Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil and David

Welcome to Everything CPA and Private Equity, the go-to podcast for accounting professionals navigating the rapidly evolving world of private equity. Hosted by the seasoned team at Whitman Transition Advisors, this podcast breaks down complex topics, shares expert insights, and provides actionable advice to help CPA firms understand and thrive in the private equity landscape. Each episode explores critical concepts, from investment strategies to partnership models, and features candid conversations with industry leaders and special guests. Whether you’re exploring opportunities, managing transitions, or simply curious about the latest trends, this podcast delivers the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and drive your firm’s success. Tune in, subscribe, and join us as we guide you through the intersection of accounting and private equity!
Episodes
Episodes



Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Ep 8: From $1M to $40M: What Private Equity Looks for in CPA Firms
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thinking about taking chips off the table or positioning your CPA firm for strategic growth? In this episode of Everything, CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl break down the latest trends in M&A and private equity investments in the accounting profession.
In this episode, you will be able to:
•Understand the latest private equity trends shaping the CPA industry
•Learn what makes a firm attractive to strategic investors
•Discover the factors that impact valuations and deal structures
•Gain insights into real transactions—from small firms to $40M+ practices
•Explore ways to maximize your firm’s value before engaging in a deal
Listen to the full episode now!
#AccountingMergers #PrivateEquityCPA #StrategicGrowth #CPAFirmValuation #MergersAndAcquisitions



Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Join hosts David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman as they engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Glenn Friedman, CEO and Co-Managing Partner of Prager Metis CPAs. In this episode, they explore how private equity is reshaping the accounting industry, driving growth, presenting challenges, and creating new opportunities for firms navigating this transformative era.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand how private equity is driving growth and consolidation in the accounting sector.
Discover the key reasons private equity firms are targeting accounting practices.
Learn about the challenges firms face in aligning younger and older partners with private equity strategies.
Gain insights into the evolving role of CPA firms as trusted advisors in a private equity landscape.
Explore predictions for the future, including public offerings and subscription models in accounting.
Need guidance on private equity or industry insights? Contact David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, or Glenn Friedman for tailored advice. They’re here to help!



Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, join David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, and guest David Kells as they dive deep into the strategies CPA firms need to thrive in today’s private equity landscape. From profitability tips to offshoring insights, this episode is packed with actionable advice!
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover why profitability is the cornerstone for private equity readiness.
Learn how offshoring can instantly boost your firm’s bottom line.
Understand the fundamentals of tackling inefficiencies within your processes.
Gain insights into aligning partner goals for impactful change.
Explore the transformative power of embracing a corporate structure within CPA firms.
Tune in to uncover expert strategies and actionable insights to elevate your firm’s value and seize opportunities in private equity!
Don’t miss out—listen now and subscribe for more!



Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Special Episode Alert: The Citrin Cooperman-Blackstone Deal Unpacked
This isn’t just any episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity—it’s a SPECIAL EDITION featuring an in-depth look at the monumental Citrin Cooperman Flip, powered by Blackstone, the largest private equity firm in the world. Join David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, Terry Putney, and David Kells as they explore how this groundbreaking deal is transforming the accounting industry!
In this episode, you’ll be able to:
Discover how Citrin Cooperman boosted profitability from $45M to $215M in just three years.
Learn why Blackstone’s involvement is a turning point for CPA firms and private equity.
Understand how private equity is reshaping the future of firms of all sizes with new opportunities.
Gain insights into the shift from partnership to corporate models and its transformative impact.
Explore expert predictions on how this deal will ripple across the accounting industry.
With decades of experience and exclusive insights, this panel breaks down why this is the most exciting time in the history of accounting. Whether you’re a CPA, a private equity enthusiast, or an industry leader, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.
#CPA #PrivateEquity #CitrinCooperman #Blackstone #FutureOfAccounting #AccountingInnovation



Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Ep 4: 2025 Insights Unlocking CPA and Private Equity Opportunities
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
New Year, New Opportunities in CPA & Private Equity!
Kick off 2025 with fresh insights from Everything CPA and Private Equity! Hosts David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman share their predictions for the year ahead, including the rise of new players, trends in firm profitability, and strategies to prepare for private equity opportunities. Whether you’re ready to dive in or just exploring your options, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you thrive in the year to come.
Start the new year strong—listen now and make 2025 your best year yet!
#CPA #PrivateEquity #FirmProfitability #MergersAndAcquisitions #AccountingIndustry



Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Ep 3: What CPA Firms Need to Know About Private Equity
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl explore how these transformative changes are reshaping CPA firms. From avoiding deal-breaking missteps to unlocking wealth-building opportunities for younger partners, they share real-world insights and strategies for success.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand how private equity is changing the CPA firm model and what it means for your business.
Learn the critical importance of language in negotiations and how to frame deals for success.
Explore wealth-building opportunities for younger partners and strategies to avoid traditional buyout burdens.
Discover how specialty practices can adapt to private equity-driven changes and seize new opportunities.
Gain actionable steps to increase your firm’s value and compete with private equity-backed firms.
This is an essential listen for any CPA firm leader looking to stay competitive and informed in today’s market. Don’t miss it!



Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Ep 2: How CPA Firms Can Maximize Value with Private Equity with David Kells
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
In this episode, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl are joined by special guest David Kells, leader of the Profit Team and former COO of Citroen Cooperman. They tackle the big question: How can CPA firms maximize their value before exploring private equity deals?
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand how to increase your firm's total enterprise value before a sale.
Discover the low-hanging fruits for operational efficiency and quick profit gains.
Learn why private equity prefers well-run firms over fixer-uppers.
Explore the importance of offshoring and process optimization for profitability.
Uncover the true impact of multiple bites of the apple for younger partners.
Don’t miss this episode—packed with actionable advice for CPA firms ready to seize new opportunities in today’s evolving market.
#CPA #PrivateEquity #FirmGrowth #BusinessStrategy #MergersAndAcquisitions



Monday Dec 02, 2024
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Are you a CPA or firm exploring private equity partnerships?
Dive into the exciting world of CPA and private equity with industry experts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl. This episode sets the stage for a series dedicated to unpacking private equity's impact on the accounting profession.
In this episode, you’ll be able to:
Understand why private equity investments in CPA firms are skyrocketing.
Learn the key terms and concepts like "rollover equity" and why they matter.
Discover how to evaluate offers beyond the multiple—what really drives value.
Hear about the cultural and strategic factors that ensure successful partnerships.
Gain insider tips on navigating the M&A journey with confidence.
Don’t miss out! Hit subscribe now to stay ahead in the evolving CPA landscape.
Have questions or thoughts about private equity in accounting? Message Phil and David on Linkedin!

About Whitman Transition Advisors
Our team works with 100’s of CPA firms just like yours, and more importantly, we know what drives success. That’s why we’ve built Whitman Transition Advisors with the leading experts who provide: