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.

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STUDENTS

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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).

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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.
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• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

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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.
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• 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 AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

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.
• 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 AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

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.
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• 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 AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

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.
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CANDIDATES

• Register for AICPA new candidate membership here.
• Check out the AICPA CPA Exam booklet here.
• Get a head start with our AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

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.
• 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 AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

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.
• 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 AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

Are you preparing to take the CPA Exam for the first time? In this episode, we sit down with two prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award winners who share their personal journeys, including the challenges they faced and the strategies that helped them succeed. Whether you are looking for a few helpful study hacks or just practical advice on how to balance it all, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration from top scorers who've been in your shoes. Tune in for the ultimate CPA Exam survival guide—and remember, every CPA started as a first-time test taker! This episode is hosted by Liz Burkhalter (Director CPA Pipeline, AICPA) who is joined by guest speakers, Samuel Abram and Ujjwal Ahluwalia. Bonus resource: Be sure to check out this article for helpful guidance from additional award winners! https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/exam/articles/passing-exam/cpa-exam-success-momentum-and-focus/.

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• 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 AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey

Curious about the steps for international students to earn a U.S. CPA? This episode covers everything from education requirements and application guidance to new licensure pathways and where you can take the CPA Exam. Get expert advice on practical tips, resources, and new tools—like the NASBA CPA Mobile App—to help you succeed from anywhere in the world. This episode is hosted by Lindsey Yopp (Sr. Manager CPA Candidate Engagement, AICPA) who is joined by guest, Kyle Barrier (Associate Director of International Evaluation Services at the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy). Bonus resources: Be sure to check out… • https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/segmented-landing/international-licensure/ • https://nasba.org/products/nasbainternationalevaluationservices/ • https://nasba.org/nasba-cpa-mobile-app/ • https://nasba.org/internationalexam/ • https://nasba.org/blog/2025/07/01/new-licensure-pathways/

For additional resources:

STUDENTS

• Register for free AICPA student affiliate membership here.
• 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 AIPCA CPA Exam Blueprints article here.

2026 Listener Survey