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Accounting M&A Insider: From Growth Officer to M&A Guide | Podcast #EP15 1 Credit

Accounting M&A Insider: From Growth Officer to M&A Guide | Podcast #EP15 1 Credit

  • Rating

    4.7

  • Published on

    September, 2025

  • Subject Area

    Business Mgmnt and Org

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Learning Objectives

  • Identify common blind spots for first-time M&A buyers in CPA firms.
  • Evaluate target firms for strategic, cultural, and operational fit.
  • Navigate LOI, due diligence, and deal phases to reduce risk.
  • Develop leadership, governance, and capital plans to support firm growth.
  • Analyze alternatives to private equity for value creation and scaling.

Course Overview

How do you scale a CPA firm without losing control or vision? In this episode of Accounting M&A Insider, host Saul sits down with Brian Blaher, Managing Director at Winding River Consulting and Chair of the Illinois CPA Society, to explore the art and strategy of growing firms through organic initiatives and M&A. Brian draws on nearly three decades of experience at Wipfli, where he rose from intern to Chief Growth Officer, building offices, leading strategy, and executing over 40 acquisitions.

Brian shares his journey from building niche practices in financial institutions to scaling Wipfli’s Chicago office from scratch and later transitioning into advisory at Winding River. He discusses buy-side M&A lessons, including common blind spots for first-time acquirers, evaluating target fit, and navigating the phases of LOI and due diligence. Brian emphasizes the importance of “getting your house in order” before exploring private equity, covering leadership readiness, governance, partner alignment, and capital planning. He also addresses cultural fit and post-deal realities, sharing practical insights on managing partners, team integration, and performance alignment to ensure successful mergers and acquisitions.

Key Topics:

  • Brian’s journey from intern to growth officer
  • Buy-side M&A lessons for first-time acquirers
  • Getting your house in order for growth or PE
  • Cultural fit, leadership, and integration strategies
  • Alternatives to private equity and scaling strategically

Beyond private equity, Brian explores alternatives for creating value and scaling firms while staying true to a firm’s strategic vision. He shares actionable guidance on evaluating market opportunities, leveraging boutique acquisitions, and building a roadmap for sustainable growth. This podcast equips CPA firm leaders and owners with a reality-tested framework to scale, acquire strategically, and make informed decisions, while avoiding common pitfalls and maximizing long-term value.

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On Demand Credits for All Qualifications

License details Credits Status
BusIness Management & Organization for Certified Public Accountants (CPA-US) 1 CPE Approved

Additional Information

Credit

1

Course Level

Basic

Instructional Method

QAS Self Study

Group Internet Based

Pre-requisites

None

Advance Preparation

None

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MY-CPE LLC is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

About Experts

Brian Blaha

Brian Blaha

Managing Director | Senior Strategic Advisor, Winding River Consulting

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Brian is a visionary strategist focused on sustainable firm growth through a people-first and outward mindset. At Winding River, he collaborates with private equity firms, businesses, and accounting leaders to craft intentional growth strategies, integrate acquisitions, and align leadership teams around common goals. Brian’s strategic and operational leadership spans launching new markets and transforming go-to-market teams, driven by data-informed decision-making and a culture of clarity, collaboration, and impact.


Previously, as Chief Growth Officer at Wipfli LLP, Brian led the firm’s expansion from $227 million to over $590 million in revenue. He built a nationally recognized go-to-market model emphasizing industry specialization, innovation, and client value.

Saulsony

Saul Sony

Director, MYCPE ONE

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As Director – Partnerships, Content Strategy, and M&A Advisory, I drive growth at the intersection of education, strategic alliances, and transaction advisory within accounting and professional services.

I partner with thought leaders, firms, and content creators to build high-impact collaborations and deliver compliance-ready content that helps professionals educate, influence, and scale on the MY-CPE ONE platform. I work closely with CPA and accounting firm owners to support MYCPE ONE's inorganic growth strategy identifying the right partners and aligning them toward shared goals.

In the M&A and advisory space, I work closely with private equity firms, accounting leaders, and advisors to create educational resources that support practice growth, succession planning, and deal execution. Through podcasts, webinars, and curated learning experiences, my goal is to enable smarter dealmaking and build stronger professional alignment. I work with CPA and Accounting Firm owners to collectively help MYCPE ONE's inorganic growth plans.

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What is Self Study (QAS)?

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Are the self-study courses accepted by NASBA and other professional organizations?

MY-CPE LLC courses are accepted for continuing education credit by various professional certification programs, including NASBA, IRS, CFP Board, and HRCI. MY-CPE LLC is also recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® and SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

What are the requirements to maintain compliance with self-study courses?

To maintain compliance, you must follow the guidelines set by NASBA and other regulatory bodies, which include completing the course within the specified timeframe, passing the assessments, and keeping accurate records of your learning activities.

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After successfully completing a self-study course and passing the assessments, you can access and download your course completion certificates from your account dashboard on our platform. These certificates are recognized by NASBA, IRS, CFP Board, HRCI, SHRM, Payroll Org, FP Canada, and 25+ other professional organizations for compliance and reporting purposes.

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Reviews and Ratings

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AR

Alfredo Ruiz, CPA (US)

5

Great podcast

Accounting M&A Insider: From Growth Officer to M&A Guide | Podcast #EP15

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