Navigating the landscape of accounting and technology just got easier with Megan Lewczyk, your CPA and CMA guide. Join her as she demystifies IT, fosters innovation, and supports those on their journey to ace their accounting exams.
In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my business and the real journey behind my career. I walk through how my work has evolved over the last decade including what has worked for me and what hasn't (yet). This is the most I ever shared about how I built a career that fits my life as a remote solopreneur, a mom, and a military spouse.
If you’ve ever felt behind or like your path is not the "traditional accounting" route for success, this episode is for you. I share with you my current revenue streams and lessons I have learned. This is what it truly looks like to build something that works for your life.
My hope is that it inspires you to create a career that fits your life too!
28 Oct 2025
S2E1: My Accounting Origin Story
Welcome back to Next Level Accountant. It's a new season, new energy, new state… and honestly, a very overdue catch-up. In this episode, I'm kicking off Season 2 by letting you in on what's been going on during the break: moving (again), getting settled in North Carolina, rebuilding the business while dealing with licensing. This has been a very "figure it out as we go" season for me and my family.
I'm also finally telling the story I get asked about often: how I actually ended up doing what I do. I didn't plan to be an accountant. I did not take the traditional public accounting ladder and stay put. I did not even start as an accounting major.
My path has been extremely non-linear, and I want you to hear that on purpose.
We get into:
• My origin story and the many twists and turns
• Why "launch messy" sometimes beats "wait until it's perfect"
• The intention behind my new audiobook for CPA candidates, CPA Exam Ready
🔊 Mentioned:
CPA Exam Ready – 7 days of Meditations & Affirmations for CPA candidates
Apple Books + included with Spotify Premium
🔗 https://link.megan.cpa/cpa-exam-ready
Connect with me:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlewczyk/
• Website: https://www.megan.cpa
18 Oct 2024
Ep 9. Sorry, Gen AI didn't Ace the CPA Exam
In this episode, Megan is skeptical about the hype around AI potentially passing the CPA exam. She discusses how generative AI models score high on practice test content but explains why this doesn't equate to passing the real thing. By examining the CPA scoring system and the intricacies involved, Megan highlights the enduring necessity of human expertise and personalized professional advice in accounting. Listen to understand the balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining the irreplaceable value of human touch in the profession.
11 Sept 2024
8. GenAI Skills Everyone Should Be Mastering Right Now
In this episode, Megan breaks down the essential generative AI skills every accountant should master today, from understanding how it works to using voice tools for efficient brainstorming. She also explains how to analyze technical documents with AI and the importance of choosing a suitable model for your tasks. Tune in for a quick, actionable overview of the GenAI skills that will keep you ahead in the fast-evolving accounting and technology space.
As discussed in the episode:
Chatbot Arena is an open-source research project developed by LYSYS and University of California, Berkeley (https://www.linkedin.com/company/uc-berkeley/) SkyLab members
🔗 https://link.megan.cpa/chatbot-battle (https://link.megan.cpa/chatbot-battle)
23 Apr 2024
7. Strategies for CPA & CMA Candidates to Restart Studying after a Break
In this episode, Megan delves into the challenges and strategies for CPA and CMA exam candidates resuming their studies after unexpected breaks. From personal experiences to practical tips, learn how to overcome setbacks and re-engage with your exam preparation effectively. Megan provides insights into adjusting study plans, leveraging new resources, and dealing with emotional hurdles, offering motivation and support to help you navigate this crucial phase of your professional journey.
15 Nov 2023
6. Tech Update: Exploring No-Code Solutions and AI Developments
In this episode, join host Megan as she delves into the exciting world of no-code solutions and the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI). Discover how no-code tools empower accountants to create and innovate without requiring extensive technical computer science skills, making efficiency more accessible than ever. From building sophisticated websites to creating unique logos with generative AI, this episode explores how these technologies are revolutionizing more than just the accounting industry.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
My friend and "no-code wizard" who I suggest you follow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-peverelli/
If you're interested in the Deloitte event I discussed, be sure to follow Daniel for future events:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshorstein/
Show notes:
[0:00] Welcome to a new episode exploring today's topics on no-code solutions and AI developments.
[1:10] Delving into the importance of no-code tools for accountants, their ease of use, and real-world applications.
[3:45] A closer look at specific no-code platforms, including insights into Webflow and Zapier.
[4:00] Megan shares her personal experiences in successfully using no-code tools for website design and automation.
[8:00] Discussing the latest updates in generative AI and its applications in logo design.
[9:35] Exploring the creative process in AI design, cost efficiency, and potential copyright issues.
[13:45] Key takeaways from a recent Deloitte AI event highlighting the future of AI in data analysis and decision-making.
[17:15] The transformative impact of AI and no-code tools in accounting, including personalized GPT models and AI's iterative learning.
[20:00] Wrapping up with final thoughts on the potential of these technologies in the accounting sector.
3 Oct 2023
5. Mastering the CPA Exam: Insights, Tips, and Navigating the 2024 Evolution
In this episode, Megan delves deep into the CPA Exam. She shares invaluable tips and strategies for candidates, from where to start if you're considering taking the CPA Exam to how to optimize your studying to maximize your exam score. Whether you're a first-time taker or retesting, this episode is a treasure trove of guidance. Dive in as Megan demystifies what's on the exam, offers study techniques, and provides much-needed motivation.
30 Aug 2023
4. Beyond Writing Assistance: Unleashing AI's Potential and Oversight
In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of generative AI and its potential far beyond just writing assistance. Join us as Megan discusses her evolving mindset about AI technology, sharing insights into its applications and limitations. Discover how this technology is changing the accounting landscape and the critical role professionals play in responsibly harnessing its power.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Request for ChatGPT/OpenAI SOC 2: https://trust.openai.com/
The Pythonic Accountant Episode "Building an App with ChatGPT: Import PDFs for Accounting Transactions!" (shout out and thanks to Daniel Shorstein, CPA): https://youtu.be/VZZZId93hGU?si=A5lGyRc5sl-6lWRI
Show notes:
[0:00] Megan's new perspectives on AI since the last episode
[1:10] Recap the last episode's discussion on ChatGPT/generative AI, including AI limitations such as data gaps, reliance on secondary sources, and potential inaccuracies.
[2:00] The role of professionals in ensuring reliable and accurate data interpretation.
[2:25] Addressing data security concerns, particularly for CPAs with sensitive client information.
[3:08] Introduction to the enterprise version of AI tools, offering increased data partitioning and security.
[4:00] Megan's insights into the value of SOC 2 reports for assessing AI tools' trustworthiness.
[6:00] The intriguing potential of AI as more than just a writing assistant.
[7:30] AI's expanded role & Daniel's experience with AI's coding interpreter
[9:00] Recognizing the efficiency and scope of AI beyond traditional robotic process automation; a powerful assistant and co-creator.
[10:00] Concluding thoughts on the exciting future of AI in accounting and the transformative impact ahead.
29 Jul 2023
3. Generative AI (ChatGPT) and Accounting: Friend or Foe?
In this episode, we discuss generative AI and ChatGPT. Megan shares how she uses this technology and her mindset about when to use it. However, she highlights its limitations, particularly in dealing with technical content. She encourages professionals to incorporate their expertise to avoid generic results. Despite its drawbacks, generative AI can be a valuable tool when used thoughtfully.
Show notes:
[00:00] Intro to today's chat about generative AI and its future potential with basic peanut butter example
[04:30] Megan's use of ChatGPT
[05:50] Key limitations of generative AI - it's not always up-to-date and lacks proprietary technical data.
[07:30] AI's limitations in understanding technical content and the necessity for expert review
[08:00] Issue of AI misusing accounting terminology due to lack of precise understanding.
[10:30] Addressing the concern of AI plagiarism and CYA including software like iThenticate and Grammarly.
[14:30] Emphasized expert oversight to prevent AI from producing generic copies.
[15:30] Story: Using ChatGPT for creating behavioral interview questions for babysitters.
[18:45] ChatGPT's promising feature: querying personal documents.
[19:30] Final thoughts.
24 Jul 2023
2. Overcoming Exam Failures: How to Shift Your Mindset about the CPA Exam
In this episode, we dive deep into overcoming failures, specifically focusing on the challenges of passing the CPA Exam. The host shares personal experiences of facing hurdles and redirections in her life and how a powerful mantra helped her persist through difficult times. Learn valuable lessons about mindset shifts and the importance of wanting success more than fearing failure.
The host shares her journey of failing the CPA Exam (as an overachiever) and how it affected her emotionally and professionally. She emphasizes the significance of adopting a growth mindset and shares her empowering mantra to help listeners stay motivated through their own challenges.
[00:00] - Introduction to the podcast's topic direction and Megan's journey with the CPA exam.
[02:00] - Megan shares her personal mantra for overcoming challenges and discusses the importance of wanting success more than fearing failure.
[03:30] - Megan shares that she failed the CPA exam multiple times and how she coped with this reality as an overachiever.
[05:00] - Reflecting on the emotional toll of exam failure and emphasizing the need for resilience and a growth mindset.
[06:30] - Megan's personal mistakes during CPA exam attempts, including underestimating the exam and poor scheduling, as well as the dangers of comparison.
[16:00] - Discussion of the long-term benefits and value of becoming a CPA, comparing the CPA exam to other professional development like an MBA and coaching programs.
[18:30] - Insights on the average number of attempts to pass the CPA exam and practical advice on exam scheduling.
[20:00] - Understanding the importance of certification for career growth and that you can become a CPA even after failure
21 Jul 2023
1. The New CPA Exam: Demystifying the Changes and Saying Goodbye to BEC
In this episode, we address the anxieties surrounding the CPA exam transformation, specifically the upcoming changes to the Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) section. Our host, Megan, a seasoned CPA, assures listeners that these changes are not the end of the world but rather an opportunity to start fresh.
She goes in-depth on what the changes mean, the motivation behind them, and how they could impact your preparation strategies. Plus, she shares her take on the potential benefits of the shift in exam structure and content.
Show Notes:
[0:00] Introduction: Fear and concerns around the new CPA exam
[0:32] Changing perspectives: Failure is not a failure.
[0:45] The focus of today's discussion: Farewell to the BEC section
[2:00] Review course providers: pushing for BEC before exam changes
[3:20] Implications for non-native English speakers: written communication section will be going away
[4:00] Score calibration and delays to score release in the early days of the new exam sections
[5:00] The impact of delayed scores on professional progression and bonuses
[6:00] Excitement about the new CPA exam: Trimming irrelevant content and adding higher complexity tasks
[6:45] The misconception about BEC: Relocating sections, not completely disappearing
[7:00] An introduction to new discipline sections: IT, Business Analysis & Reporting, and Tax Compliance & Planning
[7:45] Megan's personal preference for the IT section
[8:30] Overview of the other sections and their benefits
[9:00] Conclusion: Questions, concerns, and where to find Megan for further discussions
token: SBFF4p40IxIPU52WegYY
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