Next Stop: CPA

AICPA & CIMA
  • 4.4 (31)
  • Education
  • Updated Semimonthly

Essential listening for anyone thinking about pursuing their CPA license, this is the official podcast for the CPA Exam brought to you by the AICPA. Contact us at NextStopCPA@aicpa-cima.com.

  1. Jul 2

    Season 3 Episode 14: From CPA to CEO: Ask Me Anything

    In this episode, we sit down with a very special CEO to explore his thoughtful reflections on the journey that shaped his career and the defining moments that influenced how he leads today, from early life lessons to the pivotal decisions that ultimately brought him to the helm of the accounting profession's largest membership body.   We also dig into the future of the CPA profession, like how technology is changing the work, why the pipeline matters, and Mark's practical advice for the next generation of aspiring CPAs. And be sure to tune into the lightning round at the end, where things get surprisingly lighthearted, showing leadership still leaves room for laughter.   This episode is hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speaker, Mark Koziel. Mark is a CPA, CGMA, President and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs, and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.   For additional resources: STUDENTS Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.  First time signing up? Be sure to select "Next Stop: CPA Podcast" under the "I was referred by" question when completing your student membership application form. Returning student members can simply sign in to register for any new or on-demand webinars and applicable scholarships! Check out AICPA student webinars here. Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.  CANDIDATES Register for AICPA new candidate membership here. Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here. Get a head start with our AICPA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.  2026 Listener Survey

    25 min

  2. Jun 18

    Season 3 Episode 13: Beyond Audit & Tax: Building a Career in Big Tech

    Curious what it really takes to pivot from a public accounting role into the world of Big Tech? Our guest speaker shares his unique CPA journey, how he navigated the transition, and what skills mattered most along the way—plus practical steps you can take now to prepare for the career path that fits you best.   This episode is hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speaker, Mike Manalac (CPA and Accounting Manager, Google).   For additional resources: STUDENTS Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here. First time signing up? Be sure to select "Next Stop: CPA Podcast" under the "I was referred by" question when completing your student membership application form. Returning student members can simply sign in to register for any new or on-demand webinars and applicable scholarships! Check out AICPA student webinars here. Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.  CANDIDATES Register for AICPA new candidate membership here. Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here. Get a head start with our AICPA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.  2026 Listener Survey

    28 min

  3. Jun 4

    Season 3 Episode 12: Start Strong: Career Readiness & Success Skills

    Do you ever wonder when your career journey really begins?   This episode is facilitated by Hunter Richardson (Accounting and Computer Science student at the Georgia Institute for Technology) and Katherine Suh (Accounting student at Indiana University) who are joined by Lexi Weber, a CPA and Senior Manager of Emerging Professionals Initiatives at the AICPA. Together, they explore how students can start developing essential success skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, problem‑solving, and professionalism — not after graduation but starting today. Find out how these skills show up in the workplace and why they matter so much for students preparing to launch their careers. For additional resources: STUDENTS Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.  First time signing up? Be sure to select "Next Stop: CPA Podcast" under the "I was referred by" question when completing your student membership application form. Returning student members can simply sign in to register for any new or on-demand webinars and applicable scholarships! Check out AICPA student webinars here. Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.  CANDIDATES Register for AICPA new candidate membership here. Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here. Get a head start with our AICPA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.  2026 Listener Survey

    30 min

  4. May 21

    Season 3 Episode 11: The Leadership Advantage for Aspiring CPAs

    In this episode, we explore how leadership can shape—and accelerate—the journey to becoming a CPA. Our guest speaker shares how mentorship, self discovery, and stepping outside his comfort zone helped him navigate exam challenges, build confidence early in his career, and grow into an emerging leader who now aims to guide others. Whether you're studying or starting out, this conversation offers practical advice on developing leadership skills, embracing new opportunities, making the most of your path to CPA, and how the AICPA can help.   This episode is hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speaker, Alejandro Gonzalez (CPA and Audit Associate, PWC). Bonus resource: Be sure to check out the AICPA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW) dates and application details at https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/education/scholarship-search/aicpa-accounting-scholars-leadership-workshop/.  For additional resources: STUDENTS Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.  First time signing up? Be sure to select "Next Stop: CPA Podcast" under the "I was referred by" question when completing your student membership application form. Returning student members can simply sign in to register for any new or on-demand webinars and applicable scholarships! Check out AICPA student webinars here. Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.  CANDIDATES Register for AICPA new candidate membership here. Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here. Get a head start with our AICPA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.  2026 Listener Survey

    14 min

  5. May 7

    Season 3 Episode 10: Beyond the Score: Mindset Shifts for CPA Exam Success

    In this episode, we explore what really happens behind the scenes of the CPA Exam -- from the psychological toll of testing to the power of reframing a non‑passing score as a "practice test." Our guest speaker shares her own early setbacks, the realities of a demanding academic journey, and the practical study techniques that helped her return with confidence. Whether you're gearing up for your first section or regrouping after a tough score, this conversation offers encouragement, clarity, and actionable tips to help you keep moving forward, stronger.   This episode is hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speaker, Megan Lewczyk (CEO and Founder of Megan D. Lewczyk, CPA LLC and Adjunct Instructor at Keystone College). For additional resources: STUDENTS Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.  First time signing up? Be sure to select "Next Stop: CPA Podcast" under the "I was referred by" question when completing your student membership application form. Returning student members can simply sign in to register for any new or on-demand webinars and applicable scholarships! Check out AICPA student webinars here. Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.  CANDIDATES Register for AICPA new candidate membership here. Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here. Get a head start with our AICPA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.  2026 Listener Survey

    23 min

  6. Apr 23

    Season 3 Episode 9: Big Impact, Small Firm: Exploring Diverse CPA Careers

    Curious about big opportunities that can come from working at a small firm? Join our guest speaker as she shares her journey from discovering the CPA profession to rising through the ranks to partner and ultimately finding her place in a close‑knit firm environment. Along the way, we explore what day‑to‑day life really looks like in a small accounting practice, common misconceptions students often have about this path, and how smaller firms offer unique advantages to build deep community connections and meaningful client relationships. Whether you're mapping your future career path or wondering about what benefits exist outside a larger firm, this conversation offers practical guidance, honest reflections, and insights into carving out your own niche in the profession.   This episode is hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speaker, Caitlin Smith (Partner, SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC). For additional resources: STUDENTS Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.  First time signing up? Be sure to select "Next Stop: CPA Podcast" under the "I was referred by" question when completing your student membership application form. Returning student members can simply sign in to register for any new or on-demand webinars and applicable scholarships! Check out AICPA student webinars here. Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.  CANDIDATES Register for AICPA new candidate membership here. Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here. Get a head start with our AICPA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.  2026 Listener Survey

    15 min

  7. Apr 9

    Season 3 Episode 8: Running the Marathon of Accounting: Building Endurance for the CPA Journey

    In this episode, we explore what marathon training can teach us about preparing for the CPA Exam. From building consistent study habits to pacing yourself through setbacks, our guest professor shares how the endurance, discipline, and mental resilience needed to run mirrors the journey to becoming a CPA. Whether you're just lacing up for the first section or pushing through your own "wall," this conversation offers practical strategies, and motivational tips to keep moving forward—one mile and one study session at a time.   This episode is hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speaker, Nate Chang (CPA and Assistant Professor Saint Xavier University). For additional resources: STUDENTS Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.  First time signing up? Be sure to select "Next Stop: CPA Podcast" under the "I was referred by" question when completing your student membership application form. Returning student members can simply sign in to register for any new or on-demand webinars and applicable scholarships! Check out AICPA student webinars here. Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.  CANDIDATES Register for AICPA new candidate membership here. Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here. Get a head start with our AICPA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.  2026 Listener Survey

    16 min

  8. Mar 26

    Season 3 Episode 7: A Day in the Life of a Forensic and Business Valuation Practitioner

    Discover what a typical day looks like in your dream career—insights, experiences and expert advice await!   Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of accounting? Join us for an informative "Q&A with a CPA" session to gain valuable insights into the world of accounting, highlighting the motivations, responsibilities and essential skills associated with the profession.   This episode is facilitated by Hunter Richardson (Accounting and Computer Science student) who is joined by guest speaker Andre Castillo (Director, Forensic and Litigation at CBIZ Forensic Consulting Group, LLC) and focuses on a day in the life of a Forensics and Valuation Services Practitioner. For additional resources: STUDENTS Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.  First time signing up? Be sure to select "Next Stop: CPA Podcast" under the "I was referred by" question when completing your student membership application form. Returning student members can simply sign in to register for any new or on-demand webinars and applicable scholarships! Check out AICPA student webinars here. Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here.  CANDIDATES Register for AICPA new candidate membership here. Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here. Get a head start with our AICPA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.  2026 Listener Survey

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Essential listening for anyone thinking about pursuing their CPA license, this is the official podcast for the CPA Exam brought to you by the AICPA. Contact us at NextStopCPA@aicpa-cima.com.

Information

  • Creator
    AICPA & CIMA
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2026 Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Next Stop: CPA

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