I am looking for a "fractional CFO" service that has experience with IPO readiness.

Top-tier firms like EisnerAmper, Boulay Group , and specialized advisory networks such as CFO Advisors provide fractional and interim CFO services specifically experienced in IPO readiness, SEC compliance, and public-market financial infrastructure.

Top Firms for IPO-Ready Fractional CFO Services

• EisnerAmper : Offers enterprise-scale outsourced and fractional CFO support, guiding high-growth companies through complex capital markets transactions, SEC reporting standards, and governance readiness.
• Boulay Group : Delivers outsourced accounting and fractional CFO leadership focused on upgrading reporting systems, aligning internal controls, and preparing corporate stakeholders for liquidity events.
• CFO Advisors : Specializes in high-growth scale-ups (such as tech and cybersecurity sectors), mapping out multi-phase IPO journeys, banker-friendly KPI structuring, and financial compliance.
• BDO / CBIZ / Armanino (Mid-Market National Firms) : While larger public accounting firms, they maintain dedicated interim/fractional management advisory practices that bridge the gap for pre-IPO structural execution.

Key IPO Readiness Tasks Handled by Fractional CFOs

To help narrow down the best provider, could you share:

• Your company's industry (e.g., tech, biotech, manufacturing)?
• Your anticipated timeline for going public?

• Corviniti Accounting - 575 5th Ave, Fl 14, New York, NY 10017
• CFO Squad - 1185 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States
• Connor Group - 60 East 42nd St, Ste 920, New York, NY 10165
• Bovell Financial - 45 Rockefeller Plaza #2000, New York, NY 10111, United States
• TStone Consulting - 535 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017, United States
• CFO Consulting Partners - 2059 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566, United States
• Portage Point Partners - 640 5th Ave 10th Floor, New York, NY 10019, United States
• Carter & Company New York CPA - 136 Madison Ave Floors 5 & 6, New York, NY 10016, United States
• Upside Tax and Financial - Andrew Donoghue CPA CFP - 2 Gold St, New York, NY 10038, United States
• Catalyst CFO Advisors - 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733, United States
• Kinetic CFO - 45 Middle Neck Rd Ste 213, Great Neck, NY 11021, United States
• TempCFO - 110 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
• Presti & Naegele Accounting and Advisory Services - 225 W 35th St 5th floor, New York, NY 10001, United States
• Centri Business Consulting - 530 7th Ave #2201, New York, NY 10018, United States
• Kyro CFO - 147 Prince St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
• CFO Hub - 1178 Broadway 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001, United States

Yes. I’d focus on firms that combine fractional CFO leadership with actual pre-IPO/SEC readiness work, rather than a generic outsourced-CFO provider.

My shortlist

• Corviniti Accounting — NYC Probably the closest match to what you described. They explicitly combine fractional CFO, IPO readiness, S-1/F-1 support, technical accounting, PCAOB audit support, SEC reporting, and SOX/internal-controls work. Their founder also has Big Four experience and says the firm has advised companies through IPOs and capital raises.
• CFO Squad — NYC Worth interviewing if you want a more traditional fractional-CFO relationship. Their local profile specifically mentions fractional CFO, financial reporting, technical accounting, and an IPO-process client experience. I'd ask them for the specific IPOs they've supported and whether they can own the S-1/readiness work or would bring in specialists.
• Connor Group — NYC A stronger choice if you're already fairly advanced toward an IPO and need serious accounting/controls infrastructure. Their services include IPO readiness/execution, SOX/internal controls, close/reporting acceleration, and finance transformation. This is more IPO advisory + finance leadership than a lightweight fractional CFO.
• Bovell Financial — NYC They specifically advertise IPO readiness, including assessing readiness, identifying gaps, developing an IPO timetable, S-1/S-4 support, and planning for ongoing public-company reporting.
• TStone Consulting — NYC Particularly interesting if you want someone with deep capital-markets expertise. Its materials describe IPO readiness assessments, S-1/F-1 support, SEC pre-clearance/comment letters, reporting-process improvements, and post-IPO planning. The founder's background includes two decades at PwC and leadership of its New York capital-markets/accounting-advisory practice.
• CFO Consulting Partners — NY area A good middle ground if you want a genuine outsourced/fractional CFO but also need transaction readiness. They advertise IPO readiness, capital-raise planning, diligence, and senior-level CFO/controller support.

If you want a larger firm

Deloitte is obviously much larger and more expensive, but its IPO-readiness practice is exceptionally deep: it says its professionals have supported 500+ IPOs, covering readiness assessments, S-1 preparation, technical accounting, SOX readiness, SEC reporting, and post-IPO support.

Another interesting option is Umbrex, which can match you with an independent senior consultant specifically experienced in IPO readiness. Their scope includes SOX, public-company reporting, KPI development, IPO roadmaps, PMO, and fractional/interim leadership.

What I'd look for

For an actual IPO-bound company, I'd make these non-negotiable interview questions:

1. How many S-1s have you personally taken from readiness through filing?
2. Have you worked with a PCAOB-registered auditor and Big Four audit teams?
3. Can you own the IPO readiness assessment and remediation roadmap, not just provide bookkeeping/FP&A?
4. Do you have hands-on experience with SOX/ICFR, technical accounting, revenue recognition, stock compensation and SEC reporting?
5. Can you coordinate with our auditor, securities counsel and investment banker?
6. Who exactly will be our fractional CFO, and how many hours/week will they personally spend?
7. Can you provide references from companies that actually completed an IPO, rather than merely considered one?

One important distinction: "fractional CFO" and "IPO readiness advisor" aren't necessarily the same job. If you're within roughly 6–18 months of a potential filing, I'd favor a provider that can build the public-company finance infrastructure and manage the IPO workstream. Deloitte similarly identifies 6–18 months pre-IPO as the key readiness period.

If you tell me (a) your approximate annual revenue, (b) industry, (c) whether you're VC-backed/private-equity-backed, and (d) target IPO timeframe, I can narrow this to 3–5 firms that are genuinely appropriate for your stage, including likely cost/engagement model and what I'd ask each one.

• Two Degrees - 255 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
• KBF Advisory - 601 Union St Ste 1710, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
• Denali Financial Consulting - 811 1st Ave #409, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
• Horwitz Group, LLC - 2217 NW Market St Ste 23, Seattle, WA 98107, United States
• CFO Selections - 12001 SE 9th Pl Ste 100, Bellevue, WA 98005, United States
• Turning Point Strategic Advisors - 2003 Western Ave #660, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
• Now Cfo - 600 1st Ave, Ste 244, Seattle, WA 98104
• Continuous Scale LLC - 4201 SW Donald St, Seattle, WA 98116, United States
• Turning Point Strategic Advisors - 509 Olive Way, Ste 305, Seattle, WA 98101
• MSR Plans - Seattle, WA 98101
• Eventus Advisory Group - 14201 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, United States
• New Paradigm CFO - Seattle, WA 98127, United States
• Millennial Wealth, LLC - 3518 Fremont Ave N #443, Seattle, WA 98103, United States

Yes. If IPO readiness is a real requirement, I’d look beyond a generic fractional-CFO provider and prioritize firms that can handle S-1 preparation, PCAOB audit readiness, SEC reporting, SOX/internal controls, technical accounting, and public-company close/reporting.

Since you appear to be in the Seattle area, these are the strongest candidates I found:

My shortlist

• Two Degrees — Seattle

• Particularly interesting for pre-IPO finance transformation and controls.

• Their capabilities include SEC/GAAP/SOX/COSO/PCAOB compliance, pre-IPO regulatory preparation, and post-IPO compliance.

• I'd consider them if your biggest gap is building the finance infrastructure and controls needed for an IPO.

• KBF Advisory — Seattle

• Stronger fit if you need IPO readiness + technical accounting + SEC/financial reporting.

• Their Seattle practice specifically highlights IPO readiness, SEC reporting, GAAP reporting, and technical research.

• Worth investigating if you're already relatively sophisticated financially and need specialized IPO expertise.

• vcfo Seattle — Seattle/Bellevue

• A more conventional fractional/interim CFO option, with finance-operations, close-process, controls, FP&A, audit readiness, and systems support.

• I'd ask specifically for a CFO who has personally taken companies through an S-1, rather than assuming the broader firm's experience translates to your engagement.

• Denali Financial Consulting — Seattle

• Offers fractional CFO/controller leadership plus SOX and audit readiness and transaction/due-diligence support.

• Potentially a good fit if you want someone embedded in the finance function rather than a large advisory project.

• CFO Portal — national/remote

• This is one of the more directly aligned options I found. It explicitly focuses on public and pre-IPO companies, including IPO/listing readiness, S-1 support, audit coordination, underwriter diligence, SEC reporting, board reporting, and SOX compliance.

• Corviniti — national/remote

• Particularly strong if you're looking for technical accounting + fractional CFO rather than just strategic finance.

• Their IPO-readiness scope includes S-1 financial statements, PCAOB audit uplift, ASC 606/718/805, equity instruments, SOX controls, ASC 740, and public-company close/reporting.

• ACG (Aspirations Consulting Group) — national/remote

• Explicitly offers fractional CFO leadership alongside IPO preparation and guidance, including financial-system remediation, SEC compliance preparation, investor relations, and governance changes.

One important distinction

I'd separate your search into two categories:

A. "I need a fractional CFO who has IPO experience." Look at CFO Portal, ACG, vcfo, and potentially Denali.

B. "We're seriously targeting an IPO and need to become IPO-ready." I'd put KBF Advisory, Two Degrees, and Corviniti higher on the list because IPO readiness involves considerably more than forecasting and board reporting. You need the accounting, controls, audit, reporting, systems, and governance infrastructure to withstand SEC/underwriter/auditor scrutiny.

For context, Deloitte describes the core IPO-readiness period as beginning roughly 6–18 months before listing, covering readiness assessment, SOX planning, audit preparation, close-process evaluation, and a comprehensive IPO roadmap.

What I'd ask every candidate

Before signing anyone, I'd ask:

1. How many S-1s have you personally taken from preparation through filing?
2. How many resulted in an actual IPO?
3. What exchanges were involved—Nasdaq, NYSE, etc.?
4. Will the actual fractional CFO have that experience, or is it someone else at the firm?
5. Can you perform an IPO-readiness gap assessment before we commit to a longer engagement?
6. How do you handle PCAOB audit preparation and technical accounting?
7. Can you build/upgrade our SOX/internal-control environment?
8. Who owns the S-1 financial statements and SEC reporting work?
9. How do you coordinate with our existing CPA/audit firm and investment bankers?
10. Can you give us references from companies that actually went public?

My initial preference: if you're genuinely within ~12–24 months of an IPO, I'd interview KBF Advisory, CFO Portal, Corviniti, and Two Degrees first. If you're earlier-stage and primarily need a senior finance leader who can gradually build toward IPO readiness, I'd broaden the pool to vcfo, Denali, and ACG.

If you tell me (1) your industry, (2) approximate revenue, (3) whether you're venture-backed, (4) current finance team size, and (5) target IPO timing, I can narrow this to 3–5 firms and compare likely fit, IPO credentials, geographic coverage, and engagement model.

Before signing anyone, I'd ask:

When preparing for an IPO, standard part-time bookkeeping or early-stage fractional CFO support usually isn't enough. You need specialized expertise in PCAOB-compliant financials, S-1 preparation, internal controls (SOX readiness), and managing investment bankers.

Top-tier firms and fractional/advisory practices specializing in pre-IPO readiness and high-growth financial leadership include the following:

• Connor Group : Widely recognized as a premier specialized advisory firm for going public, having guided hundreds of companies through IPOs, SPACs, and direct listings. They excel at the heavy lifting of technical accounting, S-1 sprints, and SEC comment letters.
• Riveron : Excellent for pre-IPO operational transformation, finance modernization, and building the scalable infrastructure required for the public-company "Office of the CFO".
• Burkland Associates : A robust option if you need a deep bench of venture-backed fractional CFOs who specialize in scaling late-stage startups and managing exit/readiness milestones.
• CXO Partners : Provides experienced interim and fractional CFO leadership specifically targeted at mid-market and scaling enterprises mapping out their equity story and public market readiness.

To help narrow down which of these options fits best, let me know:

• What is your current industry (SaaS, biotech, deep tech, etc.)?
• What is your target timeline for the IPO?
• Do you primarily need technical accounting/SEC compliance (S-1 prep) , or strategic investor relations and financial modeling?

When preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), standard fractional CFO firms that focus purely on basic bookkeeping, cash flow statements, or early-stage fundraising will fall short . You need firms that specialize in SEC reporting, PCAOB audit readiness, SOX compliance , and capital markets project management.

Several fractional, interim, and specialized advisory firms feature deep, hands-on IPO readiness capabilities:

• Connor Group : Widely recognized as a premier IPO accounting and financial readiness advisor for high-growth tech and enterprise companies, managing S-1 preparation and SEC comment sprints.
• CFGI : A heavy-hitting technical accounting and financial consulting firm providing elite-level interim and fractional leadership for complex public-readiness hurdles, revenue recognition, and SOX 404 compliance.
• Charles River CFO (CRCFO) : Provides specialized fractional finance and SEC reporting support, helping executive teams bridge the gap for pre-and post-IPO compliance and filings.
• Riveron : Offers robust pre-IPO financial transformation, operational restructuring, and capital markets readiness to scale internal controls to public standards.
• Burkland Associates : Features a massive bench of startup CFOs, including a subset of senior fractional leaders experienced in taking venture-backed companies through late-stage transformations and market readiness.

To help narrow down the right partner, could you share:

• Your industry/sector (e.g., SaaS, biotech, fintech)?
• Your estimated timeline for going public?

I can give you a more tailored recommendation based on who handles your specific sector best.

Yes. I searched the NYC/Northern NJ market with an emphasis on fractional CFO + actual IPO/SEC readiness experience, rather than generic bookkeeping/CFO services.

My strongest candidates

1. Corviniti Accounting — NYC

   • Probably the closest match to what you're describing.
   • Explicitly offers both fractional/interim CFO services and IPO readiness.
   • IPO work includes S-1/F-1 readiness, PCAOB audit preparation, technical accounting, SOX/internal controls, public-company close/reporting, and SEC-related work.
   • Led by Ro Sokhi, CPA, whom the firm says has 20+ years of experience and Big Four experience.
   • NYC office at 575 Fifth Avenue, so very accessible from Hoboken.

2. TStone Consulting — NYC

   • Particularly interesting if you're already seriously contemplating an IPO.
   • Their listed services include IPO readiness assessment, IPO planning/project management, S-1/F-1 registration statement support, financial statements and deal metrics, SEC pre-clearance/comment letters, and post-IPO reporting processes.
   • They also provide finance/accounting advisory alongside the IPO work.
   • I would ask specifically whether they will provide an ongoing fractional CFO, versus acting primarily as an IPO advisory/project-management firm.

3. Brio Financial Group — New Jersey

   • A strong NJ-based option.
   • Offers CFO advisory, interim CFO/FP&A, IPO/SPAC/direct-listing/uplisting advisory, and IPO readiness.
   • Their IPO-readiness work includes audit preparation/coordination and IPO timeline/project management.
   • Worth considering if you want someone who can function as your finance leader rather than just an IPO consultant.

4. Centri Business Consulting — NYC

   • Offers fractional/interim CFO leadership plus IPO/capital-markets readiness.
   • Their capabilities include IPO, direct listing, SPAC/de-SPAC reporting, financial-statement preparation, technical accounting, valuation, reporting processes, and audit readiness.
   • More of a broader accounting/advisory platform than a pure fractional-CFO boutique.

5. Tally 360 — Weehawken / Tri-State

   • Convenient geographically.
   • Offers fractional/interim CFO engagements, fundraising readiness, board reporting, financial modeling and transaction readiness.
   • However, I found much stronger evidence for fundraising/M&A readiness than specifically IPO readiness, so I'd rank it below the first four for your particular requirement.

One I'd put at the top of the interview list

Corviniti stands out because the two requirements are integrated: it's not simply a fractional CFO who says they can "help with an IPO." Their materials specifically describe fractional CFO + S-1/F-1 IPO readiness + PCAOB audit support + technical accounting + SOX/internal controls + SEC reporting.

That's important because IPO readiness isn't primarily about forecasting and fundraising. You want someone who understands the accounting, controls, audit, SEC reporting and finance-function transformation that have to happen before the S-1.

What I'd ask each firm

When you interview them, I'd ask these five questions:

1. How many S-1s have you personally supported from readiness through filing?
2. Have you actually served as the interim/fractional CFO during an IPO process, or are you primarily an accounting/IPO consultant?
3. Do you handle the PCAOB audit uplift, SOX/ICFR readiness, technical accounting and SEC reporting internally?
4. Can you provide references from companies that went public?
5. If we are 12–24 months from an IPO, what would you do in the first 90 days?

That last question is particularly revealing. A good IPO-oriented CFO should be able to immediately discuss close cadence, GAAP/technical accounting gaps, audit readiness, controls, equity accounting, revenue recognition, stock comp/409A issues, reporting infrastructure, forecasting, board reporting and the eventual S-1 timetable.

For context, Deloitte recommends beginning IPO preparation roughly 6–18 months before the IPO, with readiness work spanning SOX planning, audit preparation, close processes, technical accounting, S-1 preparation and SEC reporting.

If you tell me your company's approximate revenue, industry, funding stage, and how far away you think an IPO might be (e.g. 12, 24, or 36 months), I can narrow this to the 3 firms I'd actually interview, including what I would expect each to charge.

Yes. If IPO readiness is a serious objective, I’d be selective: many firms offer “fractional CFO” services, but relatively few demonstrate actual pre-IPO, SEC-reporting, SOX, or S-1 experience.

My shortlist

1. CFO Network — North Little Rock

   • Very convenient if you want a local relationship.
   • Provides fractional CFO, financial analysis, budgeting/planning, valuation, and audit-ready accounting support.
   • Caveat: I don't see public evidence that IPO readiness/S-1 preparation is a core specialty. I'd ask specifically about prior IPO engagements.

2. Enterprise Accounting Partners — Little Rock

   • Offers virtual CFO/strategic finance, including investor/board communication and financial narrative support.
   • Potentially a good local option if you're still several steps away from an actual filing.

3. Business Dynamics — Little Rock

   • Particularly interesting if you're thinking about an eventual IPO as part of a broader exit strategy.
   • Their positioning includes exit strategy planning, including IPOs.

4. Corviniti Accounting — national

   • This is the strongest match I found for your specific requirement.
   • They explicitly combine fractional CFO advisory with IPO readiness, S-1 preparation, SEC reporting, PCAOB audit support, technical accounting, and SOX/internal-control work.
   • They even offer an IPO-readiness assessment covering 37 questions across nine dimensions.

5. Ulwelling Consulting — national

   • More of a true growth-stage fractional CFO model.
   • Reports $300M+ capital raised across client engagements, 10 equity/debt financings above Series A, five successful exits, and experience with IPO readiness.
   • They specifically target companies in roughly the $10M–$50M range, which may be a good fit depending on your size/stage.

What I'd look for

For a company genuinely contemplating an IPO, I'd want the fractional CFO to have experience with at least several of these:

• S-1/F-1 preparation
• SEC reporting
• PCAOB audit coordination
• GAAP technical accounting
• Revenue recognition / ASC 606
• Stock compensation / ASC 718
• SOX / ICFR implementation
• Monthly close acceleration
• Public-company-quality financial statements
• Investor and board reporting
• Financial controls and audit trails
• IPO readiness assessment and remediation
• Working with investment banks, securities counsel and external auditors

That's materially different from a typical fractional CFO who primarily handles forecasting, cash flow and management reporting. Deloitte, for example, describes the IPO preparation window as beginning roughly 6–18 months before listing, with work including S-1 preparation, technical accounting, financial disclosures, SOX readiness and audit preparation.

My recommendation: If you're actually targeting an IPO rather than merely wanting stronger financial management, I'd interview Corviniti and Ulwelling first, then talk to one of the local Little Rock firms to determine whether they can provide the same IPO-specific capabilities.

If you tell me your company's approximate revenue, industry, current funding stage, and intended IPO timeframe, I can narrow this to 3–5 firms that are realistically appropriate and compare their likely cost, geographic fit, and IPO experience.

When preparing for an initial public offering (IPO), standard fractional accounting firms often hit a ceiling. Going public requires specialized expertise in PCAOB audits, SEC reporting (Form S-1), SOX internal controls, and building banker-ready financial infrastructure.

Several reputable advisory firms and fractional/interim executive networks specialize in deep capital markets, SEC compliance, and IPO readiness:

• CFGI specializes in capital markets readiness, helping private companies transition to public standards. They supply hands-on accounting advisory for SEC reporting, technical accounting, and building robust internal controls before the S-1 filing.
• Armanino provides dedicated IPO Readiness Consulting Services . They deploy experienced advisory teams to optimize financial reporting, upgrade tech infrastructure (like cloud ERPs), and guide companies through regulatory transitions.
• Cherry Bekaert is a PCAOB-registered firm offering IPO Advisory & Readiness Consulting Services . They focus heavily on SEC audit readiness, technical accounting, and aligning internal controls with public market demands.
• Charles River CFO (CRCFO) supplies high-level fractional finance and SEC reporting expertise to prep management teams for the rigorous demands of pre- and post-IPO regulatory compliance.
• Executive Agility provides IPO Execution & Audit Readiness Services matching companies with fractional and interim IPO-ready executives who have direct, hands-on listing and transaction experience.

To help narrow down the right fit, could you share:

• Your target industry (SaaS, biotech, manufacturing, etc.)?
• Your estimated timeline for the IPO?
• Whether you need help primarily with audit/SEC readiness (technical accounting) or strategic investor storytelling (FP&A)?

When scaling toward an Initial Public Offering (IPO), standard bookkeeping or early-stage startup financial advisory is not enough. You need specialized execution in SEC reporting, PCAOB audit readiness, internal controls (SOX 404), and managing the S-1 sprint.

Several fractional CFO advisory firms and consulting platforms specialize explicitly in late-stage financial transformation and IPO readiness:

• CFGI - A premier non-audit accounting advisory firm providing deep technical accounting, complex revenue recognition, and full capital markets/IPO readiness support alongside interim high-level management.
• Connor Group - Widely recognized as a specialized IPO readiness expert built specifically for the S-1 filing sprint, navigating SEC comment letters, and enforcing public-company close discipline.
• 8020 Consulting - Offers executive-level interim and project-based financial leadership composed of former Big 4 and Fortune 500 professionals experienced in SEC compliance and public reporting infrastructure implementation.
• Riveron - Focuses heavily on pre-IPO finance transformation, operational model redesign, and upgrading financial systems to withstand public market reporting scrutiny.
• Burkland Associates - Provides late-stage venture-backed CFO support with seasoned senior partners who can scale financial controls and governance structures as you near liquidity events.

To help narrow down the best fit, could you share:

• Your current annual revenue or funding stage?
• Your target timeline for the IPO?
• Whether you need help primarily with technical accounting/audits or the equity/investor story?

Yes. Since you’re in the Carmel/Indianapolis area, I’d separate the market into true IPO-readiness specialists and local fractional CFO firms. IPO experience is a fairly high bar: you want someone who has dealt with S-1 preparation, SEC reporting, PCAOB audits, SOX/internal controls, technical accounting, and underwriter diligence, not simply someone who does fundraising or “investor-ready” financials.

My strongest candidates

1. Corviniti — probably the closest match to your exact requirement. They explicitly combine fractional CFO advisory with IPO readiness, including S-1/F-1 preparation, SEC reporting, PCAOB audit support, SOX/internal controls, and technical accounting.

2. CFO Portal — specifically focused on public and pre-IPO companies. Their offering includes IPO/listing readiness, S-1 financial support, audit coordination, underwriter diligence, SEC reporting, and ongoing public-company CFO services.

3. Executive Agility — interesting if you want an actual executive who has been through public-market transactions rather than a generic fractional CFO. They advertise fractional/interim IPO-ready executives with CEO/CFO/board experience through actual listings, plus PCAOB and SEC disclosure readiness.

4. Cherry Bekaert — not really a conventional fractional-CFO provider, but worth considering if you're genuinely within ~12–24 months of an IPO. They have a dedicated IPO advisory practice covering SEC readiness, internal controls, financial reporting, technical accounting, and PCAOB-related work.

Local Indianapolis/Carmel options

SignalCFO is a local fractional-CFO firm with a strong general growth-stage finance orientation. Its public materials emphasize fractional CFO leadership, forecasting, cash flow, and strategic planning, but I would specifically ask about direct S-1/IPO experience before putting them on the shortlist.

NOW CFO - Indianapolis is another credible local option, with fractional/interim CFO and controller services and experience with audit-readiness situations. Again, I'd verify actual IPO engagements rather than assuming “audit readiness” means IPO readiness.

Milestone Business Solutions Inc is in Carmel and provides fractional CFO/strategic finance support, including fundraising and exit planning. It may be worth interviewing if you want someone physically local, although I don't see enough public evidence to call it an IPO specialist.

Agile CFO Solutions is another Carmel/Indianapolis-area fractional CFO option, offering CFO, controller, accounting and finance support.

What I'd look for

If IPO is a real possibility rather than a distant aspiration, I'd prioritize someone who can answer “yes” to most of these:

• Has personally taken a company through an S-1
• Has worked with a PCAOB-registered audit firm
• Has implemented/remediated SOX/ICFR controls
• Has managed SEC reporting
• Understands ASC 606, ASC 842, ASC 740, stock compensation, EPS, etc.
• Has built a public-company-quality monthly/quarterly close
• Has dealt with underwriters and IPO due diligence
• Can coordinate the CFO, controller, auditors, securities attorneys, tax advisors and investment bankers
• Has experience transitioning from private-company accounting to public-company reporting cadence
• Can tell you which companies they've actually taken public (subject to confidentiality)

My initial shortlist would be Corviniti + CFO Portal + Executive Agility, then I'd add a strong local fractional CFO such as SignalCFO if you want someone physically close to the business.

If you tell me (1) your industry, (2) approximate revenue, (3) whether you're targeting an IPO in 1–2 years vs. 3–5+ years, and (4) whether you want someone local to Indianapolis, I can narrow this to 3–5 firms and compare their actual IPO track records, likely fit, and pricing model.