The Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA) is a nonprofit, professional organization of 29,000 active members, representing Texas Certified Public Accountants; and this 2016, this recognized organization will be celebrating its 100th anniversary.
The vision of this organization began 100 years ago when the Texas Legislature created the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy in 1915. That same year, TSCPA was established and held its first meeting in Fort Worth with only 16 members; a number that has largely multiplied throughout the years.
According to TSCPA.org, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants has 20 local chapters statewide, with an outstanding 29,000 members in total. These twenty local chapters offer significant opportunities to network and connect the profession of accounting to the community.
Carol Wilder, president of the Texarkana chapter explained that after a person becomes a licensed CPA, each accountant receives information about joining this distinguished organization. Wilder went on to explain some of the great benefits each accountant has access to when joining TSCPA.
TSCPA offers programs and classes to keep certified public accountants up to date and informed on ideals and overall practice within the CPA profession. “CPA classes help make sure members are updated and educated on the latest standards,” explained Wilder.
TSCPA also gives a powerful voice to every accountant, by allowing representatives of this organization to take up issues to legislators. TSCPA allows to make a connection to legislation on matters concerning all CPAs, such as issues in tax policy. TSCPA makes their voices heard in order for all decisions to be considered in a manner which will preserve and protect the accounting profession.
TSCPA’s Texarkana chapter is the smallest chapter in the state with approximately 120 members, though their efforts are not minute in any sense of the word. TSCPA Texarkana holds many social events, providing CPA’s with many opportunities to network in the community. “The local chapters meet once a month. We host things like social cook-outs, and also bring in speakers that are relevant to our profession,” said Wilder.
The Texarkana chapter also engages with young aspiring accountants, presenting accounting students with excellence awards for their achievements as scholars and further familiarize them with TSCPA, an organization they will become part of upon becoming a licensed CPA. “We have an accounting excellence award which we present to a student of Texas A&M University- Texarkana at our local chapter meeting,” explained Wilder.
On June 26, 2015, TSCPA launched a year-long centennial anniversary campaign which will focus on emphasizing the organization’s history of important and influential milestones.
