AT Think

Small businesses are anticipating a more profitable year this year, according to a new survey.

John Sharbaugh, executive director and CEO of the Texas Society of CPAs (TSCPA) and one of Accounting Today’s 100 Most Influential People, was recently announced as a 2015-2016 honorary member of the Society. The award is presented to those eligible not for regular TSCPA membership, but have nonetheless distinguished themselves within the profession on a statewide level.

EY announced that their EY-Earthwatch Ambassadors program - a collaboration between EY and the Earthwatch Institute, a non-profit that looks to engage professionals in scientific field research and education in sustainable environments - donated 3,120 hours of service this year in assisting local entrepreneurs in Latin America.

The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) announced on Thursday that Steven Harris, partner-in-charge of RubinBrown’s Entrepreneurial Services Group, was named the new chairman of their Board of Directors. Effective July 1, 2016, Harris will serve a two-year term.

The International Federation of Accountants has been trying to build the reach and influence of the accounting profession in emerging markets in Africa, Asia and other parts of the world.

The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) Educational Foundation recently announced its college scholarship recipients for the 2016–2017 academic year. The Educational Foundation represents a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting accounting education and encouraging students to pursue careers as CPAs.

Dallas, Texas tax services firm Ryan announced on Wednesday that they will hold an inaugural, firm-wide day of service in honor of the firm's 25th anniversary on July 14, 2016. Dubbed the “RyanSHARES” day, the firm's professionals will spend a full day volunteering in their respective local communities.

Deloitte has been working with the United States Golf Association to help the USGA broaden the appeal of golf and understand what is drawing players to the game.

The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Tax Court are seeing their caseloads pile up as taxpayers, interest groups, tax attorneys and Congress let loose with a volley of lawsuits and legal challenges.

The California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) recently announced that they have awarded Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, of Modesto, the Society's 2016 Public Service Award for Firms. CalCPA presents the award each year to recognize a California firm for its philanthropic contributions to the local, state or national level.