Next Stop: CPA

Latest Episodes:

Season 3 Episode 21: Big 4 or Bust? Finding Success After a Door Closes Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

The job market is changing, and so is the path to becoming a CPA. In this episode, we sit down with a nationally recognized leader who is helping shape the future in recruiting to explore today's hiring landscape, the evolving role of AI, and how you can continue building momentum even when career plans take an unexpected turn. Be sure to tune in for expert advice to help you stand out, stay adaptable, and find opportunities in every step of the journey.

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager, CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speaker, Ken Bouyer (CPA and EY Americas Director of Inclusiveness Recruiting).

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

Season 3 Episode 20: Mind the Gap: What Employers Really Need from New CPAs Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

The accounting profession is evolving fast, and the expectations for new CPAs are shifting right along with it. This episode unpacks the AICPA's Profession Ready Initiative, a major research-backed effort to identify the skills that early-career CPAs need to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven workplace. The discussion explores what employers are seeing on the ground when it comes to skill gaps at the entry level, how automation and technology are reshaping day-one expectations, and what the profession is doing to close those gaps through a new Skills and Competency Framework, planned learning solutions, and deeper academic collaboration.

Whether you are still in school or just getting started in your career, this episode will give you a clearer picture of what it means to be truly profession ready in today's landscape.

Hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager, CPA Pipeline, AICPA) with guest Carl Mayes (VP of Ethics & Firm Quality, AICPA).

Interested in the AICPA Profession Ready Initiative? To learn more or explore opportunities to get involved, reach out to professionready@aicpa-cima.com.

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

Season 3 Episode 19: More Than a Number: How the CPA Exam Is Scored Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

You've seen the score, but how is it actually calculated? It all comes down to psychometrics – the science of measuring knowledge and skills – and how it helps ensure the exam is fair, accurate, and consistent.

You'll learn about blind scoring, how the passing score is determined, and why it's not a percentage. We also walk through how different question types factor into your score, the role of pre-test questions, and how to interpret your Candidate Performance Report if you need to retake a section.

Be sure to tune into this episode to build a stronger understanding of how your performance is measured so you can step into test day with clarity.

Hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager, CPA Pipeline, AICPA) with guest speaker Carl Setzer (Director - Psychometrics & Research - Examinations, AICPA).

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

Season 3 Episode 18: The Science Behind the CPA Exam: Building Test Questions Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

If you have ever wondered who writes the test questions on the CPA Exam and how they are created, this episode is your behind-the-scenes look at the test development process.

Learn how content aligns to the CPA Exam Blueprints, what reviewers look for in a strong question, and how a thorough review process helps ensure clarity, fairness, and the right level of difficulty. It also helps demystify the process so you can prepare with more context, less guesswork, and more confidence.

Hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager, CPA Pipeline, AICPA) with guest speaker Jeff West (Senior Manager of Test Development - Examinations, AICPA).

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

Season 3 Episode 17: Inside the Numbers: Understanding CPA Exam Trends Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

If you've been following the CPA Exam's transformation under the CPA Evolution and wondering how the new model is actually performing, this episode breaks it all down and takes a data-driven look at what two years of exam results reveal about the Core and Discipline sections.

The discussion covers how pass rates and candidate volumes have shifted since the January 2024 launch, what the data really says about differences between the three Discipline sections, and why choosing one based solely on pass rates may not be the best strategy. This episode helps you cut through the noise and make a more informed decision about your exam journey.

Hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Senior Manager, CPA Pipeline, AICPA) with guest Joe Maslott (CPA and Director of Content Management – Examinations, AICPA).

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

Season 3 Episode 16: A Day in the Life of a Municipal Money Manager Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

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

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

Season 3 Episode 15: Study Smarter: Practical Tips for CPA Exam Success Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

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 Carroll, CPA.

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

Season 3 Episode 14: From CPA to CEO: Ask Me Anything Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

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

Season 3 Episode 13: Beyond Audit & Tax: Building a Career in Big Tech Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

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

Season 3 Episode 12: Start Strong: Career Readiness & Success Skills Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

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

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