Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

Ep 16: Smaller CPA Firms Are Winning Big in Mergers!

Are you a $1M–$5M CPA firm thinking private equity isn’t for you? Think again.
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman dig into why smaller, profitable firms are more valuable than ever—and how geography, succession planning, and firm mindset play a bigger role than you think.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
•Understand why valuations for smaller CPA firms are on the rise
•Learn how profitability trumps size when it comes to private equity interest
•Discover why “flying under the radar” is no longer a winning strategy
•Get real-world examples of firms turning modest revenue into major value
•Explore how succession and talent struggles are actually attracting investors
 
Don’t miss this powerful conversation—listen to the full episode now and discover what’s possible for your firm.
 
#CPA #PrivateEquity #FirmValuation #SuccessionPlanning #MergersAndAcquisitions

Ep 15: Private Equity is not Prostitution!

Is private equity saving the accounting industry—or slowly taking it over? On this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, hosts David Wolfskehl and Philip Whitman, CPA, CEPA dive into the hot topic with Michael Horwitz, Executive Director of BDO Alliance USA and industry trailblazer Stanley Goldstein.
 
In this episode, you’ll be able to:
• Hear unfiltered insights on the pros and cons of private equity in accounting
• Discover how the BDO Alliance is shaping firm strategy nationwide
• Learn why Stanley Goldstein believes now is the time to be boldly optimistic
• Explore overlooked growth strategies beyond PE
• Understand how to invest in your firm and team the right way
 
Whether you love or question the PE wave, this episode is a must-listen!
 
#CPAIndustry #PrivateEquity #AccountingLeadership #BDOAllianceUSA #AccountingPodcast

Ep 14: Is your EBITDA holding you back from big deals?

Is your EBITDA the real reason your firm isn’t reaching its full potential?
 
In this episode, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl dive deep into the critical role EBITDA plays in determining your company’s value and its impact on mergers and acquisitions. They explore how profitability is now at the forefront of business growth, challenging the traditional focus on firm size alone!
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand how EBITDA impacts profitability and company valuations.
Learn how EBITDA is becoming a crucial factor in mergers and acquisitions.
Discover how to assess whether your pricing strategy is aligned with your revenue goals.
Get tips on improving profitability by evaluating pricing and client relationships.
Hear from industry experts with firsthand experience in handling multiple private equity deals.
 
Listen now to gain valuable insights and improve your profitability!
 
#EBITDA #Profitability #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessGrowth #PrivateEquity

Ep 13: How to Make Your CPA Firm More Valuable in Just 18 Months

Is it really possible to drastically increase your CPA firm’s value in just 18 months?
 
It may sound too good to be true, but with the right strategies in place, it’s absolutely achievable. In this episode, David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman, joined by expert guest Dave Kells, dive deep into actionable steps that can help elevate your firm’s profitability and valuation in less than two years. 
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Uncover why profitability is a critical factor in boosting your firm’s value.
Learn how operational efficiency can lead to huge improvements in valuation.
Discover the low-hanging fruit that can increase your bottom line quickly.
Find out how offshoring and technology can help optimize margins.
Get expert advice on how to position your firm for a successful sale or private equity deal.
 
Listen now to learn the strategies that can make your CPA firm more valuable in just 18 months!
 
#CPAFirm #Profitability #FirmValuation #PrivateEquity #Offshoring #AccountingGrowth

Ep 12: The Shoemaker’s Children Syndrome Can Ruin Your Deal

Is Your CPA Firm Guilty of the Shoemaker’s Children Syndrome?
Many CPA firms are excellent at helping clients stay financially strong but struggle to keep their own house in order. In this episode, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl dive into why internal disorganization can ruin private equity deals—and how to fix it before it’s too late.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Recognize how neglecting your firm’s financial readiness can cost you a deal
Learn why inconsistent messaging among partners raises red flags for investors
Discover how delays in providing financials can weaken your negotiating power
Understand the importance of preparation in making a strong first impression
Adopt best practices to ensure your firm is seen as a valuable investment
 
Don’t let poor preparation derail your private equity opportunities. Listen now. 
 
#CPAFirm #PrivateEquity #BusinessGrowth #MergersAndAcquisitions #LeadershipMatters

Ep 11: From $0 to a Top 30 Firm: The Ascend Growth Story

How Can CPA Firms Leverage Private Equity Without Losing Control?
 
Private equity is reshaping the CPA industry, but many firms hesitate—fearing loss of independence or the wrong financial move. So, what’s the right approach? In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with David Wurtzbacher, CEO & Founder of Ascend, and Nishaad Ruparel, President of Ascend, to break down what firms need to know to maximize growth, attract top talent, and stay competitive in a changing market.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand how private equity really works for CPA firms.
Learn the key factors Ascend uses to evaluate potential firm partnerships.
Discover how firms can scale faster with talent acquisition and technology.
Uncover the real impact of PE on young partners and long-term leadership.
Find out what sets successful firms apart in today’s competitive landscape.
 
Get the facts, not the fear—listen now!
 
#PrivateEquity #CPAFirms #FirmGrowth #TalentStrategy #AccountingLeadership

Ep 10: Why CPAs Are Betting Big on Private Equity-And Winning with Lee Cohen

Is Private Equity the Future of CPA Firms? Find Out in This Episode
 
In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, we sit down with Lee Cohen, a CPA firm leader who made the bold leap into private equity. He shares what it’s really like post-transaction, the biggest misconceptions CPA firms have about PE, and why this model could be the key to long-term success and firm growth. From leadership evolution to staff equity opportunities, this conversation is packed with insights for any CPA firm owner considering their next move.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand the biggest fears CPA firm leaders have about private equity—and the reality behind them
Learn how private equity removes the admin burden so firms can focus on growth and client service
Discover how equity buy-in programs are changing the game for young CPAs
Gain insights into the new role of managing partners in a PE-backed firm
Hear Lee’s personal experience on finding the right PE partner and making the leap
 
Listen to the full episode now!
 
#PrivateEquity #CPAIndustry #AccountingLeadership #MergersAndAcquisitions #FirmGrowth #CPAInsights

Ep 9: A Year to Transform: How CPA Firms Can 5X Their Valuation

In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl sits down with David Kells, leader of the Profit Team and former COO of Citrin Cooperman, to discuss what CPA firms must do to prepare for a successful transaction. Whether you’re considering private equity or aiming to stay independent, this conversation will help you position your firm for maximum profitability and efficiency.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Identify the key financial fundamentals that make your firm more attractive to buyers
Optimize your people, process, and technology for maximum efficiency
Understand how private equity evaluates CPA firms and how to increase your valuation
Learn how offshoring can be a game-changer—and the biggest mistakes firms make
Avoid the common pitfalls that reduce enterprise value and delay deals
 
Listen to the full episode to gain valuable insights on strengthening your firm’s position for future opportunities.
 
Have questions or need guidance? Contact Dave Kells at dkells@whitmantransition.com to discuss how the Profit Team can help you optimize your firm for growth, efficiency, and maximum valuation!