Fvs Podcasts

This interview was recorded on 10/28/2025 at the AICPA FVS Conference.  Economic issues discussed are still relevant as of the publish date: 11/20/2025 On this episode we hear from Carla Nunes and Jim Harrington from Kroll right after their session at the 2025 AICPA FVS Conference on October 28 to discuss the post-election economic landscape focusing on tariffs, fiscal stimulus, and their impact on valuations and the cost of capital. Our guests highlight how recent government policies, trade uncertainties, and the rise of AI are shaping market sentiment, interest rates, and equity risk premiums, and emphasizes the importance of staying informed and adapting valuation approaches to rapidly changing conditions. ________________________________________ Continue reading to learn about key resources available at AICPA-CIMA.com to improve your valuation analyses. Guests:   Carla S. Nunes, CFA, ABV, Managing Director, Kroll  James P. Harrington, Director, Kroll  Host:  Nene Glenn Gianfala, CPA, ABV, Chaffe & Ass

Private credit is one of the fastest-growing areas in alternative investments, driven by tighter traditional lending and demand for higher yields. But its rise brings valuation challenges—limited transparency, non-standard pricing, and infrequent market activity. How can these assets be accurately valued? What risks might be overlooked? And how should investors assess performance and liquidity? Hear from a specialist tackling these questions, and explore AICPA resources to enhance your valuation analysis. Key takeaways  •    Industry economics and motivations of stakeholders and constituents •    Applications and limitations of formal valuation and accounting guidance •    Characteristics and valuation implications of payment-in-kind (PIK) features •    Looking beyond carrying values to assess debt instruments Continue reading to learn about key resources available at AICPA-CIMA.com to improve your valuation analyses. Guest: Susan DuRoss, Managing Director, Global Head of Valuation, Harvest Investments Host:

In this episode, host Alex Partin and guests Serena Morones, David Harkins, and Kyle Wolf each bring their unique perspectives on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and their critical role in succession planning for privately held businesses.  The conversation explores how ESOPs offer a compelling alternative to traditional exit strategies.  The panel brings together perspectives from business valuation experts and those with firsthand experience in ESOP-owned firms, offering practical insights for business owners considering this path. Key Takeaways: ESOPs as a Succession Tool: ESOPs provide a way for business owners to transition ownership to employees, maintaining company culture and values while offering liquidity and a gradual exit strategy. Business Valuation for ESOPs: The success of an ESOP partly depends on accurate, third-party business valuation, which determines fair market value for the transaction and ensures sustainability for both sellers and employee owners. Transparency and Engagement D

In this episode, host Greg Saunders is joined by a diverse panel of guests for a candid discussion on business valuation practices and regional nuances. The panel explores key topics including: Tax effecting PTEs post-TCJA Using the guideline transaction method effectively Managing timing mismatches in real estate appraisals Aligning valuation and transfer dates Differentiating personal vs. enterprise goodwill Whether you're a seasoned valuation professional or an emerging professional, this episode offers practical insights and real-world perspectives to help navigate common valuation scenarios.  Continue reading to learn about key resources available at AICPA-CIMA.com to improve your valuation analyses. Guests:  Tiffany Mellow, CPA/ABV, Perkins & Co David Harkins, CPA/ABV, Mercer Capital Jessica Landay ABV, Harper Hofer Host: Greg Saunders, CPA/ABV, Keiter Please share your thoughts about the episode - click here to leave us a review   Want to get involved with future FVS conferences, committees, ta

Josh Shilts interviews estate and tax attorney, Bo Trudeau, about formula transfer clauses for estate and gift tax planning. They discuss how these clauses can help reduce tax risk for transfers of hard-to-value assets, review key cases such as Wandry and Procter, and clarify the differences between the various types of formula transfer clauses.  The episode highlights the importance of establishing intent, consistent documentation, and timely valuations, and also provides specific strategies to bolster formula transfers against challenges from the IRS.   Key takeaways include: Evolution of the case law relating to formula transfers Distinctions between defined value, price adjustment, and other clauses Essential strategies and documentation for formula transfers Continue reading to learn about key resources available at AICPA-CIMA.com to improve your valuation analyses. Guest: Robert H. "Bo" Trudeau, JD, LLM, Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene, P.A. Host: Josh Shilts, CPA/ABV/CFF/CGMA, Forensic & Valu

In today’s uncertain market with high capital costs and changing investor demands, startup valuation requires both expertise and adaptability. Valuation specialists Ross McSwain and Charles Gallman discuss how economic challenges are shaping current models and highlight the growing importance of founder vision and qualitative factors. They outline cost, market, and income approaches for different growth stages, referencing AICPA guides and practical experience, and stress the need to align methods with milestones and capital structure. Key takeaways  Valuation shifts as startups grow Qualitative factors matter VC return goals set discount rates Cost approach applies beyond early stages Continue reading to learn about key resources available at AICPA-CIMA.com to improve your valuation analyses. Guests: Charles Gallman, CPA/ABV, Managing Director, Advisory Services, Grant Thornton Ross McSwain, ABV, Managing Director, Advisory Services, Grant Thornton Host:  Nene Glenn Gianfala, CPA/ABV, Senior Vice Preside

FVS Valuation subject matter experts Josh Shilts and Dave Consigli address current challenges encountered by professionals conducting valuations, emphasizing that these competencies remain fundamental — mirroring those required during the Covid period. Their discussion highlights several important insights: Embracing Economic Volatility: Ongoing economic uncertainty has become a constant factor, making adaptability essential for valuation professionals. Assessing Client Risk Management: It is critical to evaluate how clients are managing financial, operational, and strategic risks. The Importance of Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of industry dynamics remains vital. Composition and management of a company's workforce – especially in the context of generational shifts and the integration of AI. Guest: Josh Shilts, CPA/ABV/CFF/CGMA, Forensic & Valuation Services Director, Dean Dorton Host: David Consigli, Jr. CPA/ABV, CDFA, Partner, FAZ Forensics Please share your thoughts about the episode - c

AI is becoming increasingly important in managing, analyzing, and optimizing investments and influencing how we navigate the interdependencies of capital and data flows, reporting, and legal and regulatory requirements in the private markets.  This discussion between experts Andreas Dal Santo of BlueVal, Chandu Chilakapati of Aprio, and Prof. Michael Weinberg of Columbia Business School – practicing experts in finance, investment, and valuation - highlights many of the benefits, challenges, and future potential of AI in the world of alternative investments and financial instrument valuation.   AI encompasses numerous subcategories, each with different applications, risks, and opportunities No clear uses for AI in alternative investments and valuation without continued human oversight AI might result in some industry jobs being lost, but there will likely also be new types of jobs created Continue reading to learn about key resources available at AICPA-CIMA.com to improve your valuation analyses. Guests:  

Dave and Lisa explore the intricacies of the market approach highlighting the importance of using reliable market data and multiple valuation approaches to achieve accurate results. They discuss how risk factors and company size influence valuation multiples and provide practical tips for applying these concepts in real-world scenarios. Key takeaways include: Combining income, market, and asset approaches helps mitigate the risk of skewed valuation results Understanding and adjusting for risk factors, such as customer and supplier risks, is crucial in determining accurate valuation multiples. Market multiples should be adjusted for forward-looking earnings and industry-specific risks to ensure they reflect the true value of a business. Guest: Lisa Cribben, CPA/ABV, Partner, Hawkins Ash CPAs Host: David Consigli, Jr. CPA/ABV, CDFA, Partner, FAZ Forensics Please share your thoughts about the episode - click here to leave us a review   Want to get involved with future FVS conferences, committees, task forces,

This is a refreshed version of an episode from July 2021. Some voice distortion may be present. Please scroll down to find links to essential resources that have been developed since the original publish date.  In this episode, we explore the many paths available to accounting and finance majors who aspire to work in forensics and valuation services particularly as an expert witness. Dean Driskell tells his journey as a forensic accounting and valuation professional. He and host, Josh Shilts, share pivotal moments that have defined their careers and the skills they consider essential for success. Key Topics Discussed: Insights into the diverse career opportunities within the profession Practical advice on how to navigate the intersection of finance and accounting through the different stages of one’s career Understanding your audience and how it can impact your effectiveness as a professional Strategies for developing and honing skills that are essential for success and how to find opportunities to improve t

In the evolving world of alternative investments, AICPA's "PE/VC" guide often is only a starting point in the valuation of complex financial instruments.  Valuation specialists in this field often combine non-authoritative references, textbook and academic journals, whitepapers, best practices, and legal precedents to supplement formal guidance and financial theory.  Ms. Antonella Puca, a valuation practitioner decided to write her own book, “Early Stage Valuation, A Fair Value Perspective”.  We will discuss her journey and hear how she addresses: Presenting technical complexity, and other new author challenges Influence of the fair value perspective on the scope and perspective of the book Ongoing relevance of valuation concepts despite economic and industry changes Continue reading to learn about key resources available at AICPA-CIMA.com to improve your valuation analyses. Guest: Antonella Puca, Partner, BlueVal Host: Howard Mah-Lee, Senior Manager, AICPA Valuation Services Please share your thoughts abou

Catherine and Nathan, both seasoned CPAs and ABVs, discuss the complexities of subsequent events in business valuation. They explain the definition, implications, and relevance of these events in contexts like estate and gift tax transactions. Their conversation covers how these events can affect or indicate value, the standards and court rulings involved, and the challenges of determining what is known or knowable at the valuation date. Key Takeaways: Definition of subsequent events are particularly relevant in litigation, estate, and gift tax transactions Known or knowable at the valuation date, but courts may sometimes consider subsequent events differently Importance of providing additional information to courts without muddying the valuation process Guests: Catherine Stoddard, CPA/ABV, Stoddard Consulting PA Nathan Duke, CPA/ABV, Senior Manager, Forvis Mazars US Host: David Consigli, Jr. CPA/ABV, CDFA, Partner, FAZ Forensics Please share your thoughts about the episode - click here to leave us a review

Dissenting shareholder disputes occur when minority shareholders believe their shares are undervalued in a company transaction, leading to legal dissent. There is a difference between dissenting and oppressed shareholder matters which our expert, Hubert Klein, will explain as well as the legal and valuation standards that are used.   Klein highlights the importance of transparency and professional skepticism and thorough understanding of both sides' perspectives, such as: Common triggers for dissenting shareholder actions Preventing dissenting shareholder issues Reconciling valuation differences Continue reading to learn about key resources available at AICPA-CIMA.com to improve your valuation analyses. Guest: Hubert Klein, CPA/ABV/CFF, Partner and Practice Leader, Eisner Advisory Group LLC  Host: Alex Partin, CPA/ABV, Mueller & Partin  Please share your thoughts about the episode - click here to leave us a review   Want to get involved with future FVS conferences, committees, task forces, or the standi

The discussion underscores the importance of participating in professional communities like the AICPA FVS Section for continuous learning and support.  Bethany and Tade highlight how the FVS community has significantly contributed to their professional growth by providing key resources to assist with client engagements and a supportive community of professionals.    Using FVS Section resources in client work Networking benefits – connecting with supportive SMEs Community involvement aiding professional development Continue reading to learn about key resources available at AICPA-CIMA.com Guests:   Bethany Hearn, CPA/ABV, Partner, MH CPA PLLC and Tade Akinkugbe, ABV, ASA, Senior Manager, KPMG Host: Josh Shilts, CPA/ABV/CFF/CGMA, Director, Dean Dorton Please share your thoughts about the episode - click here to leave us a review   Want to get involved with future FVS conferences, committees, task forces, or the standing ovation program? Send a message to infoFVS@aicpa-cima.com RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISOD

Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFEs), convertible notes, and embedded derivatives are among financial instruments which feature optionality, which can obscure confidence in the expected value of the associated future economic benefits.  Published guidance is limited, and adding to the complexity, some alternative investment transactions have optionality features lurking within, dormant, and not readily apparent.  This presents a wrinkle for practitioners who try to value assets which could morph into something else tomorrow.  Listen to how specialists in this area approach these issues, and read below for key AICPA resources to improve your own valuation analyses. Key Takeaways Applications and limitations of formal valuation guidance How optionality characteristics influence financial instrument design Best practices for valuing instruments with optionality features Approaches for early stage assets lacking underlying valuations Guests: Oksana Westerbeke, Partner, and Jared Hannon, Director, Grant Th

To celebrate Women's History Month, we are excited to share a special episode for our FVS Valuation podcast which explores the diverse backgrounds of several business valuation leaders, their paths into a career in business valuation, and their journeys to becoming experts in the field.  The conversation highlights the many routes that can lead to success in business valuation, including  The significance of obtaining the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) credential and how it has impacted their careers Their strategies for achieving a healthy work-life balance while excelling in their professional roles The role of mentorship and support systems in their career development and success Please be sure to register for our upcoming Fireside Chat on Tuesday, 3/25, where we will have an extended conversation with our esteemed guests and gain further inspiration and insights from their experiences. Register now to secure your spot!  Guests:  Bethany Hearn, CPA/ABV, Partner, MH CPA PLLC Kathy Johnson, CPA/ABV

In early 2025, the new US administration has been implementing changes which could affect regulatory oversight in private markets and alternative investments. Transparency in asset valuation is vital, especially where regulation is limited. Inadequate valuations or outdated financial reports can negatively impact investor decisions, leading to market inefficiencies and reduced confidence. Our presenter, an expert in private market valuation, provides insights and recommendations on managing these issues.  Key takeaways:  Industrywide benefits of enhanced transparency How to verify accuracy and reliability of private market valuation data across asset managers Analysis of pitfalls of opaque or inconsistent valuation methodology applications Managing and mitigating conflicts of interest in the private market valuation process Guest: Cristina Chen-Oster, founder and CEO, M2M Capital Host: Howard Mah-Lee, Senior Manager, AICPA Valuation Services Section   Continue reading to learn about key resources availabl

Maryellen and Ross delve into the subjectivity and controversy surrounding discount rates, the importance of understanding the asset and forecast inputs, and the application of market participant assumptions.  Including these key takeaways: Subjectivity in Discount Rates: Understanding the significant subjectivity and controversy in determining discount rates. Qualitative Assessments: The role of qualitative assessments in aligning discount rates with associated risks. Resources and Guides: Utilizing available resources to enhance valuation analyses. Continue reading to learn about key resources available at AICPA-CIMA.com to improve your valuation analyses. Guests Maryellen Galuchie, CPA/ABV, Managing Director, Advisory Services, Grant Thornton Ross McSwain, ABV, Sr. Manager, Advisory Services, Grant Thornton Host  Nene Glenn Gianfala, CPA/ABV, Vice President – Valuation Advisory Group, Chafe & Associates Please share your thoughts about the episode - click here to leave us a review   Want to get invol

Derivatives such as options have been used to reward employees for many years, and executive pay packages often include features of complex derivative securities such as options and restricted stock with vesting schedules based on various contingencies.  Join us for a deeper look of what’s “under the hood” in the relevant valuation techniques such as lattice models and Monte Carlo simulation, and how these relate to regulations such as ASC 718 and the new Pay versus Performance (“PvP”) requirements for proxy statements.  •    Relevance of Internal Revenue Code Section 409a and ASC 718 valuation considerations •    Case studies in uses and misuses of equity compensation •    “Pay vs Performance”, clawback provisions, and other regulatory considerations    Continue reading for key resources available at AICPA-CIMA.com to improve your valuation analyses. Guests:  Josh Schaeffer, PhD and Managing Director,  Equity Methods, LLP  Mona Paushenwein, Consultant, Equity Methods, LLP Host: Howard Mah-Lee, Senior Manage

This is a refreshed version of an episode from October 2022. Professor Matthew Shaffer shares his journey into the field of accounting and his interest in corporate governance, valuation, and the market for corporate control. His article, "Why Value the Enterprise and Route to the Equity," explores the rationale behind using enterprise value evaluations in M&A settings instead of directly valuing equity. Josh and Matt discuss:   Accounting as a fundamental framework for understanding business activities and market movements. Impact of Non-Recurring Items on Valuation Methods: Future of valuation research and its integration into academic curricula Guest: Matthew Shaffer, Ph.D., Asst. Professor, USC Marshall School of Business Host: Josh Shilts, CPA/ABV/CFF/CGMA, Shilts CPA Please share your thoughts about the episode - click here to leave us a review   Want to get involved with future FVS conferences, committees, task forces, or the standing ovation program? Send a message to infoFVS@aicpa-cima.com RESO