What does it really take to prepare a company for IPO - and why should treasury be involved far earlier than most expect?

In this episode, Stef Layne, a three-time IPO leader, shares how treasury plays a critical role in shaping IPO readiness, strengthening cash discipline, and building financial resilience.

This episode explores the critical, often underestimated role treasury plays in shaping IPO readiness, cash discipline, and financial resilience.

In this episode, we’re joined by Stef Layne, a finance executive with over 20 years of experience leading high-growth, global technology companies through IPOs, rapid scale, and transformation. A proven partner to CEOs and executive teams, Stef brings deep expertise across capital strategy, liquidity management, FP&A, global operations, and risk management. As a three-time IPO leader, she is known for bringing structure to ambiguity, building high-performing teams, and aligning finance strategy with business outcomes.

This conversation dives into the evolving role of treasury in the IPO journey, highlighting why early involvement is essential for success. The discussion covers how treasury supports liquidity planning, establishes financial discipline across organisations, and manages banking relationships during periods of uncertainty.

We also explores the importance of embedding cash awareness across teams and ensuring that financial decisions align with long-term business objectives - both before and after going public.

What We Cover in This Episode:

The role of treasury in preparing a company for IPO
Why treasury should be involved earlier in the IPO process
Building and maintaining strong liquidity positions
The importance of free cash flow awareness across the organisation
Establishing financial discipline before and after going public
Managing banking relationships and counterparty risk
Navigating periods of financial uncertainty and cash risk
Treasury’s role in supporting strategic decision-making
Aligning treasury operations with broader business goals

You can connect with Stef Layne on LinkedIn.

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Preparing a Company for IPO: The Treasurer’s Critical Role

The Treasury Career Corner

Preparing a Company for IPO: The Treasurer’s Critical Role