Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

Can a CPA firm remain fiercely independent and still thrive in today’s rapidly changing market?

In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl sits down with Dave Kells to reflect on key takeaways from BDO Evolve in Las Vegas. 

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why both private equity and independence require intentional s...

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...

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 equi...

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, y...

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...

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 assur...

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 Pen...

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:

* ...

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 fulfillme...

How do you scale a firm without losing its culture?

In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Erin McAuley, Chief People Officer, Springline Advisory, to discuss why people strategy has become a competitive advantage in today’s accounting profession. From culture due diligence to leadership development and employee ownership, Erin shares h...

Are you evaluating your firm’s future but unsure which growth and ownership model is right for you?

In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Josh Funk of Crete Professionals Alliance to discuss a different approach to CPA firm growth, ownership, and partnership.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understa...

Thinking about building a more valuable CPA firm—but not sure where to start?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Mark Martukovich of Business Advisory & Accounting Partners to discuss how shifting from transactional accounting work to structured advisory services transformed his firm’s value, predictability, and growth p...

Thinking about a deal—but not sure what the process actually looks like?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, host, David Wolfskehl and guest, Dave Kells walk through a real transaction—from the very first conversation to signing an LOI—sharing what firms actually experience, learn, and decide along the way.

This isn’t theory. It’s a behind...

Not every CPA firm receives the same offer—and the difference often comes down to one thing: how the firm is run.

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman, David Wolfskehl, and Dave Kells break down why some firms receive exciting offers while others feel underwhelmed—and what firm leaders can do to change that. As private equity continues to reshape the accountin...

Are CPA firm leaders underestimating how complex these deals really are?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl break down the real lessons from 22+ investor meetings in a single month—and why “the multiple” is only one small scoop in a much bigger ice cream shop.

With 31 flavors, 12 cones, and endless toppings, today&rsq...

Are firms overlooking what truly matters long term?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Nishaad Ruparel, President of Ascend, to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of private equity conversations: equity quality—and why ownership structure matters.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Un...

Are CPA firms truly prepared for what 2026 will bring—or are they underestimating what’s coming next?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl look ahead to 2026 and beyond, breaking down what CPA firm leaders must understand now as private equity activity accelerates, models diversify, and competition intensifies.

In this episod...

Feeling overwhelmed by all the private equity noise—and not sure what it really means for your firm?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Dave Kells to recap Accounting Today’s PE Summit, break down what they’re seeing in the market, and talk frankly about how firm leaders can get educated before a term sheet hits their ...

Worried your clients will ask, “Why didn’t you tell me about Bitcoin sooner?”

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Mike Williams of TrueVestments to unpack the Bitcoin Legacy Fund—what it is, why Wall Street is leaning in, and how CPA firms can educate and protect high-net-worth clients while still managing risk.