Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

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

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!

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

Is private equity the future of accounting—or just a passing trend?
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!

Is your firm truly built to thrive—or just getting by in today’s private equity-driven market?
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!

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

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

Could your firm’s blind spots be the real dealbreaker in a PE transaction?
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!