IPO Readiness: Master the Financial and Operational Scaling for Public Markets
You’re leading a high-growth company, and the pressure is mounting. Investors are asking tough questions. Your board wants a clear IPO roadmap. But the path from private ambition to public readiness feels like walking through fog-uncertain, risky, and full of landmines. The clock is ticking. One misstep in financial controls, governance, or operational scalability can delay your timeline by months-or kill the deal entirely. You need more than theory. You need a battle-tested framework that aligns your entire organisation for market scrutiny, regulatory compliance, and long-term investor confidence. IPO Readiness: Master the Financial and Operational Scaling for Public Markets is not another generic finance course. It is a precision-engineered blueprint used by CFOs, COOs, and scaling executives to transform complex internal systems into investor-grade standards-on time and under pressure. This course delivers a complete, board-ready transformation: going from fragmented processes and uncertain timelines to a funded, audit-proof, and market-credible operating model in under 90 days-with full documentation, stakeholder alignment, and regulatory confidence. One recent participant, Maria T., VP of Finance at a Series D SaaS firm, used this exact framework to streamline her company’s close process from 18 days to 5, implement SOX-ready controls, and present a flawless readiness assessment to their audit committee-accelerating their IPO filing by four months. Here’s how this course is structured to help you get there.Course Format & Delivery Details Self-Paced Learning with Immediate Online Access The IPO Readiness course is designed for executives operating at speed. Once enrolled, you gain self-paced access to the complete curriculum. There are no fixed dates, no scheduled sessions, and no time blocks to calendar. You progress at your own rhythm, on your own terms. Designed for Real-World Execution
Most learners complete the core modules in 6–8 weeks, with tangible milestones achieved in the first 14 days. From day one, you’ll apply frameworks directly to your organisation, building real documentation, governance policies, and financial workflows that survive due diligence. Lifetime Access & Continuous Updates
You receive lifetime access to all course materials, including future updates at no additional cost. As regulatory standards, SEC interpretations, or market expectations evolve, your access evolves with them. This is not a static resource-it’s a living toolkit that stays relevant for years. 24/7 Global, Mobile-Friendly Access
Whether you’re in Singapore closing a board meeting or New York preparing for due diligence, the course platform is fully mobile-optimised and accessible from any device. Your progress syncs in real time, so you can move seamlessly between desktop and tablet without disruption. Direct Instructor Guidance & Expert Support
You are not alone. Throughout the course, you have direct access to our team of former IPO advisors, SEC compliance leads, and public company CFOs. Submit your process maps, control frameworks, or disclosure templates for structured feedback and refinement. This is not automated chat-this is real human insight from practitioners who’ve stood where you stand. Certificate of Completion Issued by The Art of Service
Upon finishing the course, you earn a formal Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service. This credential is globally recognised by investors, acquirers, and board members as a mark of rigorous operational and financial maturity. It signals that you have mastered the standards required to lead a public company with integrity and confidence. No Hidden Fees. No Surprises.
The pricing is straightforward and transparent. What you see is what you pay-no upsells, no add-ons, no hidden fees. You gain full access to every module, template, and support channel included in one clear investment. - Secure payment processing via Visa
- Mastercard
- PayPal
Zero-Risk Enrollment: Satisfied or Refunded
We eliminate your risk with a 30-day, no-questions-asked refund policy. If the course does not meet your expectations or deliver immediate, tangible progress toward IPO readiness, simply request a full refund. Your satisfaction is guaranteed-your confidence is non-negotiable. Post-Enrollment Confirmation & Access
After enrollment, you will receive a confirmation email. Your access details will be sent separately once the course materials are ready for you. This ensures a seamless onboarding experience tailored to your role and company stage. Will This Work for Me?
Absolutely. This course was built for variance-whether you’re a CFO in a tech startup, a COO in a mid-market manufacturer, or a finance lead in a venture-backed scale-up. The frameworks are modular, adaptable, and stress-tested across industries, revenue bands, and geographic regions. You’ll find role-specific examples, from designing R&D capitalisation policies for biotech firms to implementing revenue recognition standards for subscription platforms. Even if your company hasn’t yet hired a GC or internal auditor, this course shows you how to build interim controls that satisfy external scrutiny. This works even if: you’re missing formal policies, your close process is inconsistent, your board is pushing for a timeline you’re not ready for, or you’ve never worked under SEC reporting requirements. The step-by-step structure turns gaps into action plans-and uncertainty into authority. We’ve built in multiple checkpoints, validation tools, and self-assessment rubrics so you can measure your progress objectively. Combined with our direct support and practical templates, this is the highest-clarity path to IPO readiness available outside of a Big 4 engagement-at a fraction of the cost.
Module 1: Foundations of IPO Readiness - Understanding the IPO lifecycle from concept to listing
- Key differences between private and public company expectations
- Regulatory landscape: SEC, PCAOB, and exchange requirements
- Role of underwriters, auditors, and legal counsel in the process
- Timeline expectations: Pre-filing, quiet period, roadshow, and post-IPO
- Assessing your company’s current readiness level
- Creating an IPO readiness steering committee
- Defining roles and responsibilities across finance, legal, and operations
- Stakeholder communication framework for internal alignment
- Common misconceptions and myths about going public
Module 2: Financial Reporting & Audit Readiness - Transitioning from GAAP-adjacent to full GAAP compliance
- Designing a materially accurate and consistent financial close
- Implementing a 5-day or faster close cycle
- Standardising journal entries and accrual policies
- Preparing auditable financial statements (10-K, 10-Q equivalents)
- Working effectively with external auditors
- Selecting and onboarding a Big 4 or nationally recognised firm
- Preparing for audit fieldwork and testing
- Managing auditor independence requirements
- Developing a financial reporting calendar
- Establishing quarterly earnings preparation workflows
- Building confidence in forward-looking disclosures
- Handling restatements and material corrections
- Creating a disclosure control committee
- Documenting accounting policies for public scrutiny
Module 3: SOX Compliance & Internal Controls - Understanding SOX Section 302 and 404 requirements
- Identifying key financial reporting risks
- Selecting significant accounts and disclosures
- Mapping financial processes to control objectives
- Drafting process narratives and flowcharts
- Designing preventive and detective controls
- Implementing segregation of duties (SoD) policies
- Assessing control design effectiveness
- Testing operating effectiveness of controls
- Documenting control activities in a central repository
- Using control matrices and RACI charts
- Managing user access reviews and entitlements
- Implementing automated controls in ERP systems
- Preparing for external SOX testing
- Addressing control deficiencies and material weaknesses
- Creating a remediation action plan
- Establishing an internal audit function or outsourcing strategy
- Conducting ongoing monitoring and self-assessment
- Training leadership on control responsibilities
- Developing a SOX compliance roadmap
Module 4: Financial Infrastructure & Systems Scalability - Evaluating current ERP system capabilities for public readiness
- Identifying critical financial modules: GL, AP, AR, FA, and consolidation
- Ensuring system compatibility with audit trails and user tracking
- Implementing role-based access controls (RBAC)
- Upgrading close automation tools and reconciliation platforms
- Selecting and integrating financial reporting tools (e.g. Tagetik, BlackLine)
- Validating data integrity and reconciliation across systems
- Establishing a single source of financial truth
- Migrating from spreadsheets to controlled systems
- Designing scalable general ledger architecture
- Implementing intercompany transaction policies
- Building a consolidation model for multi-entity reporting
- Ensuring fiscal calendar consistency across departments
- Configuring approval workflows and electronic signatures
- Testing system resilience and backup protocols
- Preparing IT for auditor access and review
- Developing a financial systems roadmap
- Aligning IT and finance on upgrade timelines
- Managing data retention and archiving policies
- Creating a business continuity plan for financial systems
Module 5: Revenue Recognition & Complex Accounting Areas - Applying ASC 606 to diverse business models
- Identifying performance obligations and contract modifications
- Allocating transaction price to distinct goods and services
- Handling variable consideration and constraints
- Recognition timing for subscription, professional services, and hardware
- Building a robust contract review process
- Documenting revenue policies for audit and disclosure
- Managing unbilled and deferred revenue
- Tracking customer options and renewal rights
- Revenue reporting by geography, product, and customer segment
- Accounting for free trials, discounts, and credits
- Handling channel sales and reseller arrangements
- Capitalising commission costs under ASC 340-40
- Amortising costs over expected customer life
- Disclosure requirements for revenue contracts
- Managing R&D capitalisation under ASC 730 and ASC 985-20
- Inventory accounting under ASC 330
- Leases under ASC 842: identification, classification, and measurement
- Reporting lease liabilities and right-of-use assets
- Disclosing lease commitments and assumptions
Module 6: Board & Governance Readiness - Designing an effective board structure for public markets
- Defining board committee charters: audit, compensation, nominating
- Identifying independent director requirements
- Preparing for director onboarding and training
- Establishing board meeting cadence and materials standards
- Creating board-level financial dashboards
- Drafting board minutes that meet legal and regulatory standards
- Managing board communication during quiet periods
- Implementing insider trading policies
- Establishing a code of ethics and business conduct
- Developing a whistleblower policy and reporting channel
- Conducting board self-assessments
- Aligning board oversight with risk management
- Preparing for SEC disclosure of governance practices
- Ensuring D&O insurance is in place and adequate
- Documenting governance decisions for audit trail
- Transitioning from advisory board to formal board
- Managing conflicts of interest disclosures
- Reporting on ESG and corporate governance initiatives
- Preparing for shareholder engagement
Module 7: Pre-IPO Audit & Financial Due Diligence - Understanding the full-scope pre-IPO audit process
- Preparing three years of audited financial statements
- Responding to auditor requests for documentation
- Addressing prior period adjustments
- Managing third-party confirmations (banks, customers, vendors)
- Validating equity accounting and stock-based compensation
- Reviewing related party transactions
- Testing cut-off procedures for revenue and expenses
- Confirming asset valuation and impairment testing
- Analysing going concern assumptions
- Preparing for management representation letters
- Coordinating between finance, legal, and external advisors
- Scheduling audit fieldwork and walkthroughs
- Tracking open items and auditor inquiries
- Finalising audited statements for S-1 filing
- Conducting a mock due diligence with internal team
- Preparing disclosure schedules and supporting workpapers
- Building a due diligence data room
- Creating a data room index and access log
- Training teams on due diligence response protocols
Module 8: S-1 Preparation & Disclosure Management - Understanding the structure and content of an S-1 registration statement
- Drafting the business description with investor appeal
- Writing risk factors that are candid and compliant
- Preparing the use of proceeds section
- Detailing the capitalisation table and share structure
- Describing management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A)
- Analysing trends, uncertainties, and non-GAAP measures
- Preparing three years of financial statements and footnotes
- Drafting executive compensation disclosures
- Documenting related party transactions
- Preparing pro forma financial information
- Ensuring consistency across all filings
- Managing redline and comment cycles with legal
- Tracking SEC comments and response timelines
- Conducting internal review rounds
- Coordinating with underwriters on messaging
- Obtaining legal opinions and tax letters
- Finalising exhibits and consents
- Submitting to EDGAR and managing public release
- Monitoring post-filing media and analyst reactions
Module 9: Operational Scalability & Cross-Functional Alignment - Assessing operational maturity for public scrutiny
- Aligning sales compensation with financial reporting
- Standardising procurement and vendor onboarding
- Implementing employee expense policies and controls
- Managing headcount planning and budgeting
- Integrating HRIS with payroll and finance systems
- Tracking equity grants and vesting schedules
- Ensuring compliance with payroll tax obligations
- Scaling customer support and contract management
- Standardising legal entity structure and consolidation
- Managing intellectual property documentation
- Preparing for supply chain due diligence
- Ensuring data privacy compliance (GDPR, CCPA)
- Documenting key customer and supplier concentration
- Building operational resilience and disaster recovery
- Aligning investor messaging across departments
- Preparing customer references for roadshow
- Creating a crisis communication plan
- Establishing media relations protocols
- Conducting pre-IPO operational audits
Module 10: Certification & Final Readiness Assessment - Completing the final IPO readiness checklist
- Conducting a mock SEC review with internal team
- Running a board-level readiness presentation
- Finalising all policies, manuals, and control documentation
- Obtaining sign-off from CFO, CEO, and audit committee
- Submitting final S-1 filing package
- Preparing for pricing and allocation process
- Onboarding investor relations (IR) function
- Training spokespeople for earnings calls
- Launching post-IPO financial planning cycle
- Establishing long-term capital allocation strategy
- Monitoring stock performance and analyst coverage
- Integrating ESG reporting into annual disclosures
- Updating risk management frameworks post-listing
- Planning for first earnings call and shareholder meeting
- Continuously refining internal controls and reporting
- Measuring ROI of public market access
- Scaling leadership mindset from private to public
- Preparing for follow-on offerings or M&A activity
- Earning your Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Understanding the IPO lifecycle from concept to listing
- Key differences between private and public company expectations
- Regulatory landscape: SEC, PCAOB, and exchange requirements
- Role of underwriters, auditors, and legal counsel in the process
- Timeline expectations: Pre-filing, quiet period, roadshow, and post-IPO
- Assessing your company’s current readiness level
- Creating an IPO readiness steering committee
- Defining roles and responsibilities across finance, legal, and operations
- Stakeholder communication framework for internal alignment
- Common misconceptions and myths about going public
Module 2: Financial Reporting & Audit Readiness - Transitioning from GAAP-adjacent to full GAAP compliance
- Designing a materially accurate and consistent financial close
- Implementing a 5-day or faster close cycle
- Standardising journal entries and accrual policies
- Preparing auditable financial statements (10-K, 10-Q equivalents)
- Working effectively with external auditors
- Selecting and onboarding a Big 4 or nationally recognised firm
- Preparing for audit fieldwork and testing
- Managing auditor independence requirements
- Developing a financial reporting calendar
- Establishing quarterly earnings preparation workflows
- Building confidence in forward-looking disclosures
- Handling restatements and material corrections
- Creating a disclosure control committee
- Documenting accounting policies for public scrutiny
Module 3: SOX Compliance & Internal Controls - Understanding SOX Section 302 and 404 requirements
- Identifying key financial reporting risks
- Selecting significant accounts and disclosures
- Mapping financial processes to control objectives
- Drafting process narratives and flowcharts
- Designing preventive and detective controls
- Implementing segregation of duties (SoD) policies
- Assessing control design effectiveness
- Testing operating effectiveness of controls
- Documenting control activities in a central repository
- Using control matrices and RACI charts
- Managing user access reviews and entitlements
- Implementing automated controls in ERP systems
- Preparing for external SOX testing
- Addressing control deficiencies and material weaknesses
- Creating a remediation action plan
- Establishing an internal audit function or outsourcing strategy
- Conducting ongoing monitoring and self-assessment
- Training leadership on control responsibilities
- Developing a SOX compliance roadmap
Module 4: Financial Infrastructure & Systems Scalability - Evaluating current ERP system capabilities for public readiness
- Identifying critical financial modules: GL, AP, AR, FA, and consolidation
- Ensuring system compatibility with audit trails and user tracking
- Implementing role-based access controls (RBAC)
- Upgrading close automation tools and reconciliation platforms
- Selecting and integrating financial reporting tools (e.g. Tagetik, BlackLine)
- Validating data integrity and reconciliation across systems
- Establishing a single source of financial truth
- Migrating from spreadsheets to controlled systems
- Designing scalable general ledger architecture
- Implementing intercompany transaction policies
- Building a consolidation model for multi-entity reporting
- Ensuring fiscal calendar consistency across departments
- Configuring approval workflows and electronic signatures
- Testing system resilience and backup protocols
- Preparing IT for auditor access and review
- Developing a financial systems roadmap
- Aligning IT and finance on upgrade timelines
- Managing data retention and archiving policies
- Creating a business continuity plan for financial systems
Module 5: Revenue Recognition & Complex Accounting Areas - Applying ASC 606 to diverse business models
- Identifying performance obligations and contract modifications
- Allocating transaction price to distinct goods and services
- Handling variable consideration and constraints
- Recognition timing for subscription, professional services, and hardware
- Building a robust contract review process
- Documenting revenue policies for audit and disclosure
- Managing unbilled and deferred revenue
- Tracking customer options and renewal rights
- Revenue reporting by geography, product, and customer segment
- Accounting for free trials, discounts, and credits
- Handling channel sales and reseller arrangements
- Capitalising commission costs under ASC 340-40
- Amortising costs over expected customer life
- Disclosure requirements for revenue contracts
- Managing R&D capitalisation under ASC 730 and ASC 985-20
- Inventory accounting under ASC 330
- Leases under ASC 842: identification, classification, and measurement
- Reporting lease liabilities and right-of-use assets
- Disclosing lease commitments and assumptions
Module 6: Board & Governance Readiness - Designing an effective board structure for public markets
- Defining board committee charters: audit, compensation, nominating
- Identifying independent director requirements
- Preparing for director onboarding and training
- Establishing board meeting cadence and materials standards
- Creating board-level financial dashboards
- Drafting board minutes that meet legal and regulatory standards
- Managing board communication during quiet periods
- Implementing insider trading policies
- Establishing a code of ethics and business conduct
- Developing a whistleblower policy and reporting channel
- Conducting board self-assessments
- Aligning board oversight with risk management
- Preparing for SEC disclosure of governance practices
- Ensuring D&O insurance is in place and adequate
- Documenting governance decisions for audit trail
- Transitioning from advisory board to formal board
- Managing conflicts of interest disclosures
- Reporting on ESG and corporate governance initiatives
- Preparing for shareholder engagement
Module 7: Pre-IPO Audit & Financial Due Diligence - Understanding the full-scope pre-IPO audit process
- Preparing three years of audited financial statements
- Responding to auditor requests for documentation
- Addressing prior period adjustments
- Managing third-party confirmations (banks, customers, vendors)
- Validating equity accounting and stock-based compensation
- Reviewing related party transactions
- Testing cut-off procedures for revenue and expenses
- Confirming asset valuation and impairment testing
- Analysing going concern assumptions
- Preparing for management representation letters
- Coordinating between finance, legal, and external advisors
- Scheduling audit fieldwork and walkthroughs
- Tracking open items and auditor inquiries
- Finalising audited statements for S-1 filing
- Conducting a mock due diligence with internal team
- Preparing disclosure schedules and supporting workpapers
- Building a due diligence data room
- Creating a data room index and access log
- Training teams on due diligence response protocols
Module 8: S-1 Preparation & Disclosure Management - Understanding the structure and content of an S-1 registration statement
- Drafting the business description with investor appeal
- Writing risk factors that are candid and compliant
- Preparing the use of proceeds section
- Detailing the capitalisation table and share structure
- Describing management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A)
- Analysing trends, uncertainties, and non-GAAP measures
- Preparing three years of financial statements and footnotes
- Drafting executive compensation disclosures
- Documenting related party transactions
- Preparing pro forma financial information
- Ensuring consistency across all filings
- Managing redline and comment cycles with legal
- Tracking SEC comments and response timelines
- Conducting internal review rounds
- Coordinating with underwriters on messaging
- Obtaining legal opinions and tax letters
- Finalising exhibits and consents
- Submitting to EDGAR and managing public release
- Monitoring post-filing media and analyst reactions
Module 9: Operational Scalability & Cross-Functional Alignment - Assessing operational maturity for public scrutiny
- Aligning sales compensation with financial reporting
- Standardising procurement and vendor onboarding
- Implementing employee expense policies and controls
- Managing headcount planning and budgeting
- Integrating HRIS with payroll and finance systems
- Tracking equity grants and vesting schedules
- Ensuring compliance with payroll tax obligations
- Scaling customer support and contract management
- Standardising legal entity structure and consolidation
- Managing intellectual property documentation
- Preparing for supply chain due diligence
- Ensuring data privacy compliance (GDPR, CCPA)
- Documenting key customer and supplier concentration
- Building operational resilience and disaster recovery
- Aligning investor messaging across departments
- Preparing customer references for roadshow
- Creating a crisis communication plan
- Establishing media relations protocols
- Conducting pre-IPO operational audits
Module 10: Certification & Final Readiness Assessment - Completing the final IPO readiness checklist
- Conducting a mock SEC review with internal team
- Running a board-level readiness presentation
- Finalising all policies, manuals, and control documentation
- Obtaining sign-off from CFO, CEO, and audit committee
- Submitting final S-1 filing package
- Preparing for pricing and allocation process
- Onboarding investor relations (IR) function
- Training spokespeople for earnings calls
- Launching post-IPO financial planning cycle
- Establishing long-term capital allocation strategy
- Monitoring stock performance and analyst coverage
- Integrating ESG reporting into annual disclosures
- Updating risk management frameworks post-listing
- Planning for first earnings call and shareholder meeting
- Continuously refining internal controls and reporting
- Measuring ROI of public market access
- Scaling leadership mindset from private to public
- Preparing for follow-on offerings or M&A activity
- Earning your Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Understanding SOX Section 302 and 404 requirements
- Identifying key financial reporting risks
- Selecting significant accounts and disclosures
- Mapping financial processes to control objectives
- Drafting process narratives and flowcharts
- Designing preventive and detective controls
- Implementing segregation of duties (SoD) policies
- Assessing control design effectiveness
- Testing operating effectiveness of controls
- Documenting control activities in a central repository
- Using control matrices and RACI charts
- Managing user access reviews and entitlements
- Implementing automated controls in ERP systems
- Preparing for external SOX testing
- Addressing control deficiencies and material weaknesses
- Creating a remediation action plan
- Establishing an internal audit function or outsourcing strategy
- Conducting ongoing monitoring and self-assessment
- Training leadership on control responsibilities
- Developing a SOX compliance roadmap
Module 4: Financial Infrastructure & Systems Scalability - Evaluating current ERP system capabilities for public readiness
- Identifying critical financial modules: GL, AP, AR, FA, and consolidation
- Ensuring system compatibility with audit trails and user tracking
- Implementing role-based access controls (RBAC)
- Upgrading close automation tools and reconciliation platforms
- Selecting and integrating financial reporting tools (e.g. Tagetik, BlackLine)
- Validating data integrity and reconciliation across systems
- Establishing a single source of financial truth
- Migrating from spreadsheets to controlled systems
- Designing scalable general ledger architecture
- Implementing intercompany transaction policies
- Building a consolidation model for multi-entity reporting
- Ensuring fiscal calendar consistency across departments
- Configuring approval workflows and electronic signatures
- Testing system resilience and backup protocols
- Preparing IT for auditor access and review
- Developing a financial systems roadmap
- Aligning IT and finance on upgrade timelines
- Managing data retention and archiving policies
- Creating a business continuity plan for financial systems
Module 5: Revenue Recognition & Complex Accounting Areas - Applying ASC 606 to diverse business models
- Identifying performance obligations and contract modifications
- Allocating transaction price to distinct goods and services
- Handling variable consideration and constraints
- Recognition timing for subscription, professional services, and hardware
- Building a robust contract review process
- Documenting revenue policies for audit and disclosure
- Managing unbilled and deferred revenue
- Tracking customer options and renewal rights
- Revenue reporting by geography, product, and customer segment
- Accounting for free trials, discounts, and credits
- Handling channel sales and reseller arrangements
- Capitalising commission costs under ASC 340-40
- Amortising costs over expected customer life
- Disclosure requirements for revenue contracts
- Managing R&D capitalisation under ASC 730 and ASC 985-20
- Inventory accounting under ASC 330
- Leases under ASC 842: identification, classification, and measurement
- Reporting lease liabilities and right-of-use assets
- Disclosing lease commitments and assumptions
Module 6: Board & Governance Readiness - Designing an effective board structure for public markets
- Defining board committee charters: audit, compensation, nominating
- Identifying independent director requirements
- Preparing for director onboarding and training
- Establishing board meeting cadence and materials standards
- Creating board-level financial dashboards
- Drafting board minutes that meet legal and regulatory standards
- Managing board communication during quiet periods
- Implementing insider trading policies
- Establishing a code of ethics and business conduct
- Developing a whistleblower policy and reporting channel
- Conducting board self-assessments
- Aligning board oversight with risk management
- Preparing for SEC disclosure of governance practices
- Ensuring D&O insurance is in place and adequate
- Documenting governance decisions for audit trail
- Transitioning from advisory board to formal board
- Managing conflicts of interest disclosures
- Reporting on ESG and corporate governance initiatives
- Preparing for shareholder engagement
Module 7: Pre-IPO Audit & Financial Due Diligence - Understanding the full-scope pre-IPO audit process
- Preparing three years of audited financial statements
- Responding to auditor requests for documentation
- Addressing prior period adjustments
- Managing third-party confirmations (banks, customers, vendors)
- Validating equity accounting and stock-based compensation
- Reviewing related party transactions
- Testing cut-off procedures for revenue and expenses
- Confirming asset valuation and impairment testing
- Analysing going concern assumptions
- Preparing for management representation letters
- Coordinating between finance, legal, and external advisors
- Scheduling audit fieldwork and walkthroughs
- Tracking open items and auditor inquiries
- Finalising audited statements for S-1 filing
- Conducting a mock due diligence with internal team
- Preparing disclosure schedules and supporting workpapers
- Building a due diligence data room
- Creating a data room index and access log
- Training teams on due diligence response protocols
Module 8: S-1 Preparation & Disclosure Management - Understanding the structure and content of an S-1 registration statement
- Drafting the business description with investor appeal
- Writing risk factors that are candid and compliant
- Preparing the use of proceeds section
- Detailing the capitalisation table and share structure
- Describing management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A)
- Analysing trends, uncertainties, and non-GAAP measures
- Preparing three years of financial statements and footnotes
- Drafting executive compensation disclosures
- Documenting related party transactions
- Preparing pro forma financial information
- Ensuring consistency across all filings
- Managing redline and comment cycles with legal
- Tracking SEC comments and response timelines
- Conducting internal review rounds
- Coordinating with underwriters on messaging
- Obtaining legal opinions and tax letters
- Finalising exhibits and consents
- Submitting to EDGAR and managing public release
- Monitoring post-filing media and analyst reactions
Module 9: Operational Scalability & Cross-Functional Alignment - Assessing operational maturity for public scrutiny
- Aligning sales compensation with financial reporting
- Standardising procurement and vendor onboarding
- Implementing employee expense policies and controls
- Managing headcount planning and budgeting
- Integrating HRIS with payroll and finance systems
- Tracking equity grants and vesting schedules
- Ensuring compliance with payroll tax obligations
- Scaling customer support and contract management
- Standardising legal entity structure and consolidation
- Managing intellectual property documentation
- Preparing for supply chain due diligence
- Ensuring data privacy compliance (GDPR, CCPA)
- Documenting key customer and supplier concentration
- Building operational resilience and disaster recovery
- Aligning investor messaging across departments
- Preparing customer references for roadshow
- Creating a crisis communication plan
- Establishing media relations protocols
- Conducting pre-IPO operational audits
Module 10: Certification & Final Readiness Assessment - Completing the final IPO readiness checklist
- Conducting a mock SEC review with internal team
- Running a board-level readiness presentation
- Finalising all policies, manuals, and control documentation
- Obtaining sign-off from CFO, CEO, and audit committee
- Submitting final S-1 filing package
- Preparing for pricing and allocation process
- Onboarding investor relations (IR) function
- Training spokespeople for earnings calls
- Launching post-IPO financial planning cycle
- Establishing long-term capital allocation strategy
- Monitoring stock performance and analyst coverage
- Integrating ESG reporting into annual disclosures
- Updating risk management frameworks post-listing
- Planning for first earnings call and shareholder meeting
- Continuously refining internal controls and reporting
- Measuring ROI of public market access
- Scaling leadership mindset from private to public
- Preparing for follow-on offerings or M&A activity
- Earning your Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Applying ASC 606 to diverse business models
- Identifying performance obligations and contract modifications
- Allocating transaction price to distinct goods and services
- Handling variable consideration and constraints
- Recognition timing for subscription, professional services, and hardware
- Building a robust contract review process
- Documenting revenue policies for audit and disclosure
- Managing unbilled and deferred revenue
- Tracking customer options and renewal rights
- Revenue reporting by geography, product, and customer segment
- Accounting for free trials, discounts, and credits
- Handling channel sales and reseller arrangements
- Capitalising commission costs under ASC 340-40
- Amortising costs over expected customer life
- Disclosure requirements for revenue contracts
- Managing R&D capitalisation under ASC 730 and ASC 985-20
- Inventory accounting under ASC 330
- Leases under ASC 842: identification, classification, and measurement
- Reporting lease liabilities and right-of-use assets
- Disclosing lease commitments and assumptions
Module 6: Board & Governance Readiness - Designing an effective board structure for public markets
- Defining board committee charters: audit, compensation, nominating
- Identifying independent director requirements
- Preparing for director onboarding and training
- Establishing board meeting cadence and materials standards
- Creating board-level financial dashboards
- Drafting board minutes that meet legal and regulatory standards
- Managing board communication during quiet periods
- Implementing insider trading policies
- Establishing a code of ethics and business conduct
- Developing a whistleblower policy and reporting channel
- Conducting board self-assessments
- Aligning board oversight with risk management
- Preparing for SEC disclosure of governance practices
- Ensuring D&O insurance is in place and adequate
- Documenting governance decisions for audit trail
- Transitioning from advisory board to formal board
- Managing conflicts of interest disclosures
- Reporting on ESG and corporate governance initiatives
- Preparing for shareholder engagement
Module 7: Pre-IPO Audit & Financial Due Diligence - Understanding the full-scope pre-IPO audit process
- Preparing three years of audited financial statements
- Responding to auditor requests for documentation
- Addressing prior period adjustments
- Managing third-party confirmations (banks, customers, vendors)
- Validating equity accounting and stock-based compensation
- Reviewing related party transactions
- Testing cut-off procedures for revenue and expenses
- Confirming asset valuation and impairment testing
- Analysing going concern assumptions
- Preparing for management representation letters
- Coordinating between finance, legal, and external advisors
- Scheduling audit fieldwork and walkthroughs
- Tracking open items and auditor inquiries
- Finalising audited statements for S-1 filing
- Conducting a mock due diligence with internal team
- Preparing disclosure schedules and supporting workpapers
- Building a due diligence data room
- Creating a data room index and access log
- Training teams on due diligence response protocols
Module 8: S-1 Preparation & Disclosure Management - Understanding the structure and content of an S-1 registration statement
- Drafting the business description with investor appeal
- Writing risk factors that are candid and compliant
- Preparing the use of proceeds section
- Detailing the capitalisation table and share structure
- Describing management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A)
- Analysing trends, uncertainties, and non-GAAP measures
- Preparing three years of financial statements and footnotes
- Drafting executive compensation disclosures
- Documenting related party transactions
- Preparing pro forma financial information
- Ensuring consistency across all filings
- Managing redline and comment cycles with legal
- Tracking SEC comments and response timelines
- Conducting internal review rounds
- Coordinating with underwriters on messaging
- Obtaining legal opinions and tax letters
- Finalising exhibits and consents
- Submitting to EDGAR and managing public release
- Monitoring post-filing media and analyst reactions
Module 9: Operational Scalability & Cross-Functional Alignment - Assessing operational maturity for public scrutiny
- Aligning sales compensation with financial reporting
- Standardising procurement and vendor onboarding
- Implementing employee expense policies and controls
- Managing headcount planning and budgeting
- Integrating HRIS with payroll and finance systems
- Tracking equity grants and vesting schedules
- Ensuring compliance with payroll tax obligations
- Scaling customer support and contract management
- Standardising legal entity structure and consolidation
- Managing intellectual property documentation
- Preparing for supply chain due diligence
- Ensuring data privacy compliance (GDPR, CCPA)
- Documenting key customer and supplier concentration
- Building operational resilience and disaster recovery
- Aligning investor messaging across departments
- Preparing customer references for roadshow
- Creating a crisis communication plan
- Establishing media relations protocols
- Conducting pre-IPO operational audits
Module 10: Certification & Final Readiness Assessment - Completing the final IPO readiness checklist
- Conducting a mock SEC review with internal team
- Running a board-level readiness presentation
- Finalising all policies, manuals, and control documentation
- Obtaining sign-off from CFO, CEO, and audit committee
- Submitting final S-1 filing package
- Preparing for pricing and allocation process
- Onboarding investor relations (IR) function
- Training spokespeople for earnings calls
- Launching post-IPO financial planning cycle
- Establishing long-term capital allocation strategy
- Monitoring stock performance and analyst coverage
- Integrating ESG reporting into annual disclosures
- Updating risk management frameworks post-listing
- Planning for first earnings call and shareholder meeting
- Continuously refining internal controls and reporting
- Measuring ROI of public market access
- Scaling leadership mindset from private to public
- Preparing for follow-on offerings or M&A activity
- Earning your Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Understanding the full-scope pre-IPO audit process
- Preparing three years of audited financial statements
- Responding to auditor requests for documentation
- Addressing prior period adjustments
- Managing third-party confirmations (banks, customers, vendors)
- Validating equity accounting and stock-based compensation
- Reviewing related party transactions
- Testing cut-off procedures for revenue and expenses
- Confirming asset valuation and impairment testing
- Analysing going concern assumptions
- Preparing for management representation letters
- Coordinating between finance, legal, and external advisors
- Scheduling audit fieldwork and walkthroughs
- Tracking open items and auditor inquiries
- Finalising audited statements for S-1 filing
- Conducting a mock due diligence with internal team
- Preparing disclosure schedules and supporting workpapers
- Building a due diligence data room
- Creating a data room index and access log
- Training teams on due diligence response protocols
Module 8: S-1 Preparation & Disclosure Management - Understanding the structure and content of an S-1 registration statement
- Drafting the business description with investor appeal
- Writing risk factors that are candid and compliant
- Preparing the use of proceeds section
- Detailing the capitalisation table and share structure
- Describing management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A)
- Analysing trends, uncertainties, and non-GAAP measures
- Preparing three years of financial statements and footnotes
- Drafting executive compensation disclosures
- Documenting related party transactions
- Preparing pro forma financial information
- Ensuring consistency across all filings
- Managing redline and comment cycles with legal
- Tracking SEC comments and response timelines
- Conducting internal review rounds
- Coordinating with underwriters on messaging
- Obtaining legal opinions and tax letters
- Finalising exhibits and consents
- Submitting to EDGAR and managing public release
- Monitoring post-filing media and analyst reactions
Module 9: Operational Scalability & Cross-Functional Alignment - Assessing operational maturity for public scrutiny
- Aligning sales compensation with financial reporting
- Standardising procurement and vendor onboarding
- Implementing employee expense policies and controls
- Managing headcount planning and budgeting
- Integrating HRIS with payroll and finance systems
- Tracking equity grants and vesting schedules
- Ensuring compliance with payroll tax obligations
- Scaling customer support and contract management
- Standardising legal entity structure and consolidation
- Managing intellectual property documentation
- Preparing for supply chain due diligence
- Ensuring data privacy compliance (GDPR, CCPA)
- Documenting key customer and supplier concentration
- Building operational resilience and disaster recovery
- Aligning investor messaging across departments
- Preparing customer references for roadshow
- Creating a crisis communication plan
- Establishing media relations protocols
- Conducting pre-IPO operational audits
Module 10: Certification & Final Readiness Assessment - Completing the final IPO readiness checklist
- Conducting a mock SEC review with internal team
- Running a board-level readiness presentation
- Finalising all policies, manuals, and control documentation
- Obtaining sign-off from CFO, CEO, and audit committee
- Submitting final S-1 filing package
- Preparing for pricing and allocation process
- Onboarding investor relations (IR) function
- Training spokespeople for earnings calls
- Launching post-IPO financial planning cycle
- Establishing long-term capital allocation strategy
- Monitoring stock performance and analyst coverage
- Integrating ESG reporting into annual disclosures
- Updating risk management frameworks post-listing
- Planning for first earnings call and shareholder meeting
- Continuously refining internal controls and reporting
- Measuring ROI of public market access
- Scaling leadership mindset from private to public
- Preparing for follow-on offerings or M&A activity
- Earning your Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Assessing operational maturity for public scrutiny
- Aligning sales compensation with financial reporting
- Standardising procurement and vendor onboarding
- Implementing employee expense policies and controls
- Managing headcount planning and budgeting
- Integrating HRIS with payroll and finance systems
- Tracking equity grants and vesting schedules
- Ensuring compliance with payroll tax obligations
- Scaling customer support and contract management
- Standardising legal entity structure and consolidation
- Managing intellectual property documentation
- Preparing for supply chain due diligence
- Ensuring data privacy compliance (GDPR, CCPA)
- Documenting key customer and supplier concentration
- Building operational resilience and disaster recovery
- Aligning investor messaging across departments
- Preparing customer references for roadshow
- Creating a crisis communication plan
- Establishing media relations protocols
- Conducting pre-IPO operational audits