September 24 & 26 at 2:00 PM ET
Free Webinar Series:

Navigating the Future of Accounting
with Industry Experts

Focused on Private Equity

Take an honest look at the challenges and opportunities of private equity for accounting firms.

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Part 1

September 24, 2024
2:00 - 3:30 PM ET
 

A Candid Conversation:
The Unspoken Questions Around Private Equity

Gary Shamis - web-1 David-Toth-175x175-1 drost

 

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Part 2

September 26, 2024
2:00 - 3:30 PM ET

A Private Equity Perspective:
Success, Strategy, and Firm Choices 

David+Wurtzbacher+Headshot goldberg dancu Gary Shamis - web-1 David-Toth-175x175-1

 

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Session Details

Part 1

A Candid Conversation: The Unspoken Questions Around Private Equity

Join David Toth, Gary Shamis, and Alex Drost as they tackle the top concerns that leaders may not be discussing when it comes to private equity in the accounting profession. With no two deals alike, the long-term effects will shape the industry for decades.

Young partners are posing tough questions, soon-to-retire partners are cashing out and this session will provide a comprehensive perspective on what firm leaders need to be considering now.

Key Topics Include:

  • The evolving role of PE in the profession
  • Challenges firm leaders must navigate
  • Future implications for young partners and firms

Part 2

A Private Equity Perspective:
Success, Strategy, and Firm Choices 

This panel discussion will feature prominent private equity leaders David Wurtzbacher, Alex Goldberg, and Jeremy Dancu, offering insights from a PE firm’s perspective.

Moderated by Gary and David, this session will dive into why private equity works in the accounting model, the strategic choices firms face, and what success looks like from the PE lens.

Key Topics Include:

  • Why PE firms are interested in accounting
  • Strategic options available to firms
  • Defining success in PE-backed firms

A Lineup of Industry Influencers and PE Firms

Meet the Minds Behind The Webinar Series
David Toth
David Toth
CGO, Winding River Consulting

David Toth is a leading consultant in accounting and advisory, specializing in growth, digital transformation, and leadership development. He directs Winding River Consulting's MPB | Leadership Accelerated program and founded the Digital Deep Dive Summit. David has been recognized as a '20 under 40 Top Influencer' and a 'Notable Leader in Accounting & Consulting.'

drost
Alex Drost
Managing Principal, Connection Builders

Alex Drost is a growth-focused consultant with nearly two decades of experience in driving innovation and leading strategic initiatives. With over 10 years in M&A and private capital markets, he has successfully led transactions across industries, including healthcare, retail, and professional services. As Managing Principal of Connection Builders, Alex consults with middle-market advisory firms on growth strategies and value creation. He is a recognized expert in the field, serving on multiple advisory boards, and holds an M.S.F. from Walsh College and a CPA designation in Michigan.

Gary Shamis - web-1
Gary Shamis
CEO, Winding River Consulting

Gary Shamis grew his father's accounting firm from $225,000 in revenue to nearly $100 million, expanding the team to 600 employees before merging with BDO USA in 2014. As principal of Winding River Consulting, Gary is a sought-after speaker and consultant. Recognized by Accounting Today as a Managing Partner Elite, he’s credited with shaping many of the strategies now standard in the industry.

David+Wurtzbacher+Headshot
David Wurtzbacher
Founder & Ceo, Ascend

I believe that a business can uplift people, and my mission is to revitalize the CPA profession by offering an innovative model for practice management and growth. That’s why I started Ascend, where my favorite value is “Serve Whole-Heartedly”—a leadership principle rooted in love. I’ve worked at JP Morgan and was President and CFO of Lightwave Dental before founding Ascend. I live in Virginia with my family and am passionate about helping others achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals. Let’s Ascend together!







goldberg
Alex Goldberg
Partner, F3 Partners

Alex leads investments in Consumer and Business Services at F3. He previously led real estate and restaurant investing across all of Diameter Capital Partners' funds and spent five years at MFP Investors with a primary focus on consumer, real estate and telecom. He earned his B.A. in Economics from Yeshiva University and his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

dancu
Jeremy Dancu
Principal, SkyKnight Capital

Jeremy joined SkyKnight Capital in 2019 as an investment team member and serves on the boards of GoodVets, DOCS Dermatology, New Republic Partners, and Pearl Street Dental Partners. He is also an Observer Director at IMA. Before SkyKnight, Jeremy worked at Silver Lake Partners, focusing on private equity, and began his career at Goldman Sachs in the Investment Banking Division in New York.







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