- Audits for IPO preparation (three or more years recommended)
- Annual audits for public company compliance
- PCAOB quality standards at competitive rates
- Faster timelines than larger firms typically offer
PCAOB Registered Firm
WhippleWood CPAs is registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, bringing public company audit standards to private businesses preparing for IPO, M&A, or growth transactions.
When PCAOB Standards Matter
Private companies planning significant transactions benefit from PCAOB-compliant financial statements.
IPO Preparation
Going public typically requires at least three years of audited financial statements prepared in accordance with PCAOB standards. Starting early ensures a smoother, more seamless path to your public offering.
M&A Transactions
Selling to a public company requires rigorous due diligence on your financial statements. PCAOB-compliant statements streamline the acquisition process and strengthen your negotiating position significantly.
Growth & Exit Planning
Exit planning is more seamless when you already have years of PCAOB-compliant financial statements in place. Planning ahead preserves flexibility and options when the right opportunity finally arrives.
Cost & Timeline Efficiency
WhippleWood delivers PCAOB quality standards without Big 4 costs and extended timelines. As a mid-size firm, we offer competitive rates, faster delivery, and the same rigorous public company standards.
The WhippleWood PCAOB Advantage
A mid-size firm with public company experience—delivering PCAOB quality without the overhead or extended timelines:
PCAOB Quality Standards
Full compliance with PCAOB auditing standards for public companies
Clean Inspection Record
“No comments” received on PCAOB inspections—the best possible outcome
Significant Cost Savings
Competitive rates compared to larger firms serving public companies
Experienced Leadership
10+ years of public company audit experience on our team
Awards & Recognition
Our PCAOB Services
Path to PCAOB Compliance
Whether you need PCAOB audits or preparation for another firm’s audit, we help you meet public company standards on your timeline.
Assessment
We evaluate your current financials, identify gaps relative to PCAOB standards, and create a clear roadmap for compliance.
Execution
We perform the audit or prepare your documentation, working efficiently to minimize disruption to daily operations.
Completion
You receive PCAOB-compliant financial statements or audit-ready documentation for your upcoming transaction.
Meet Your Audit & Assurance Experts
Experienced CPAs dedicated to delivering quality audit and assurance services
Rick Whipple
Managing Partner, CPA
Co-founded WhippleWood in 1981 after beginning his public accounting career in 1978. Rick’s passion for small businesses has taken him to the White House and Capitol Hill, advocating for policies that help entrepreneurs thrive—earning him recognition as a finalist for the National Small Business Advocate of the Year Award. “I have to be knowledgeable and listen intently to each client’s challenges to find a solution that works best for them.”
CPA License: CO #5486 · Masters in Tax Law, University of Denver
Ron Bass
Partner, Audit Services
Leads WhippleWood’s audit practice since 2010, bringing 30+ years of experience including a decade at Florida’s largest CPA firm. Ron has audited publicly traded corporations, benefit plans, nonprofits, and international entities—with deep expertise in IFRS, Single Audits, and peer reviews. His philosophy: “My clients and I actually have the same goal—for the financial statements to be right. If you approach it from that angle, you’re on the same team.”
CPA License: CO #32216 · FL #AC0024348
Kacey Hertel
CPA
Joined WhippleWood in 2013, drawn by the firm’s commitment to “putting the fun back in CPAs.” Specializing in audit and tax services, Kacey is highly proficient with QuickBooks and works closely with clients to help them understand their numbers. “At the end of the day, I just want my clients to feel like they understand the story their financials are trying to tell them—and watching them reach their goals is so rewarding.”
CPA License: CO #29716
Common Questions About PCAOB Services
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is an entity formed to oversee and maintain the highest audit standards for U.S. publicly owned companies.
Only PCAOB-registered firms can audit public companies. WhippleWood CPAs has been registered since February 2021.
A summary of our firm’s quality control procedures can be found on the PCAOB website at pcaobus.org.
Entrepreneurs and private companies can benefit from PCAOB experience to prepare for an IPO or M&A transaction.
If you are planning an IPO, selling to a public company, or pursuing growth or exit planning, PCAOB-compliant financial statements streamline the process.
Such growth or exit planning is more seamless with at least three years of PCAOB-compliant financial statements already in place.
As a midsized CPA and advisory firm, WhippleWood is a knowledgeable and cost-effective alternative to larger and costlier firms that mainly serve entities already publicly traded.
Your audit through WhippleWood will meet PCAOB quality standards while reducing the cost and longer timelines of the larger firms.
Our team has more than a decade of experience auditing public companies, and team members have been through scheduled PCAOB reviews with “no comments” received—the best possible result.
We can prepare or assist in preparing the documentation that will be required for your audit by another registered firm.
Larger audit firms that regularly audit publicly traded companies will expect certain documentation and information in place before they begin their audit. Preparing this information can disrupt your operations with hours of staff time required.
WhippleWood can have your audit ready when they arrive, minimizing your audit-related costs and headaches.
Because we aren’t conducting the audit, we can streamline your preparation and focus your presentation.
IPOs ideally prefer at least three years of audited financial statements in accordance with PCAOB standards. Start early to ensure a seamless public offering preparation.
For M&A transactions, begin as early as possible once you are considering a sale to a public company.
Growth or exit planning is more seamless when you already have years of PCAOB-compliant financial statements in place.
PCAOB Resources
Download our PCAOB fact sheet and IPO readiness checklist.
Planning an IPO or M&A Transaction?
Let’s discuss how WhippleWood CPAs can help you achieve PCAOB compliance—whether through our audits or preparation for another firm.
Questions? info@whipplewoodcpas.com | 303-989-7600
