14
Member Affinity Programs Brought To You By The Membership Development Committee
NOW AVAILABLE:
Thomson Reuters'
Quickfinder Products
Handbooks, Package X, tax tables…and more!
Thomson Reuters is offering its line of Quickfinder handbooks and
tax products at a discount to Houston CPA Society members.
Through a partnership with the Houston CPA Society, members
can purchase the popular 1040 Quickfinder Handbook, the Small
TM
CCH
a Wolters Kluwer business
The Houston CPA Society and CCH have joined forces to offer you an
incredible member benefit that provides exclusive discounts on any of
the more than 175 CCH tax and accounting books, including the U.S.
Master Tax Guide®, U.S. Master™ Depreciation Guide, Internal
Revenue Code, Income Tax Regulations, and the State Tax Handbook,
among many others!
2015 TAX GUIDE DISCOUNT: Members can enjoy 25% off the regular price on the U.S. Master Tax Guide®, 2015 and gain the guidance
on today's federal tax law and timely, precise explanations of federal
income tax law for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates and
trusts. Go to the CCH Member Direct Partner Page to order one today!
Looking for High Quality Self-Study Courses? Save 30% on over 150
courses on Tax, Accounting, Audit, and Tax Legislation. $294 for 12
months access to current, accurate, CCH quality courses. Try a FREE
course at www.CCHLearningCenter.com or visit your Partner Page
(see below) for ordering information.
EXAM REVIEW DISCOUNT...CCH and CPAexcelTM have partnered
with the Houston CPA Society to bring a new CPA exam review course
Business Quickfinder Handbook, IRS forms and instructions sets,
and more, at discounted prices.
In addition, the Chapter will receive a donation for each product
purchased using the Houston CPA Society discount code (Q877).
To see a list of all the products and pricing available, and to place
your order, go to http://www.quickfinder.com/index.htmx . You
may also log in to the Members Only section of the Society web site
at www.HoustonCPA.org and access the Exclusive Member Benefits
page to find the Quickfinder link.
to our soon-to-be-CPA members. CPAexcelTM delivers the knowledge
and expertise of the top team of accounting professors and review
course instructors to CPA Exam candidates in a powerful online multimedia format. CPAexcelTM students pass the CPA Exam at exceptionally high rates—and pay half the price of other leading courses.
Go to http://www.cpaexcel.com/partners/houston-cpa-society to get all
the details and order information.
CCH Apps for Your Mobile Devices Available at
http://www.cchgroup.com/store/mobile-onthego
• Tax News Highlights (Free)
• Tax Rates and Tables 2013 ($2.99)
• Applicable Federal Rates 2013 ($2.99)
• Code and Regs 2013 ($39.99)
Members receive a 25% discount on all CCH tax and accounting titles,
unless otherwise stated. This discount is only available on orders placed
through the CCH online store with your Association discount priority code.
Visit www.CCHGroup.com/members/houstoncpa and remember to use
DISCOUNT CODE Y5457 at checkout. Go to the Current Book
Specials for the entire list of 40% off bargains.
Houston CPA Society
CCH Member Direct Partner Page
(www.CCHGroup.com/members/houstoncpa)
Member discount code: Y5457
The CCH® Expert Treatise Library offers valuable guidance on complex tax topics. Written by practicing, prominent experts in all fields — CPA, legal and academic
— these treatises offer numerous examples and insightful analysis, and also allows users to easily access cited cases, regulations, IRS rulings, the Internal Revenue
Code and other authoritative sources via links to the primary source documents. Visit your CCH Monthly Specials page to receive your Special View of this guidance.
Your savings just got
better with the UPS
Savings Program –
exclusively for HCPA
members!
Save up to 36% on UPS shipping as a member of the
Houston CPA Society (HCPA)
HCPA is proud to bring its members valuable discounts on the
products and services they need the most. Take
advantage of some of the most competitive rates
available on UPS® shipping services. With more
service options, superior ground-delivery coverage and overnight delivery by 10:30 a.m. to more
zip codes than any other carrier, it’s time to put
the power of logistics to work for you. Take
advantage of special savings on UPS shipping
offered to you as a member of the Houston CPA
Society.
Simple shipping! Special savings! No cost to
sign up!
HCPA members can save:
• Up to 36% on UPS Next Day Air®
• Up to 34% on Worldwide Express® and
Worldwide Expedited® services
• Up to 32% on UPS 2nd Day Air® and 3 Day
Select®
• 10% on select Business Services, including
the following, at participating The UPS
Store® locations
o Fax services
o Mailbox service
o Black/White & Color Copies
o Office Supplies
For complete details or to sign up, click here,
visit savewithups.com/houstoncpa, or call the
UPS Association Program at 1-800-325-7000.
MAY 2015
MEMBER BENEFITS
15
Questions about Houston CPA Society member benefits? Please contact Society Membership
Marketing Manager Frances St. Cyr (713.622.7733 x240 or [email protected]).
Jos. A. Bank Clothiers
Discount Program
The Houston CPA Society Membership
Committee provides a benefit program
exclusively for Houston CPA Society members. The committee has arranged for a
Corporate Card Program that entitles you
to 20% off regularly priced merchandise at
all Jos. A. Bank Clothiers nationwide. And,
as a preferred customer, you will receive
advance notification of sales and events.
To enroll in the Houston CPA Society /Jos.
A. Banks Program, remember Program ID
number 21035. Visit your local Jos. A.
Bank store and give this ID number, call
800.285.2265 toll-free and request your
free Corporate Program card, or email
your request to [email protected]. Again, remember to indicate
the Program ID number 21035.
Accountants Confidential Assistance Network
TOLL-FREE HOTLINE: 866.766.ACAN
Legal Notice: All information, communications, reports received, gathered or maintained by
ACAN are strictly confidential and protected under penalty of law under Chapter 467 of the
Texas Health & Safety Code.
Stay Updated On Your
Profession!
The Houston CPA Society is now on
Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter! If you aren't
active on these websites, now is the time to
get involved!
1. Facebook
While Facebook is a great way to keep up
with personal friends and family, it's also a
www.facebook.com
fantastic networking tool. Like the Houston
CPA Society for updates on what we’re doing.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/TSCPAHouston
or search "Houston CPA Society"
2. LinkedIn
This is where you can stay connected with
other Houston area CPAs. Discussions, questions, and articles are more than welcome.
LinkedIn is the professional social network.
www.twitter.com
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=152559
7&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr or search "Houston
CPA Society."
3. Twitter
If you want a go-to place for news about the
Accounting profession, follow the Society on
Twitter. It's the fastest way to receive news,
so stay on top of the latest information.
https://twitter.com/#!/tscpahouston or search
@tscpahouston.
www.linkedin.com
Houston CPA Society and
Social Networking…
YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS A THING!
MEMBERS BENEFITS
16
W
O
H
S
R
U
O
US Y A!
P
C
S
T
Houston CPA Society
Merchandise Wear The "Mark Of The Pros" - Long
and Short Sleeved CPA Logo Shirts
Polo Style...comfortable 100% Pima cotton
interlock in dark navy blue with a white
embroidered Society logo. Men's (S – XXL)
and Women's (XS – XL) sizes.
Sale Price: $30.00 (including tax).
Dress Up...long-sleeved blue (60% cot-
Sold to:
Quantity
ton/40% polyester) oxford logo shirts with
wrinkle-resistant finish which provides
easy care machine wash and dry. These
comfortable shirts come in men's and
ladies styles, with and without a left chest
pocket.
Sale Price: $30.00.
Logo Lapel Pins - 1" diameter - $10.00
Call 713.622.7733 for more information or
to place an order.
Use this order form to fax your credit card
order or mail a check.
Ship to:
Item
Description
Size
Unit Price
Shirt
NAVY PIMA POLO (Men’s/Women’s)
30.00
Shirt
BLUE L/S OXFORD (MEN’S) (no XL)
30.00
Shirt
BLUE L/S OXFORD (LADIES’) (S & L)
30.00
Lapel Pin
LAPEL PIN
10.00
TOTAL
OTHER
Subtotal
Houston
CPA Society
A Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs
Tax
Included in price
Houston TSCPA Foundation
Shipping
777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77056-3212
www.HoustonCPA.org | (713) 622-7733
TOTAL
FOR CREDIT CARD PAYMENT:
Card No.
ˆ AMEX ˆ VISA ˆ MasterCard ˆ Discover
Exp Date
CV Number
CV# is the three digit verification number on the back (or four digit on the front for American Express) of your card.
Cardholder Name (please print)
Signature
Card Billing Address
Zip Code
Auth#
MAY 2015
17
CPE
Credits
from your
Chapter
There is no easier way
to manage your CPE.
Contact CPE Manager
Amy Newell
713.622.7733 x260
RECORDS INDICATE THAT YOUR CLIENTS
ARE OVERDUE FOR A REFUND.
Parcel Service Failure Refunds
Every shipment handled by UPS or FedEx is
guaranteed, no matter what the service level. The
problem is the parcel carriers have made tracking
every shipment and filing for late deliveries too
cumbersome. Whether your client lacks the resources
to file for them, has never heard of this process, or
is simply looking for new ways to add money to the
bottom line, Broussard has the solution.
REQUEST REFUND NOW
Chris Franzen – Chief Refund Officer
713.921.2480 [email protected]
www.broussardlogistics.com
18
COMMITTEE BUZZ
CPAs Helping Schools
"Grows Minds"
Student Auxiliary
Advocate
Monthly Meetings are held in the Houston
CPA Training Facility (777 Post Oak Blvd
#500) from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The regular
meeting schedule will resume for the Fall
Semester in September.
NEW Online Resource for Accounting
Students
The open education site, AcademicEarth.org
has recently added a comprehensive resource
for accounting students. In addition to a database of free online courses, it now features an
extensive list of blogs, open access journals,
scholarships, internships, and national organizations, all focused on the field of accounting.
Check it out at
http://academicearth.org/online-college-courses/.
Becker CPA Exam Review Discount
(l to r) Lantrip Elementary School (HISD)
PTA President Judith Cruz, CHS Committee
member Lois Ponder, CPA, and Principal
Magdalena Strickland display the $1,000
grant check from CPAs Helping Schools for
Lantrip's “Read to Grow Your Mind” program.
VOLUNTEER
Student members of TSCPA receive a voucher
redeemable for a $300 discount off the full
four-part course tuition for either Live, Online
or CD-ROM self-study review course formats.
Membership in TSCPA also gives students
exclusive discounts on many other CPA exam
review programs and materials. Login to the
Student Lounge at www.tscpa.org for details.
Computer-Based CPA Exam Testing
Window Opens
The next window for the computer-based
Uniform CPA Examination is April 1 through
May 31, 2015. There is no filing deadline.
Candidates may schedule and take each section of the CPA Exam only once during a testing window.
The CPA Examination is currently comprised
of four sections.
AUD
BEC
FAR
REG
Auditing & Attestation
Business Environment & Concepts
Financial Accounting & Reporting
Regulation
AICPA: Become a CPA
The AICPA is committed to providing students
and CPA candidates with the information and
tools to guide them to successful entry into
the accounting profession. Learn more about
getting started, scholarships, licensure, frequently asked questions, and the uniform CPA
exam on AICPA's Become A CPA
(http://www.aicpa.org/BecomeACPA/Pages/Bec
omeaCPA.aspx) web pages.
CPA Exam Score Release Timetables
AICPA has posted the U.S. CPA Exam score
release timelines in response to overwhelming
requests from candidates. Scores for the CPA
Exam are released by the National Association
of State Boards of Accountancy to individual
state boards of accountancy based upon the
CPA Exam Score Release Timetable.
Check Out The Student Section On
TSCPA.org
As a student or candidate member, TSCPA has
a variety of resources available for you which
can be found in one central location. The
Student section on www.tscpa.org includes
helpful links to CPA exam information,
TSCPA's campus rep program, scholarship
information, TSCPA's student blog and all of
our social media profiles. Stop by today and
familiarize yourself with all of the benefits of
your TSCPA membership!
[vol-uhn-teer] noun 1. A person who voluntarily offers
himself or herself for a service
or undertaking.
Get Involved with Your
Profession - Join A
Committee TODAY!
Benefits of active participation include ... Current
Topic Updates ...
Professional Development ...
Networking Opportunities
… and More!
Houston CPA Society Member Nabs
Elijah Watt Sells Award for Top CPA
Exam Performance
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
recently announced the winners of the 2014
Elijah Watt Sells Award. Michael J. Kovacich,
CPA (BDO USA LLP-Houston) was among
the 60 candidates recognized for their top performance on the Uniform CPA Examination.
The award is bestowed upon candidates who
have obtained a
cumulative average score above
95.50 across all four sections, passed all four
sections of the exam on their first attempt and
completed testing in 2014. Congratulations to
Michael on this great accomplishment!
CPAs Helping Schools
MAY 2015
Volunteer Services
CPAs Helping Schools (CHS) works closely
with our local districts, partnering with them
in special programs that provide an opportunity for CPAs to become involved in their local
school. Volunteers regularly participate as program judges at area campuses, or speak at
career day activities. Since 2012 CHS members and other Society volunteers have assisted high school students and their parents in
completing applications for Federal or State
Financial Aid. Additional volunteers regularly
participate in local schools as readers to
younger students. Volunteers graciously take
time to deliver our grant checks to local
schools.
CPAs Helping Schools also provides funding to
local districts for educational projects, emphasizing aid to economically disadvantaged
schools. The committee recently provided
funds to continue a long-standing program in
Spring Branch ISD to provide a dictionary to
every third grade student. CHS provided funds
for the students at Title 1 campuses and volunteers attended the special programs to
assist in the book presentations to the students.
Since 2002, CPAs Helping Schools has
reviewed over 500 grant applications, awarding funding in excess of $456,000 to over 200
schools in 35 local districts, private and
parochial schools and nonprofit educational
organizations. In addition to providing education basics for at-risk youth, the financial support of CHS continues to provide math manipulatives and technology programs, literacy
programs and library improvements, and science materials. Funding also provides
resources for after school and fine art pro-
Assist A Nonprofit
Through The Society
One of the Houston CPA Society Community
Services Committee's charges is to assist
qualifying nonprofits with technical assistance
pro bono or at a reduced fee. Qualifying nonprofits must complete a request form and
provide proof of their nonprofit status, if available. The request is then distributed to a database of members who have worked with nonprofit clients and are willing to assist with
these requests. Any fees involved are inde-
grams and health awareness. In the past two
years, CHS has assisted several local schools
in their struggles to bring their library nonfiction section up to proper state standards. A
significant number of grant funds provide
updated classroom library sets or take-home
readers for those students without access to
books at home.
CPAs Helping Schools also sponsors efforts of
local nonprofit organizations, such as Fund
for Teachers, to assist teachers in their pursuit
of educational fellowships in accounting or
mathematics, Junior Achievement and their
school program, and Houston Achievement
Place to provide Project C.L.A.S.S. in local elementary schools. Additionally, CHS provides
financial support to Santa CPAs, a 44-year-old
program of the Houston CPA Society’s
Community Services Committee.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
19
MAKE A
DONATION TO
THE
HOUSTON TSCPA
FOUNDATION
We make it easy. Using Just Give
(https://npo.justgive.org/HCPAS),
at the click of a button you can
select the amount and program
you wish to support.
Consider one or more and
“pay it forward.”
HERE'S HOW TO DONATE:
• JustGive.org: Go to https://npo.justgive.org/hcpas and designate your donation for CPAs
Helping Schools.
• By Mail: Send your check to 777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 500/ Houston, TX 77056
• Annual TSCPA Dues Invoice: Up to $10 of your voluntary contribution to “Chapter
Scholarships/Helping Schools” will be directed to CPAs Helping Schools. Anything over $10
will be rolled over to the Houston CPA Foundation Accounting Scholarship Endowment.
• By Phone: Call 713.622.7733 to use your credit card for a donation
• Annual Scholarship Extravaganza: Make a dedicated donation to CPAs Helping Schools. 100%
of the funds CHS receives from the Extravaganza are used to fund PreK-12 grant applications.
If you would like to make a financial contribution, volunteer with the committee, become
involved in a local school, or learn more about our grant program for schools, contact Staff
Liaison Carol Spencer ([email protected], 713.622.7733 x.320).
Consider the CHS motto, “If you are a CPA, you can help a school.”
pendently negotiated between the volunteer
and the organization. Areas in which help is
offered include:
Tax:
Application for exempt status under 501(c)(3)
(Preparation of Form 1023)
Preparation of tax returns and/or annual 990s
Accounting / Financial Reporting:
Accounting policies and procedures
Financial reporting policies and procedures
General ledger set up consulting
Assist with the preparation of client-prepared
audit schedules.
Other Areas:
Silent Auction Management Assistance
Know of an organization that needs assistance? Contact Elyse Turla at the Society
office (713.622.7733 x290;
[email protected]).
If you are interested in volunteering to experience the satisfaction of helping a worthwhile cause, please complete and return the
Nonprofit Assistance Volunteer Form
(https://www.houstoncpa.org/IMIS15/pdfs/Co
mSvcSurveyFill.pdf). You'll be glad you did!
Houston
CPA Society
A Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs
Houston TSCPA Foundation
777 Post Oak Boulevard
Suite 500
Houston TX 77056-3212
713.622.7733 Voice
713.622.0522 Admin Fax
713.622.3327 CPE/Order Fax
[email protected] General Email
Driving Directions:
Heading north on Loop 610 (West Loop South) exit San Felipe and proceed through the light to Post Oak Boulevard.
Turn left under the freeway to the second traffic light and turn left on Hollyhurst/Uptown Park Blvd (under the "halo").
The free parking garage is located directly behind 777 Post Oak Blvd./Old Republic Title Building.
Heading south on Loop 610 (West Loop South) exit Post Oak Boulevard and turn right on Post Oak Boulevard.
Immediately move to the far left lane at the first traffic light and turn left on Hollyhurst/Uptown Park Blvd (under the "halo").
The free parking garage is located directly behind 777 Post Oak Blvd./Old Republic Title Building.
O F F ICE CL O S E D
Mo n da y , Ma y 2 5 , 2 0 1 5
CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM
Name
Date Taken
PREFERRED MAILING ADDRESS
HOME
OFFICE
Business Change
Residential Change
New Firm
New Address
New Address
New Phone
New Phone
Email Address
New Employer
Firm ID #
New Fax
Unemployed
Working in Residence
Name Change only
Return to the Society office by Fax (713.622.3327) or mail (777 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 500, Houston 77056-3212).