Accounting Event Connects Professionals on Emerging Industry Trends
As evolving regulations, workforce trends and new technologies continue to reshape the accounting profession, the Accounting Department at the TCU Neeley School of Business hosted its annual Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program, bringing together accounting professionals, alumni and faculty to examine the trends shaping the future of the profession, including the growing role of artificial intelligence.
The annual program provides Texas Certified Public Accountants with continuing professional education credits while creating an opportunity to reconnect with alumni, exchange ideas with peers and learn from faculty and industry leaders. This year's sessions reflected the rapidly evolving nature of the profession, combining technical updates with broader discussions about the future of accounting.
Sessions opened with discussions about the changing accounting talent landscape and the evolving role of accounting education in preparing future professionals. Renee Olvera, professor of professional practice in accounting and director of the Master of Accounting program, examined workforce trends and the changing landscape of the accounting profession. The program then turned to developments affecting the Fort Worth energy sector, where Tom Seng, assistant professor of professional practice in energy finance, provided an update on the Fort Worth energy sector and shared insights from his new Landman course, exploring the evolving role of landmen in the energy industry.
Later sessions shifted to technical and emerging topics shaping accounting practice. Brent Woodford, executive vice president of controllership, financial planning and tax at The Walt Disney Company and a TCU Neeley Executive-in-Residence, provided a financial reporting update. George Drymiotes, professor of accounting, explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in accounting education, and Tyler Menzer, assistant professor of accounting, concluded the program with an update on current tax developments affecting practitioners.
Beyond the educational sessions, the event provided opportunities for accounting professionals to reconnect with alumni, engage with faculty and exchange perspectives with peers across the industry. The annual CPE program continues to reflect the Department of Accounting's commitment to lifelong learning while connecting academic expertise with the evolving needs of accounting professionals.