Ep 40: What’s Next for CPA Firms: PE, Independence, and the Road to 2026

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 episode, you will be able to:   Understand why 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the tuck-in—and what that means for firms of every size Learn how new PE models, niche rollups, and specialization are reshaping firm value See why education—not just multiples—is the biggest differentiator in successful deals Discover how firms are professionalizing operations before a transaction to drive higher enterprise value Explore what lies ahead for independence, minority investments, and continuation vehicles   Listen now to get ahead of the shifts coming in 2026—and make sure your firm is planning strategically, not reacting late!   #EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #PrivateEquityTrends #FirmValuation #FutureOfAccounting