Michael L. Vaccarella
Partner, Wipfli Advisory LLC
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Contact
- +1 630 368 7025
Michael L. Vaccarella, CPA, CGMA, CM&AA, is a partner at Wipfli and the firm's national leader for private equity services and transaction advisory. Based in Chicago and Scottsdale, he works with private equity firms, family offices and business owners navigating the deal lifecycle, from preparing a company for sale to evaluating acquisitions, enhancing enterprise value and planning for a successful exit.
Mike brings a practitioner's perspective to every engagement. He advises clients across manufacturing, healthcare, construction services and technology, helping leaders build the financial clarity, operational strength and strategic positioning that create value whether a transaction is on the immediate horizon or years away.
His transaction advisory experience spans sell-side readiness, divestiture support, buy-side due diligence, quality of earnings analysis and post-deal integration support. For private equity clients, Mike serves as a trusted advisor on value creation, portfolio company performance and exit strategy, helping firms evaluate risk, uncover opportunities and make informed decisions.
Mike draws on Wipfli's integrated capabilities across tax, assurance, outsourcing, consulting and digital services to deliver connected advice that addresses the transaction and the business behind it. He is known for asking the right questions, cutting through complexity and helping clients at every stage of the transaction lifecycle.
Mike is a certified public accountant, chartered global management accountant and certified merger and acquisition advisor.
- Private equity services
- Transaction advisory
- Buy-side and sell-side due diligence
- Quality of earnings analysis
- Transaction readiness and exit planning
- Manufacturing, retail and distribution
- Metals and fabrication
- Plastics and injection molding
- Automotive, aerospace and waste management
- Equipment manufacturing and rental
- Consumer products
- Healthcare
- Physician and specialty medical practices
- Home health services
- Construction services
- Technology companies
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
- Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA)
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Member
- Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)
- Member
- Association for Corporate Growth (ACG®) -
- Member
- Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries (MBBI)
- Member
- Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors® (AM&AA)
- Member
Loyola University Chicago
- Bachelor of business administration degree with a with a focus on public accounting
Latest case studies, resources, and insights
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What’s next for private equity in 2026? Look for more competition over deals, interest rate cuts and firms getting ahead by leaning on a surprising value: humility.
ARTICLE | TRANSACTION ADVISORY
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Learn how to prepare your business for both succession and sell-side options — and why dual-path planning is essential in today’s uncertain market.
ARTICLE | TRANSACTION ADVISORY
Buy now, integrate later? Why that’s a mistake in today’s market
Buy now, integrate later? In today’s market, that mindset can cost you. Learn how to make post-deal integration your advantage.
