With the recent uptick in the IPO market in the United States, it is vital to pay close attention to the underlying business and IT processes, policies and internal controls even while new product development, revenue generation and cost management remain top priority. This approach is similar to how a well run public company operates. This issue of The Bulletin focuses on certain aspects of the IPO preparation process, including the need for a readiness assessment along with specific areas management should address – common financial reporting challenges, the close process, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and the IT infrastructure.