Ep 20: Audit Integrity vs. Outside Investment: Can Firms Have Both?

Is Private Equity Really Putting CPA Firm Quality at Risk? That’s what a recent Wall Street Journal article suggests—but is it the full story?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, and Dave Kells dig into the growing conversation around quality control in accounting firms backed by private equity or strategic investors. With decades of leadership experience and over 30 deals behind them, they’re not just guessing—they’ve seen the inside.   In this episode, you’ll be able to: •Hear why larger firms—with PE or strategic backing—often strengthen quality control. •Understand the real role of skepticism and audit culture in safeguarding standards. •Explore how regulations (like PCAOB oversight) impact CPA firms today. •Discover how experienced CPAs maintain independence despite outside capital. •Learn why comparing CPAs to healthcare might be misleading—and even dangerous.   Tune in to hear what’s really happening behind the scenes—and why not all criticism holds up!   #CPAandPrivateEquity #AuditStandards #FirmIntegrity #AccountingInsights #RegulatoryReality