David E. Kells, Jr. is a distinguished senior executive whose career spans more than three and a half decades across the accounting, professional services, and financial industries. From the outset of his professional journey, David demonstrated a rare combination of operational discipline, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His career reflects a deep understanding of the complex interplay between people, process, and technology—a mastery that has positioned him as a trusted advisor to leadership teams, private equity groups, and organizations navigating periods of accelerated change. With a reputation built on integrity, clarity, and results, he has become a sought-after voice for firms seeking sustainable growth and transformational performance.
David’s foundation in business and finance began at Muhlenberg College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration & Finance, followed by executive training at Columbia University and advanced credit education through Citibank. These early academic experiences reinforced his analytical mindset and sparked a professional curiosity about how organizational systems function—and how they can be strengthened to produce long-term value. His first major roles in banking, spanning more than 15 years, exposed him to the complexities of loan operations, credit strategy, and large-scale financial oversight. During this period, he played a pivotal role in developing innovative lending programs and implementing new operational platforms, demonstrating an early aptitude for process improvement and organizational transformation.
His transition into the accounting industry marked the beginning of a new chapter defined by executive leadership, strategic growth, and firm-wide operational impact. As Chief Operating Officer at Loeb & Troper, David quickly distinguished himself as a capable and forward-thinking leader. He guided operational enhancements across audit, tax, and consulting practices while advising partners on business strategy and improving core processes such as client intake, billing, collections, and document management. His influence extended beyond day-to-day operations, shaping the firm’s long-term direction and strengthening its competitive position.
David’s next role as Director of Administration at Mahoney Cohen—and subsequently through the firm’s acquisition by CBIZ—was a defining experience that showcased his ability to lead organizations through structural change. He managed the firm’s transition into a publicly traded corporate environment, overseeing the complexities of alternative practice structures that required careful coordination between attest and non-attest entities. Throughout this period, he became known as a stabilizing force who could navigate regulatory demands, internal restructuring, and cultural integration with clarity and collaboration.
In 2011, David stepped into what would become one of the most impactful roles of his career: Chief Operating Officer at Citrin Cooperman, a top 25 national accounting and consulting firm. Over more than 11 years, he played a central role in transforming the firm from a regional powerhouse into a national presence with more than 20 offices across the United States and a significant operation in India. Under his operational leadership, the firm experienced more than 200% growth in revenue, headcount, and geographic footprint. David architected and led the integration framework for numerous acquisitions, ensuring that diverse cultures, systems, and teams aligned seamlessly with the firm’s strategic objectives. His stewardship of national office expansions, new practice management systems, billing and collections modernization, and insurance and benefits programs positioned the firm for long-term stability and operational efficiency.
David’s tenure at Citrin Cooperman culminated in a pioneering private equity transaction, one of the earliest of its scale in the accounting industry. His insights into valuation, due diligence, communication strategy, and post-transaction integration became invaluable to both internal leadership and external investment partners. His ability to bridge the worlds of traditional accounting firm operations and modern private equity expectations has since made him a highly sought-after advisor in an industry undergoing rapid consolidation and transformation.
Building on this unmatched experience, David launched TFL Consulting and later joined Whitman Transition Advisors as Managing Director. In these roles, he now applies his extensive knowledge to guide accounting firms of all sizes through operational reviews, efficiency assessments, M&A readiness, technology modernization, and leadership development. A particular area of David’s expertise centers on his deep knowledge of Private Equity transactions within the accounting profession. Having been directly involved in the M&A process from the acquirer perspective, he brings rare insight into evaluating potential targets—assessing leadership capability, staff strength, operational processes, technology infrastructure, and client portfolios with exceptional precision. He also possesses intimate understanding of the alternative practice structure, a foundational requirement for enabling outside investment into CPA firms. David has advised numerous strategic investors on acquisition strategies, due-diligence programs, communication approaches, and post-deal integration playbooks. Across all engagements, he provides firms with a clear blueprint for improving enterprise value, enhancing EBITDA performance, and preparing for outside investment, serving as a trusted partner whose strategic perspective, calm judgment, and operational wisdom elevate leadership teams and guide them through transformative decisions.
Throughout his career, David has remained grounded in the belief that operational excellence is fundamentally about empowering people. His leadership philosophy emphasizes transparency, accountability, and collaboration—qualities that have earned him trust at every level of the organizations he has served. Whether guiding firms through major integrations, improving financial processes, or coaching emerging leaders, he approaches every challenge with the same steady commitment to integrity and thoughtful problem-solving.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, David brings a rich personal dimension to his work. His international experience includes oversight of operations in India, and his personal interests—such as serving as a charter boat captain and participating in ice hockey—reflect a spirit of curiosity, discipline, and adventure. These passions mirror the balanced perspective he brings to his clients and colleagues, reminding them that great leadership is not only about performance, but also about humanity and connection.
Today, David continues to pursue opportunities where his strategic insights and operational expertise can shape the future of growing organizations. He is particularly drawn to firms navigating the challenges and opportunities of transformative change—those seeking clarity, direction, and a trusted voice to help guide their next phase. His objective is simple yet powerful: to help organizations unlock their full potential and position themselves for enduring success.
Character:
David leads with unwavering integrity, demonstrating a deep respect for the people and organizations he supports. His steady presence during times of transition has earned him a reputation as a leader who brings clarity and calm to complex situations. He continually models accountability, empathy, and professionalism in every engagement.
Knowledge:
With more than 35 years of operational, financial, and strategic experience, David’s depth of expertise spans banking, accounting, private equity, and professional services. His command of firm operations and industry dynamics allows him to identify opportunities for improvement with precision and foresight. He remains committed to lifelong learning, continually expanding his understanding of emerging trends and best practices.
Strategic:
David has a proven ability to transform organizational challenges into structured, achievable growth strategies. He aligns people, processes, and systems in a way that strengthens enterprise value and supports long-term objectives. His strategic guidance helps leadership teams navigate change with confidence and purpose.
Communication:
Known for his clear, direct, and engaging communication style, David excels in driving alignment across diverse teams and stakeholders. He communicates complex concepts in a way that fosters understanding, collaboration, and action. His voice is one that leaders rely on during integration, transition, and high-stakes decision-making.
CPA Firm Mergers and Acquisitions Experts – Whitman Advisory
