In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, we are joined by Jake Bitz, Director of Client Accounting & Advisory Services and Consulting CFO at Boulay. Jake breaks down the accounting realities that searchers and newly minted CEOs face before and after acquiring a small business. He outlines the most common red flags uncovered during diligence, offers practical steps searchers can take early to avoid costly surprises, and explains how outsourced accounting models support operators as they scale. Jake also shares guidance on post-acquisition pitfalls, how CEOs should think about cash oversight, and where AI is already reshaping the accounting and finance function.
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In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, we are joined by Jake Bitz, Director of Client Accounting & Advisory Services and Consulting CFO at Boulay. Jake breaks down the accounting realities that searchers and newly minted CEOs face before and after acquiring a small business. He outlines the most common red flags uncovered during diligence, offers practical steps searchers can take early to avoid costly surprises, and explains how outsourced accounting models support operators as they scale. Jake also shares guidance on post-acquisition pitfalls, how CEOs should think about cash oversight, and where AI is already reshaping the accounting and finance function.
Cracking the Code on a Non-Traditional ETA Journey
ETA Insider Podcast
26 minutes 57 seconds
6 months ago
Cracking the Code on a Non-Traditional ETA Journey
In this episode, we sit down with Jake Levine, MBA '19, CEO of ROBO, an Austin-based IT managed service provider. Jake shares his non-traditional path to ETA, reflecting on his journey from political campaigns to business school to acquiring and operating ROBO. He candidly discusses the challenges of search fund life, partnership dynamics post-acquisition, and the pivotal decision to pursue both organic and inorganic growth. Jake offers valuable insights for aspiring ETA operators, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, trust building, and adaptability. This episode provides a real-time window into the ups and downs of operating and scaling a lower middle market business.
ETA Insider Podcast
In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, we are joined by Jake Bitz, Director of Client Accounting & Advisory Services and Consulting CFO at Boulay. Jake breaks down the accounting realities that searchers and newly minted CEOs face before and after acquiring a small business. He outlines the most common red flags uncovered during diligence, offers practical steps searchers can take early to avoid costly surprises, and explains how outsourced accounting models support operators as they scale. Jake also shares guidance on post-acquisition pitfalls, how CEOs should think about cash oversight, and where AI is already reshaping the accounting and finance function.
