Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

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!
 
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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!
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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!
 
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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