EPISODE · Mar 13, 2026 · 27 MIN
Ep 43: The Difference Between a Good CPA Firm and a Valuable One with David Kells
from Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl · host Whitman Transition Advisors
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 accounting profession, the focus has shifted from top-line revenue to EBITDA, efficiency, and operational fundamentals. The firms that understand this shift are positioning themselves for significantly stronger outcomes. In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand why private equity now evaluates CPA firms based on EBITDA rather than just gross revenue • Learn how operational fundamentals like pricing, time capture, and client selection impact firm valuation • Discover how offshoring, technology, and better processes can improve profitability • See why some firms receive strong offers while others struggle to reach the LOI stage • Identify practical steps your firm can take today to increase value before pursuing a transaction Listen to this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity to learn how to move from being a good CPA firm to becoming a truly valuable one. #EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #PrivateEquityInAccounting #FirmValuation #FutureOfAccounting
What this episode covers
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 accounting profession, the focus has shifted from top-line revenue to EBITDA, efficiency, and operational fundamentals. The firms that understand this shift are positioning themselves for significantly stronger outcomes. In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand why private equity now evaluates CPA firms based on EBITDA rather than just gross revenue • Learn how operational fundamentals like pricing, time capture, and client selection impact firm valuation • Discover how offshoring, technology, and better processes can improve profitability • See why some firms receive strong offers while others struggle to reach the LOI stage • Identify practical steps your firm can take today to increase value before pursuing a transaction Listen to this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity to learn how to move from being a good CPA firm to becoming a truly valuable one. #EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #PrivateEquityInAccounting #FirmValuation #FutureOfAccounting
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Ep 43: The Difference Between a Good CPA Firm and a Valuable One with David Kells
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