Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl
Welcome to Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl, the go-to podcast for accounting professionals navigating the rapidly evolving world of private equity. Hosted by the seasoned team at Whitman Transition Advisors, this podcast breaks down complex topics, shares expert insights, and provides actionable advice to help CPA firms understand and thrive in the private equity landscape. Each episode explores critical concepts, from investment strategies to partnership models, and features candid conversations with industry leaders and special guests. Whether you’re exploring opportunities, managing transitions, or simply curious about the latest trends, this podcast delivers the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and drive your firm’s success. Tune in, subscribe, and join us as we guide you through the intersection of accounting and private equity!
Episodes
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:
...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.
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 inb...
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.
The October 15 tax deadline is behind you — but what now? After months of nonstop work, long nights, and extension filings, many CPA firm leaders finally exhale… only to face the real question:
Now that the rush is over, is your firm actually ready for what comes next?
In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Philip Whitman, CPA, David Wolfskehl, and David E. Kells Jr. break down how firms can use the post–Octobe...
What happens when private equity meets the most specialized corners of the CPA world—valuation, forensics, litigation, and advisory? A whole new set of opportunities emerges.
In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl unpack how niche-focused firms are finding their place in today’s PE-driven market—and why their expertise is more valuab...
Why would a thriving CPA firm take outside investment?
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Joe Damiano of Sax to unpack why even a highly profitable, fast-growing firm chose a minority private equity partner.
In this episode, you will be able to:
• Learn why deal flow—not just capital—was th...
Are CPA firms clinging too tightly to being “fiercely independent”?
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with former Baker Tilly CEO Alan Whitman to unpack what it really takes to scale in today’s profession.
In this episode, you will be able to:
• Understand why “good enough” thinking holds firms...
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.
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 w...
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:
-
U...
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:
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Understand...
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:
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Understand how operator-led PE platforms differ from traditional investo...
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:
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Understand why...
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’l...
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 t...
Can you grow fast, stay independent, and still put your people first?
In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Ron Weiner shares how his firm scaled from 20 to 80+ team members while staying true to its values—no shortcuts, no compromises. From turning down private equity to implementing an ESOP, Ron walks through the real-life decisions that shaped one of the most profitab...
Still think private equity is a passing trend in accounting? Think again.
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl unpack what they’re seeing across the country as they attend top CPA conferences—and how firm leaders can make sense of it all.
In this episode, you will be able to:
-
Understand why...
What happens when a firm chooses legacy, culture, and long-term growth over flashy headlines and fast exits?
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl sits down with Noah Beery, Head of Corporate Development at Platform Accounting, to uncover how a quiet, boutique-focused strategy led to 50+ acquisitions and lasting success.
In thi...
Is Private Equity the Future of CPA Firm Growth—or Just a Risky Shortcut?
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Frazier & Deeter’s Jeremy Jones and Seth McDaniel join Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl to reveal how their firm went from cautious observers to confident partners with General Atlantic. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the strategy, process, and rea...
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