Advertise on podcast: Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

Is the highest offer really the best deal for your CPA firm? In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, and Dave Kells discuss why CPA firm leaders should avoid drifting into transactions without a clear strategy. They explore the importance of understanding your options, evaluating potential buyers beyond the financial offer, and preparing your firm to maximize its value before making one of the biggest decisions in its history. In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand the risks of drifting into a transaction and why having a clear strategy before considering offers is essential. • Discover why the highest multiple doesn’t always translate into the greatest enterprise value or the best long-term outcome. • Learn how cultural alignment, leadership expectations, and strategic fit can influence the success of a transaction. • Explore how deal structures, adjusted EBITDA, and working capital requirements can impact the actual value of an offer. • Identify ways to strengthen your firm’s profitability, operational efficiency, and overall value before entering the M&A marketplace.   Listen to the full episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity to learn why thoughtful planning, the right strategic partner, and a clear understanding of your firm’s goals can make all the difference in achieving the best possible outcome! #EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAFirmMA #PrivateEquity #CPAFirmValuation #SuccessionPlanning

How does a CPA firm build a competitive acquisition strategy while staying true to its culture and long-term vision? Recorded live at BDO Evolve in Las Vegas, this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity features David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman in conversation with Jeremy Hartzell, COO and General Counsel of HBK.  In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand how HBK structured acquisitions around EBITDA, partner equity, and long-term growth opportunities. • Discover why leadership alignment, cultural compatibility, and strong relationships can influence acquisition decisions beyond purchase price. • Explore how HBK’s wealth management and IT services create additional value for incoming partners and expand opportunities for clients. • Learn how an integrated legal and M&A team can streamline negotiations, reduce transaction friction, and accelerate deal execution. • Understand how strategic acquisitions, succession planning, and geographic expansion can create opportunities for sustainable firm growth. Please note: This episode was recorded before HBK announced its private equity investment. The conversation reflects HBK’s strategy at the time of recording, and we’re excited to see how the firm builds on that foundation as it enters its next chapter. Listen to the full episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity to hear Jeremy’s insights on acquisitions, leadership, and building a firm positioned for long-term success. #EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAFirmGrowth #MergersAndAcquisitions #PrivateEquity #AccountingLeadership

What if the best time to prepare your CPA firm for a transaction is years before you ever plan to make one?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman sit down with Mark Martukovich, CPA, of Business Advisory and Accounting Partners to discuss how he transformed a traditionally transactional CPA practice into a more predictable, scalable advisory business.    In this episode, you will be able to: • Learn how to turn informal advisory conversations into structured, repeatable service offerings • Understand how recurring advisory agreements can create more predictable revenue and cash flow • Explore why building systems that are not dependent on one partner can make a firm more scalable • Discover how predictable, profitable advisory revenue can influence the way a firm is valued in a transaction • Learn how to begin introducing advisory services without waiting for the model to be perfect   Listen to the full episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity to hear how intentional planning, recurring advisory services, and scalable systems can help build a more valuable firm before it’s time to make a deal! #EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAAdvisory #CPAFirms #PrivateEquity #FirmValue

Can a CPA firm remain fiercely independent and still thrive in today’s rapidly changing market? In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl sits down with Dave Kells to reflect on key takeaways from BDO Evolve in Las Vegas.  In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand why both private equity and independence require intentional strategic planning • Learn how working on the business—not just in the business—can improve long-term firm performance • Identify the KPIs, data, and operational insights firms need to make better decisions • Explore how professional leadership, technology, talent, and new service lines can support sustainable growth • Discover why stronger firms have greater flexibility, negotiating power, and opportunity regardless of the path they choose   Whether your firm is exploring outside investment or committed to remaining independent, the fundamentals still matter!   #EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAProfession #FirmGrowth #AccountingLeadership #PrivateEquity

What does it take to keep an independent CPA firm growing while the profession is changing faster than ever?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman sits down with Dane Boeckermann, CEO of BGM, to discuss the firm’s entrepreneurial growth strategy, its succession-focused approach, and how BGM is preparing its people and clients for AI.   In this episode, you will be able to: • Learn how BGM expanded beyond traditional accounting into wealth management, trust services, investment banking, and more • Understand how private equity has influenced BGM’s strategy while maintaining a focus on future ownership and leadership • Explore how BGM is training its people to experiment with AI and build practical agents for everyday work • Discover how the firm is balancing AI-driven efficiency with people and career development • Learn how BGM plans to turn its internal AI experience into new advisory opportunities for clients   Listen to the full episode!   #EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAProfession #ArtificialIntelligence #FirmGrowth #AccountingLeadership

What should CPA firms focus on today to stay relevant? In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Michael Horwitz of the BDO Alliance to discuss the forces reshaping the profession, from private equity and AI to growth, governance, and independence. In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand how private equity is changing firm valuations and strategic options • Learn why growth must be intentional and well planned • Explore how AI is widening the gap between firms that invest and firms that wait • Discover why relationships and governance matter more than ever • Identify what independent firms should prioritize to stay competitive   Listen to the full episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity for Michael’s perspective on where the profession is headed and how firms can prepare! #EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAProfession #AccountingLeadership #PrivateEquity #FirmGrowth

What if every decision in your firm could be measured against one clear vision?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Suzanne Forbes, CEO of James Moore, to discuss how the firm transformed its vision from a simple statement into the foundation for strategy, governance, recruiting, culture, and growth.    In this episode, you will be able to: • Learn how James Moore uses its vision as a filter for strategic and operational decisions • Discover why repeatedly communicating a firm’s vision is essential for partner and team alignment • Understand how governance structures evolve to support long-term firm growth • Explore how vision influences recruiting, leadership development, and client relationships • See why accountability is critical when partners or team members are not aligned with the firm’s direction   Listen to the full episode!   #EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAProfession #AccountingLeadership #FirmGrowth #FirmCulture

What does it take to build a modern accounting platform designed for long-term growth?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl speak with Rohit Chande of Count about his journey from engineering and consulting to building billion-dollar businesses and entering the accounting profession with a different model.   In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand how Count Technologies differs from a traditional private equity model • Learn why investing in people and future leaders remains critical as AI transforms accounting work • Explore how AI can strengthen human judgment, client relationships, and advisory capabilities • Discover Count’s five strategic pillars across tax, accounting, CFO services, wealth management, and digital advisory • Understand why long-term capital, global capabilities, and firm optionality matter when choosing a strategic partner   Listen to the full episode!   #EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #AccountingTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #CPAProfession #FirmGrowth

How will AI, talent shortages, and changing expectations reshape the accounting profession over the next five years?   Recorded at the 10th anniversary of AICPA ENGAGE, Phil Whitman sits down with AICPA CEO Mark Koziel to discuss the profession’s rapid transformation. They explore why firms must rethink how they develop young professionals, how AI is creating new opportunities for advisory and assurance, and why CPAs must remain at the center of trust, governance, and business decision-making.   In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand why the accounting talent shortage is unlikely to disappear and how firms can respond • Explore how simulation-based training could better prepare new associates for client work • Learn how AI is changing traditional accounting roles rather than simply eliminating entry-level work • Discover the emerging opportunities for CPAs in AI governance, controls, validation, and assurance • Understand how firms can adopt new technologies faster while maintaining trust, oversight, and professional standards   Listen to the full episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity for an insightful conversation about the future of the CPA profession and the opportunities ahead! #EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAProfession #AccountingLeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfAccounting

Is your firm’s biggest growth challenge finding the right people? For many CPA firms, talent—not clients—is the biggest barrier to growth. Looking beyond your local market can expand your talent pool, increase capacity, and help your firm scale. In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, hosts Philip Whitman, CPA and David Wolfskehl are joined by David Pence, Melissa Pinedo, and Ely Lim to discuss how CPA firms are building successful global teams across Latin America and the Philippines. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how global hiring can solve staffing shortages and support firm growth. Compare the advantages of hiring talent in Latin America and the Philippines. Discover how to integrate offshore professionals into one unified firm culture. Explore how global talent can reduce costs while expanding capacity. Understand key considerations around compliance, security, and workforce management.   Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to Everything CPA & Private Equity for more conversations shaping the future of the accounting profession!   #CPAFirms #GlobalTalent #Offshoring #AccountingLeadership #FirmGrowth

Is your firm preparing for the future—or falling behind?   In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, David Wolfskehl sit down with Calvin Harris, CPA, CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs, to discuss the biggest trends impacting the profession and the leadership mindset firms need to succeed in the years ahead.   In this episode, you will be able to:   * Understand the major forces transforming the CPA profession and what they mean for your firm. * Learn why adopting a future-focused mindset is one of the most important leadership skills today. * Discover how AI, offshoring, and private equity can become opportunities instead of obstacles. * See why investing in your people, technology, and professional network is essential for long-term growth. * Gain practical insights to help your firm adapt, innovate, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.   The firms that thrive tomorrow are the ones making intentional decisions today. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to Everything CPA & Private Equity for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of the accounting profession!   #CPAFirms #AccountingLeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #PrivateEquity #FutureOfAccounting

Are your people thriving, or are they quietly burning out? In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Amy Vetter, CPA, CEO of The B3 Method Institute, to discuss one of the most important—and often overlooked—drivers of firm success: people.   In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand how fulfillment and employee engagement impact firm profitability • Learn how to measure the ROI of culture, leadership, and wellness initiatives • Discover why top performers are often the most at risk for burnout • Explore strategies for improving retention, innovation, and team alignment • See how firms can create sustainable growth while reducing workload and turnover   The firms that win in the future won’t just invest in technology. They’ll invest in their people.   Listen now to the full episode!   #EverythingCPAandPE #AmyVetter #CPAFirmGrowth #AccountingLeadership #FirmCulture

How do you scale a firm without losing its culture?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Erin McAuley, Chief People Officer, Springline Advisory, to discuss why people strategy has become a competitive advantage in today’s accounting profession. From culture due diligence to leadership development and employee ownership, Erin shares how firms can grow while preserving the relationships and values that made them successful in the first place.   In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand why your people strategy should be your business strategy • Learn how the “Big Small Firm” model creates opportunities for both clients and employees • Discover how culture assessments help identify the right growth and partnership fit • Explore innovative approaches to leadership development, retention, and career mobility • See how employee ownership programs can create stronger engagement and long-term commitment   Listen now to learn how leading firms are scaling with purpose, preserving culture, and building the next generation of firm leaders!   #EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmGrowth #PeopleStrategy #AccountingLeadership #TalentDevelopment #FirmCulture

Are you evaluating your firm’s future but unsure which growth and ownership model is right for you?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Josh Funk of Crete Professionals Alliance to discuss a different approach to CPA firm growth, ownership, and partnership.   In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand the difference between partner equity and traditional private equity models. • Learn how CPA firms can maintain entrepreneurial independence while accessing additional resources. • Discover how local ownership and culture can be preserved during growth. • Explore how technology partnerships are helping firms prepare for the future. • Gain insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the next generation of CPA firms.   Listen now to hear Josh’s perspective on the evolving CPA landscape and what it means for firm leaders planning for growth, succession, and long-term value!   #EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirms #PrivateEquity #PartnerEquity #AccountingIndustry

Thinking about building a more valuable CPA firm—but not sure where to start?   In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Mark Martukovich of Business Advisory & Accounting Partners to discuss how shifting from transactional accounting work to structured advisory services transformed his firm’s value, predictability, and growth potential.   In this episode, you will be able to: • Learn how advisory services can increase firm value and predictability • Understand why recurring revenue changes the way firms are valued • Discover how to systematize advisory work instead of delivering it ad hoc • Identify simple ways to start introducing advisory services to clients • See how long-term planning can create more leverage in M&A conversations   Listen to this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity to learn how intentional growth and advisory-driven strategy can reshape the future of your CPA firm!   #EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #AdvisoryServices #CPAFirmGrowth #PrivateEquityInAccounting