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 networ...
Feb 25, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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 cha...
Jan 23, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 p...
Aug 22, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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 note...
Jul 25, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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 th...
Jun 27, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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...
May 09, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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 ...
Apr 18, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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 o...
Feb 28, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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 conten...
Jan 25, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 1
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!
Jan 04, 2024•1 min
