The readiness equation: From private to public
Four pillars of IPO readiness
Highspring’s public company readiness services turns IPO readiness into practical, actionable capabilities across four key pillars. Each pillar addresses common challenges that can slow or derail IPO preparation. By integrating and excelling in these areas, we help companies adequately prepare for going public while also preparing for long term success as a public company.
1. Technical accounting excellence
The challenge
Complex GAAP and SEC standards and requirements often reveal gaps that can delay filings or undermine investor trust. Revenue recognition, lease accounting, stock-compensation, and purchase price accounting are common pain points, and many growth-stage companies lack the internal expertise to navigate them confidently. No audit is exactly the same, so anticipating areas of potential risk early and tailoring solutions to each company’s unique financials is critical to avoiding delays and costly adjustments.
Our approach
We guide clients through many of the technical accounting complexities, from ASC 606 revenue recognition to lease compliance and intricate purchase price accounting scenarios. Our team prepares detailed technical memos and position papers that meet auditor expectations while clearly documenting accounting analysis and conclusions.
By anticipating areas of potential risk early and tailoring solutions to each company’s unique financials, we help clients navigate audits efficiently, reduce costly adjustments, and establish accounting policies that are defensible under public company scrutiny.
The result
Clients achieve faster compliance, stronger documentation, and lower adjustment risk throughout the audit and registration process.
2. Financial reporting optimization
The challenge
Disconnected systems and manual processes create bottlenecks that slow financial closes and obscure visibility into performance, especially under compressed IPO timelines. Many companies struggle with a month-end close that extends beyond acceptable public company standards.
Our solution
We guide organizations through the integration of ERP systems with automation tools to produce audit-ready financial statements that meet both internal management needs and external reporting requirements. This approach transforms year-end closes from multi-week processes into streamlined operations completed in days.
We build scalable reporting structures that accommodate growth while satisfying investor and regulatory expectations. This includes key performance indicators, management reporting packages, and board-level dashboards that provide real-time business insights.
The result
Organizations accelerate financial closes, improve cost efficiency, and establish reporting infrastructure that scales with business growth.
3. Audit readiness and confidence
The challenge
Unprepared audit processes drain internal resources and can derail IPO timelines. Many organizations underestimate the documentation and process requirements needed to withstand the rigors of a public company audit.
Our solution
We manage end-to-end audit readiness well before IPO preparation begins, identifying documentation gaps and process improvements that streamline audit procedures. Our team ensures workpapers and supporting documentation aligns with auditor expectations, reducing back-and-forth during the audit.
We implement clear communication protocols and a project management framework to coordinate cross-functional teams effectively. Preparation and execution also extend across a multitude of workstreams inclusive of financial statement preparation, technical accounting assessments, technology optimization, SOX readiness, and established financial policies and procedures to govern the business.
The result
Organizations achieve zero-adjustment audit outcomes that boost investor confidence while minimizing internal disruption during critical audit completion and IPO preparation periods.
4. IPO and transaction preparedness
The challenge
Growth-stage companies often underestimate the governance, reporting, and operational rigor required of public entities. Beyond financial reporting, IPO readiness includes disclosure controls, regulatory compliance, and investor relations capabilities. Companies also frequently grapple with internal competing priorities that, if unmanaged, can create an inconsistent or fragmented IPO narrative.
Our solution
We develop a holistic public company readiness framework that addresses immediate IPO requirements and ongoing public company obligations. Our team coordinates with underwriters, legal counsel, and advisors to align project milestones and deliverables.
We also establish an infrastructure that will support post-IPO performance, including investor relations processes, quarterly reporting, and continuous compliance monitoring. This comprehensive approach addresses the full spectrum of public company requirements and includes the advisory guidance needed to navigate competing priorities and maintain a cohesive IPO narrative.
The result
Organizations limit surprises through stronger audit outcomes, enabling leadership to focus on value creation, investor marketing, and positioning for a successful IPO.
