News & Insights
Is Your TPA’s SOC-1 Report Sitting Unread? It Could Be a Fiduciary Risk.
Many employee benefit plan sponsors receive a SOC-1 report from their third-party administrator (TPA) each year, but many are uncertain about their responsibility once it is received. Should it be reviewed and if so, by whom? A common misconception is that because the...
How 529 Plan Contributions Affect Taxes
What Is a 529 Plan? A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings vehicle designed to help families save for future education expenses. While contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes, the investments within the account grow tax-free, and qualified...
McConnell Jones Recognized Among the Nation’s Top 300 Accounting Firms for 2026
McConnell Jones is proud to be recognized among INSIDE Public Accounting’s (IPA) Top 300 Firms for 2026. Ranked #215, the firm has earned a place on the prestigious list for the fifth consecutive year, reflecting its continued growth, client-focused service, and...
QSBS Planning: Key Tax Considerations for Founders, Investors, and Business Owners
If you own stock in a growing business or are considering a future business sale, Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) may help you significantly reduce or even eliminate—federal capital gains tax. What is Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)? Qualified Small...
Building on Momentum: Tenesha Hartgrove to Lead McConnell Jones’ Durham Office
Houston, TX — June 23, 2026 — McConnell Jones (MJ) announced the appointment of Tenesha Hartgrove, CPA, EA, CFP®, as successor managing partner of the firm’s Durham, North Carolina office, effective July 1, 2026. This appointment reinforces MJ’s strategic focus in...
Audit Reimagined: The Role of AI for Tomorrow’s Assurance
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more embedded in organizational processes, auditors face a dual responsibility of using AI to enhance audit quality while also evaluating AI-generated evidence, decisions, and risks. As a result, the auditor’s role is evolving...
AI in Audit, Tax & Advisory: A Practical Advantage—When Used Responsibly
Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely regarded as one of the most meaningful technological advancements, especially in the evolution of audit, tax, and advisory services. While questions about governance, privacy, and reliability are valid, the opportunity is clear:...
McConnell Jones Announces the Retirement of Tax Partner Kenneth Gibbs
Houston, TX — April 13, 2026 — McConnell Jones, recognized as the largest African American‑owned CPA firm in the U.S., announces the retirement of Kenneth Gibbs, CPA, Esq. effective June 30, 2026, after a notable career in public accounting. As a Tax Partner, Ken has...
What “Audit Readiness” Really Means for Employee Benefit Plans
For many plan sponsors, audit readiness often gets boiled down to having schedules prepared and being able to respond quickly to audit requests. While that is part of the process, it is not what auditors or regulators ultimately focus on. True audit readiness goes...
William A. Taylor, Jr. Appointed Managing Partner Following Two-Year Leadership Transition at McConnell Jones
Houston, TX — March 9, 2026 — McConnell Jones, recognized as the largest African American‑owned CPA firm in the U.S., is pleased to announce the appointment of William A. Taylor, Jr. as Managing Partner, effective at the conclusion of a structured two-year transition...
McConnell Jones Recognized as a Leading Workplace in Houston for 2025
McConnell Jones is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor by the Houston Chronicle. This recognition continues a tradition of excellence, as McConnell Jones was also honored as a Top Workplace from 2021 through 2023. The firm’s repeated...
McConnell Jones Recognized Among Top 300 CPA Firms for Fourth Consecutive Year
We’re honored to announce that McConnell Jones has once again been included on INSIDE Public Accounting’s (IPA) Top 300 CPA Firms list for 2025. Ranked at #223, this is the fourth consecutive year the firm has been recognized on the list of the nation’s leading...
Year-End Tax Tips for Businesses & Individuals
As 2025 comes to an end, it’s a good time to take proactive steps for both individuals and businesses to thoroughly assess the effects of recent tax legislation—particularly the comprehensive “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA)—to optimize tax outcomes before filing...
Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET)
RecordingOverview Gain insight into reducing your federal taxable income and explore the strategic implications of the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET)—Strategies for Owners of S Corporations and Partnerships at the McConnell Jones webinar. If you own an S Corporation...
Fidelity Bond vs. Fiduciary Liability Insurance: Do You Know the Difference?
Retirement plan fiduciaries face a complex framework of legal duties and liabilities. Insurance coverage, often overlooked, is crucial for compliance and risk protection. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), certain types of coverage are...