Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

Ep 33: Efficiency = Valuation: The Power of Tech in CPA Deals with Joe Carufe

Is your firm’s outdated tech holding back growth—and lowering valuation?
 
Tech isn’t just a back-office tool anymore—it’s a growth driver in private equity deals. In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Joe Carufe of Karbon to explore how the right tech stack transforms firms before and after a PE transaction.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
 
Understand why PE firms see tech infrastructure as critical to scaling CPA practices
Learn how standardized workflows and training boost profitability and efficiency
Discover how smaller firms gain a “rocket booster” of innovation when joining PE platforms
Explore why tech prep matters even if you’re not planning to sell soon
See how improved efficiency translates directly into higher valuations
 
Listen now to hear how PE-backed firms are modernizing through tech—and why preparing your stack today sets you up for success tomorrow.
 
#PrivateEquity #CPAFirmGrowth #AccountingTechnology #WorkflowAutomation #FirmValuation

Ep 32: Beyond the Big Firms: How Sub-$3M Practices Are Getting PE Deals

Are smaller CPA firms being overlooked in the private equity wave?
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl break down why firms under $3M are finding new opportunities in today’s market—and why it’s not just the large firms that PE is after.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
• Understand why over 200+ PE groups are looking at CPA firms—and what that means for smaller practices
• Discover why “cash at closing” changes the traditional succession playbook
• Learn how niche services and profitability drive firm value in PE deals
• Explore why culture and chemistry matter just as much as multiples
• Hear why now is the best time ever to be a CPA firm owner
 
Listen now to uncover what’s really happening in the CPA and PE marketplace—and how your firm can be part of it!
 
#CPAIndustry #PrivateEquity #AccountingFirms #FirmGrowth #SuccessionPlanning

EP 31: Why CPA Firms Under $3M Are Now on Private Equity’s Radar

Think private equity is only chasing the biggest players in the industry?
Think again. In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl break down how firms under $3M in revenue are closing PE-backed deals — and why the opportunities have never been better for smaller practices.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand why PE firms and family offices are now targeting smaller CPA firms
Learn what deal structures can look like beyond the traditional “one-times revenue” model
Discover the key qualifiers that make a smaller firm attractive to strategic investors
See why culture and chemistry still matter more than the highest multiple
Explore how niche expertise can give small firms a big advantage in PE conversations
 
Listen now and find out how even smaller firms can leverage today’s market to take chips off the table, access growth capital, and secure their future!
 
#CPADeals #PrivateEquity #AccountingFirms #MergersAndAcquisitions #FirmGrowth

Ep 30: Private Equity in Accounting: Fear vs. Fact

Worried about the impact of private equity in accounting?
You’re not alone—but the fear often doesn’t match the facts. In this episode, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl are joined by Terry Putney for a no-fluff conversation on what’s really happening in the profession—and what leadership teams need to know.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand why the “PE = cost-cutting” narrative doesn’t fit accounting
Learn how offshoring and tech are improving—not harming—client service
Hear why firm quality has increased post-PE investment
Discover the difference between a partnership model and a corporate model
See how PE-backed firms are attracting and retaining top talent
 
Listen now to hear how private equity is reshaping the profession—for the better!
 
#EverythingCPAandPE #AccountingLeadership #PrivateEquityFacts #CPAFirmStrategy #OffshoringInAccounting

Ep 29: Beyond the Buyout: How Occams Elevate Builds Real Firm Value

What Happens When PE Is Led by Operators—Not Just Investors?
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil and David sit down with Sanjay Agarwal, CEO of Occams Elevate, to explore a new model of growth capital built by CPAs, for CPAs.
 
In this episode, you’ll be able to:
Understand how operator-led PE platforms differ from traditional investor-only models
Learn why Occam’s Elevate prioritizes autonomy, equity incentives, and culture preservation
See how Sanjay’s team supports firms with built-in HR, finance, marketing, and AI infrastructure
Discover why advisory and audit are at the center of their long-term strategy
Get insights into flexible exit options—including rollover equity and second-bite planning
 
Tune in now to hear why this new platform is turning heads—and how it could align with your firm’s next chapter!
 
#PrivateEquity #CPADeals #OperatorLedGrowth #MergersAndAcquisitions #StrategicPartnerships

Ep 28: Chemistry Over Cash: The Truth About PE Alignment

Is your firm ready for private equity—or just reacting to a phone call?
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl are joined by guest David Kells, leader of WTA’s Profit Team, to uncover what really separates high-value deals from short-sighted decisions.
 
In this episode, you’ll be able to:
Understand why meeting 1 or 2 PE firms is never enough to make a smart decision
Learn how cultural alignment matters more than a high multiple
Discover how WTA helped one firm boost cash upfront from 40% to 60% by knowing buyer patterns
Get clarity on deal types: Topco vs. Local equity, short vs. long holders, minority vs. majority stakes
See how education and advocacy protect sellers from bad fits and future regret
 
Listen now to learn how Whitman Transition Advisors guides firms through one of the most important decisions they’ll ever make!
 
#CPAFirmGrowth #PrivateEquityDeals #StrategicAdvisory #MergersAndAcquisitions #AccountingLeadership

Ep 27: Minority Investment, Major Impact: A New Model for CPA Firm Growth

How can minority investments transform CPA firms—and what role does Bitcoin play in the future of finance?
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Mike Williams, Managing Partner of TruVestments, shares how his team is helping CPA firms scale, retain control, and lead clients into the next generation of financial strategy.
 
In this episode, you’ll be able to:
Understand how minority investments offer cash infusion without loss of control
Learn why EBAC may be more valuable than EBITDA when it comes to firm valuation
See how CPAs can integrate wealth management to deepen client relationships
Explore the growing relevance of Bitcoin and digital assets in long-term planning
Hear how future-focused firms are preparing for the digitization of finance
 
Listen now and explore how your firm can lead in the next era of opportunity!
 
#CPALeadership #WealthManagement #PrivateEquity #DigitalAssets #FutureOfFinance

Ep 26: From Startup to $300M: Inside a New PE Model for CPA Firms

What happens when a CPA sees the gap—and decides to build the solution?
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Josh Funk, Chief Development Officer at Crete Professionals Alliance, shares how his journey from firm owner to PE-backed leader is transforming how CPA firms grow, scale, and lead in today’s market.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Learn how Josh took Crete PA from zero to 21 firm partnerships and $300M+ in revenue
Understand the power of local-level rollover equity—and why it benefits high-performing firms
Explore how Crete helps partner firms scale by taking admin, compliance, and tech off their plate
Hear how one $20M firm grew to $45M in less than three years through organic and inorganic growth
Get insights into how Thrive Capital and Crete are building a tech-enabled, people-first future for the profession
 
Listen now to hear how Josh Funk and Crete PA are rewriting the CPA-PE playbook!
 
#FirmGrowth #PrivateEquity #CPALeadership #CretePA #EverythingCPAandPE