Next Stop: CPA

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 [https://2ly.link/24ilT]. * Check out AICPA student webinars here [https://2ly.link/24ilZ]. * Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here [https://2ly.link/24ile]. CANDIDATES * Register for AICPA new candidate membership here [https://2ly.link/24ilq]. * Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here [https://2ly.link/24ilv]. * Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here [https://2ly.link/24ily]. 2026 Listener Survey [show/episodes/view/episodes/view/show/episodes/edit/39384185]

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 [https://2ly.link/24ilT]. * Check out AICPA student webinars here [https://2ly.link/24ilZ]. * Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here [https://2ly.link/24ile]. CANDIDATES * Register for AICPA new candidate membership here [https://2ly.link/24ilq]. * Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here [https://2ly.link/24ilv]. * Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here [https://2ly.link/24ily]. 2026 Listener Survey [show/episodes/view/episodes/view/show/episodes/edit/39384185]

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/. [https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/education/scholarship-search/aicpa-accounting-scholars-leadership-workshop/] For additional resources: STUDENTS * Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here [https://2ly.link/24ilT]. * Check out AICPA student webinars here [https://2ly.link/24ilZ]. * Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here [https://2ly.link/24ile]. CANDIDATES * Register for AICPA new candidate membership here [https://2ly.link/24ilq]. * Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here [https://2ly.link/24ilv]. * Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here [https://2ly.link/24ily]. 2026 Listener Survey [episodes/view/show/episodes/edit/39384185]

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 [https://2ly.link/24ilT]. * Check out AICPA student webinars here [https://2ly.link/24ilZ]. * Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here [https://2ly.link/24ile]. CANDIDATES * Register for AICPA new candidate membership here [https://2ly.link/24ilq]. * Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here [https://2ly.link/24ilv]. * Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here [https://2ly.link/24ily]. 2026 Listener Survey [episodes/view/episodes/view/episodes/view/show/episodes/edit/39384185]

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 [https://2ly.link/24ilT]. * Check out AICPA student webinars here [https://2ly.link/24ilZ]. * Get a head start with our AICPA Career Guide here [https://2ly.link/24ile]. CANDIDATES * Register for AICPA new candidate membership here [https://2ly.link/24ilq]. * Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here [https://2ly.link/24ilv]. * Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here [https://2ly.link/24ily]. 2026 Listener Survey [episodes/view/episodes/view/show/episodes/edit/39384185]