Going public through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) or traditional initial public offering (IPO) presents unique challenges, especially around Sarbanes-Oxley Act SOX compliance. Many organizations underestimate the scope and rigor needed to document, evaluate, and test internal controls, as well as the importance of experienced teams, strong governance, and effective technology.

Join us for our webcast, SPAC and IPO Readiness: A Practical Guide to SOX Compliance, in which we’ll break down the accelerated timelines and regulatory requirements specific to SPAC transactions, clarify key differences between SPAC and traditional IPOs, and share practical strategies to help your organization achieve public company readiness.

Robert Luman, CPA, Principal, Moss Adams

Robert leads the Technical Accounting Consulting Practice and has worked in public accounting and consulting since 1999. He assists clients with complex accounting and reporting issues, including projects related to IPO readiness, SPAC transactions, implementation of accounting standards, adherence to SOX, and business process design.

Robert’s clients include private and publicly traded companies in the software, digital media, manufacturing and distribution, financial services, and retail industries.

Robert is also experienced in counseling executive management in strategic investment decision-making, identifying areas of revenue growth and expense elimination, and analyzing financial trends. He spent most of his career at Big Four and national consulting firms.

Debbie Biddie-Castillo, CPA, Principal, Baker Tilly

Debbie is a principal with Baker Tilly’s risk advisory practice. With more than 20 years of experience in internal controls and governance, Debbie provides strategic guidance to C-suite executives and boards of directors on risk advisory and governance matters. She leads the establishment and oversight of internal audit and internal control functions for clients and offers co-sourced support for specialized audit areas. As Baker Tilly’s United States environment, social and governance (ESG) advisory leader, Debbie collaborates closely with sustainability reporting teams to develop pragmatic, compliant programs aligned with corporate risk appetite.

A recognized thought leader and speaker, Debbie regularly authors and presents on governance and internal control topics at industry events, continuing professional education (CPE) trainings and Institute of Internal Auditors conferences.

Chris Jeffries, Principal, Baker Tilly

Chris is the leader of Baker Tilly’s Illinois business unit’s risk advisory and internal audit consulting practice. He has more than 20 years of experience providing industry specialized services within several industries. Chris’ practice areas include SOX compliance, co-sourced and outsourced internal audit, risk assessment, financial and operational risk management, internal controls and organizational governance. He specializes in helping large and complex organizations implement and optimize internal audit by focusing on strategy and results.