Season 3 Episode 10: Beyond the Score: Mindset Shifts for CPA Exam Success
Release Date: 05/07/2026
Season 3 Episode 16: A Day in the Life of a Municipal Money Manager
Next Stop: CPA
Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of accounting? Discover what a typical day looks like in your dream career! This episode is facilitated by Hunter Richardson (Accounting and Computer Science student at the Georgia Institute for Technology) and is joined by Janella Andrews, CPA, Accounting Manager for the city of Palm Springs, CA who shares her personal journey into the world of government accounting, including her fascinating role in the city’s financial affairs as a public servant, as well as valuable insights from her career. For additional resources: STUDENTS ...
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Season 3 Episode 15: Study Smarter: Practical Tips for CPA Exam Success
Next Stop: CPA
If you’ve ever created a study plan and struggled to stick with it, you’re not alone. This episode breaks down how to study smarter as you prepare to take the CPA Exam. The discussion covers how to build a realistic timeline, common study mistakes to avoid, and proven techniques that improve retention and efficiency. Designed for candidates juggling multiple responsibilities, this episode helps you study with intention, stay consistent, and move forward with a plan that works for you. Hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager, CPA Pipeline, AICPA) with guest Blake...
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Season 3 Episode 14: From CPA to CEO: Ask Me Anything
Next Stop: CPA
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...
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Season 3 Episode 13: Beyond Audit & Tax: Building a Career in Big Tech
Next Stop: CPA
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 . First time...
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Season 3 Episode 12: Start Strong: Career Readiness & Success Skills
Next Stop: CPA
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...
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Season 3 Episode 11: The Leadership Advantage for Aspiring CPAs
Next Stop: CPA
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...
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Season 3 Episode 10: Beyond the Score: Mindset Shifts for CPA Exam Success
Next Stop: CPA
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...
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Season 3 Episode 9: Big Impact, Small Firm: Exploring Diverse CPA Careers
Next Stop: CPA
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...
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Season 3 Episode 8: Running the Marathon of Accounting: Building Endurance for the CPA Journey
Next Stop: CPA
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...
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Season 3 Episode 7: A Day in the Life of a Forensic and Business Valuation Practitioner
Next Stop: CPA
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...
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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.
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