Capital markets accounting advisory

Financial reporting is more challenging for public companies than for private ones. When considering whether to raise funding on a public market, it is important to consider what is needed to “go public” together with the requirements of “being public”.

We have set out below some of the key accounting considerations for companies going public and being public:

Going public

Being public

  • Identifying the business to be listed:
    • SPAC transaction
    • Carve-out business
    • Put-together or group reorganisation
  • Historical track record:
    • Audited three year track record in compliance with IFRS
  • Preparation of historical financial information to be included in the Admission document
  • Accelerated reporting timetable
  • Preparation of interim financial information
  • Business combinations:
    • Current requirements for pro-forma information in relation to significant acquisitions and disposals
  • More public scrutiny of financial information, requiring a higher degree of quality reporting
  • As a public interest entity, there will be more ethical responsibilities on audit teams and therefore some support services previously provided by audit teams may stop
  • Increased narrative reporting requirements

Some tips for a successful listing

  • Begin the IPO readiness process early enough so that your pre-listed company acts and operates like a public company before the IPO.
  • Focus on some of the things that you need in place very shortly after the IPO, such as preparing your first glossy annual report, which is quite a big endeavour in and of itself.
  • There is a huge uplift in the volume of financial and ESG reporting as a listed business. Having good systems, processes and controls in place will minimise the burden and increase investor confidence.
  • Staying on top of future developments.

How we can support you

Our team can provide bespoke advice on specific elements of your IPO journey at the point where your need arises, or we can work in collaboration with our management consulting and transaction services colleagues to provide you with a partner to guide you through your IPO journey.

Case study

Accounting standard implementation

Sector: Technology

Company profile: Private company undergoing an IPO

Background

The client was planning to undertake an IPO and was looking for end-to-end accounting advisory support to guide them through the process.

How we assisted our client

We supported the company through this process which included a challenging timetable for the preparation of Historical Financial Information (HFI) for inclusion in the AIM admission document.

As part of the process, we performed the conversion from UK GAAP to IFRS, by performing a GAAP conversion analysis and calculation of measurement differences for three accounting periods. In particular, this involved the extensive review of customer contracts and numerous GAAP adjustments in respect of revenue recognition.

We effectively project managed the preparation of the HFI by liaising with the directors, auditor, nomad and lawyers, providing regular updates on the process. The Forvis Mazars team provided project management support, clear auditable reports and workbooks and demonstrated a good understanding of the business and IFRS requirements. Following the production and audit of the HFI, the company successfully listed on AIM.

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