Destination CPA

In this episode, Jodi Ann Ray, president and CEO of the Texas Society of CPAs, speaks with with Dr. Tracie L. Miller, CPA, program chair for the bachelors and masters accounting programs at Franklin University, about a major shift in the CPA licensure process. They explore a new alternative pathway that allows candidates to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete two years of work experience, and pass the CPA exam, offering greater flexibility compared to the traditional 150-hour education requirement. The discussion highlights how this change could ease the financial and time burden for aspiring CPAs while preserving the profession’s rigor. Jodi Ann and Dr. Miller also address state-by-state differences in requirements, the role of scholarships, and the importance of engaging with professional associations and boards to successfully navigate the evolving landscape of accounting education. Destination CPA is produced by Association Briefings.   Show notes Dr. Tracie L. Miller, CPA, is the program chair for the bachelors and masters accounting programs at Franklin University. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M University, and a doctoral degree in Adult Education also from Texas A&M University. Dr. Miller has taught at Austin Community College, Texas State University, and the University of Texas-Austin. She has also authored accounting textbooks and has public accounting experience with Deloitte Tax LLP and Sample & Bailey, CPAs.   Dr. Miller is a recipient of the American Accounting Association J. Michael and Mary Ann Cook award, Texas Society of CPAs Rising Star and Outstanding Accounting Educator awards, NISOD Teaching Excellence award and the Aims Community College Excellence in Teaching award. She is a member of the Teachers of Accounting at Two Year Colleges, the American Accounting Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.

In this episode, Jodi Ann Ray, President and CEO of the Texas Society of CPAs, sits down with Christy Bessert, senior manager at Forvis Mazars, to discuss her path to becoming a CPA. Christy shares her educational background, her move from Wyoming to Texas, and her experiences navigating multiple firm mergers. She reflects on being recognized as a TXCPA Rising Star and a 40 Under 40 honoree, as well as the passion that first drew her to accounting. The conversation highlights the value of networking, mentorship, and active involvement in professional organizations. Additionally, they explore recent legislative advocacy efforts in Austin, focusing on CPA pipeline and workforce development initiatives and their impact on the profession’s future.   Destination CPA is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Jodi Ann Ray, President and CEO of the Texas Society of CPAs, chats with Aaron Kenigsberg, an accounting student at Houston Community College and incoming associate at PwC. Aaron shares his unique journey from earning a Bachelor’s in Musical Theater at Emerson College to discovering his passion for accounting during his MBA at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. He reflects on how the pandemic sparked his career shift, his experiences managing his family’s restaurant, and the challenges and rewards of exploring new professional paths. Aaron highlights the invaluable support he received from TXCPA, his strategic approach to preparing for the CPA exam, and his excitement for starting his new role at PwC.   Destination CPA is produced by Association Briefings. Show notes Aaron Kenigsberg is an accounting student at Houston Community College and incoming associate at PwC. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre from Emerson College in Boston, MA and a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, he possesses a diverse set of experiences that provide him with a unique viewpoint he utilizes in whatever he undertakes. These experiences have varied from performing professionally as an actor in regional theatres across the country, to managing the restaurant his family owned for 45 years during the COVID-19 pandemic, all while maintaining a full course load as a graduate student. Aaron currently lives in Houston, TX where he is an avid pickleball player, a photographer, and pretty good in the kitchen if he does say so himself.

In this episode, host Jodi Ann Ray, President and CEO of the Texas Society of CPAs, chats with Jacob Giroux, a tax senior at Axley & Rode in Livingston, Texas. Giroux highlights the significance of gaining diverse experience across various business entities and discusses accounting as a highly versatile career path. He shares insights from his challenging journey through the CPA exam, emphasizing the importance of consistency and firm support. Giroux also offers valuable resources for exam preparation and underscores the need to attract young students to the accounting field, emphasizing the role of a strong, supportive community.   Destination CPA is produced by Association Briefings.   Show notes Jacob Giroux is a Tax Senior at Axley & Rode in Livingston, Texas. Jacob currently works on Personal and Business Tax Returns as well as Financial Statement Prep and Tax Resolution. Jacob has 3 years of Tax experience and was a late conversion to the Accounting profession with it being his second undergraduate degree in his late 20's. Jacob is currently sitting for the CPA exam with 3 of the 4 tests completed as of August 2024.

In this episode, host Jodi Ann Ray, President and CEO of the Texas Society of CPAs, chats with Bertrand Maimo, CPA, MBA, founder and CEO of Mustardbridge LLC. Bertrand discusses his journey providing CFO consulting services and the transformative effect of earning his CPA license on his career. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the value of the CPA designation, and offers advice for aspiring accountants and entrepreneurs.   Destination CPA is produced by Association Briefings.   Show notes Bertrand K. Maimo ("BK") currently provides CFO consulting services to SEC registered investment advisers and related funds with over $750 million in assets under management. He also provides CFO consulting services to other privately owned companies in the music, fashion, sports, and engineering industries. Mr. Maimo previously worked as an auditor focusing on FINRA member broker dealers, SEC registered investment advisers and their related private equity funds, as well as governmental entities. BK graduated with a BA in Accounting (Summa Cum Laude) in 2008 and subsequently obtained his Master's in Business Administration from Henderson State University in 2009. Bertrand is a licensed Certified Professional Accountant who is committed to building teams to improve business profitability by promoting accountability, process efficiency, productivity, and service excellence.

In the latest episode of Destination CPA, host Jodi Ann Ray, President and CEO of the Texas Society of CPAs, chats with Okorie Ramsey, CPA, CGMA, PMP, NACD.DC, the immediate past chair of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. Okorie shares his inspiring journey as a CPA, highlighting the critical roles of early exposure, mentorship, and hard work. The conversation delves into the need for diversity and representation in the profession, addressing the underrepresentation of minorities and the importance of creating intentional opportunities to showcase diverse talents. Don't miss this insightful discussion on leadership, inclusion, and the future of accounting.

In the latest episode of Destination CPA, we talk to Mike Decker, Vice President of Examinations at the American Institute of CPAs. He joins our host Jodi Ann Ray, President and CEO for the Texas Society of CPAs, for an insightful conversation about the CPA exam's evolution and recent significant changes. Discover how advancements in technology have influenced these changes, as well as a detailed exploration of the exam's three disciplines. We also explore the crucial role of employers and firms in supporting candidates, along with valuable advice for those pursuing licensure in the field.   Destination CPA is produced by Association Briefings.

In the latest episode of Destination CPA, we talk to Liz Barentzen, vice president of talent initiatives and operations for the Center for Audit Quality. She joins our host Jodi Ann Ray, President and CEO for the Texas Society of CPAs, for a captivating conversation about the pivotal role of culture in shaping the future workforce. Explore the innovative Accounting+ program designed to empower underrepresented minority high school and college students to explore accounting careers. Discover how initiatives like these are driving diversity within the profession and debunking misconceptions about the industry.   Destination CPA is produced by Association Briefings.

In the latest episode of Destination CPA, we talk to Bimpe McMillon, CPA, senior manager, governmental auditing and accounting with AICPA’s Government Audit Quality Center. She joins our host Jodi Ann Ray, President and CEO for the Texas Society of CPAs, for an engaging discussion about her CPA journey and the significance of role models. She provides advice to students on the reasons to pursue a CPA license and the many possibilities in accounting. The discussion also addresses the importance of increasing diversity in the profession and essential preparations for future CPAs as they continue their studies and begin their careers.

In our inaugural episode, we talk to Katie Brown, CPA, CFF, supervisory senior at Huselton, Morgan & Maultsby. She joins our host Jodi Ann Ray, President and CEO for the Texas Society of CPAs, for an engaging discussion about her journey through accounting education, pursuing CPA licensure and some challenges she had to face, finding new ways to study, and advice for those going through the licensure process. Katie also provides some valuable resources, from other podcasts to LinkedIn content creators, to help you prepare to sit for the CPA exam.     Destination CPA is produced by Association Briefings. 

The Texas Society of CPAs presents Destination CPA – an original podcast series created to share insights and navigation tips for those on the path to a CPA license,. Join our host Jodi Ann Ray, executive director of TXCPA, as she chats with leading industry voices in the profession, offering candid conversations and fresh perspectives on each step of the journey to licensure. Check out the trailer for season one!