Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

How does a CPA firm build a competitive acquisition strategy while staying true to its culture and long-term vision?

Recorded live at BDO Evolve in Las Vegas, this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity features David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman in conversation with Jeremy Hartzell, COO and General Counsel of HBK. 

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand how HBK structured acquisitions around EBITDA, partner equity, and long-term growth opportunities.

• Discover why leadership alignment, cultural compatibility, and strong relationships can influence acquisition decisions beyond purchase price.

• Explore how HBK’s wealth management and IT services create additional value for incoming partners and expand opportunities for clients.

• Learn how an integrated legal and M&A team can streamline negotiations, reduce transaction friction, and accelerate deal execution.

• Understand how strategic acquisitions, succession planning, and geographic expansion can create opportunities for sustainable firm growth.

Please note: This episode was recorded before HBK announced its private equity investment. The conversation reflects HBK’s strategy at the time of recording, and we’re excited to see how the firm builds on that foundation as it enters its next chapter.

Listen to the full episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity to hear Jeremy’s insights on acquisitions, leadership, and building a firm positioned for long-term success.

#EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAFirmGrowth #MergersAndAcquisitions #PrivateEquity #AccountingLeadership

What if the best time to prepare your CPA firm for a transaction is years before you ever plan to make one?

In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman sit down with Mark Martukovich, CPA, of Business Advisory and Accounting Partners to discuss how he transformed a traditionally transactional CPA practice into a more predictable, scalable advisory business. 

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn how to turn informal advisory conversations into structured, repeatable service offerings

Listen to the full episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity to hear how intentional planning, recurring advisory services, and scalable systems can help build a more valuable firm before it’s time to make a deal!

#EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAAdvisory #CPAFirms #PrivateEquity #FirmValue

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 strategic planning

Whether your firm is exploring outside investment or committed to remaining independent, the fundamentals still matter!

#EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAProfession #FirmGrowth #AccountingLeadership #PrivateEquity

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

Listen to the full episode!

#EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAProfession #ArtificialIntelligence #FirmGrowth #AccountingLeadership

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

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!

#EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAProfession #AccountingLeadership #PrivateEquity #FirmGrowth

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

Listen to the full episode!

#EverythingCPAandPrivateEquity #CPAProfession #AccountingLeadership #FirmGrowth #FirmCulture

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

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:

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