Post-Transaction Services & Support

Comprehensive Post-Transaction Accounting Services

The first numbers you book after closing a transaction set the tone for everything that follows. An inaccurate opening balance sheet, a messy handoff from the seller’s systems, or a shaky first close can create problems that follow you. These problems may include misstated working capital, audit findings, disputes with lenders or investors, or simply not trusting your own financials.

Our team specializes in making sure that doesn’t happen. We help buyers establish an accurate opening balance sheet, stand up reliable accounting processes immediately after closing, and keep the books clean and timely going forward, so you can make decisions with confidence instead of wondering whether the numbers are right. From payroll and operational transitions to aligning systems and setting up controls, you have a lot to navigate. Our team is well-versed in the pivotal post-close phase and can provide practical guidance to make the process more seamless.

CONTACT US

Nicole Zambetti >
Client Advisory Services Partner
Michael Kidd >
Partner, Transaction Advisory Services Leader
TJ Van Derpluym >
Tax Partner

Insights

Managing Operational and Payroll Transitions During an Acquisition >

Post-Transaction Services and Advice

We’re here to help you facilitate a smooth transition following the close of the deal. Our services include:

  • Comprehensive project management
  • Development and implementation of a plan to efficiently integrate the companies
  • Evaluation, redesign and implementation of financial management and reporting systems
  • Assessment and redesign of policies and procedures
  • Appraisal and rethinking of the organizational structure, including leadership, staffing and reporting lines
  • Accounting and tax advisory services

Common Post-Close Challenges

Once a deal closes, buyers are often faced with decisions that need to be made quickly. Common post-close challenges can include cash-basis records that need to be converted to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), or a chart of accounts that doesn’t map cleanly to your reporting needs inconsistent financial reporting, gaps in internal controls, system integration issues, tax planning considerations, working capital adjustments, and questions around staffing or organizational structure.

When you work with our team during the sale, these risks are identified early, with recommendations on how to address them. Our team conducts thorough due diligence on target companies, assessing economic health, cash flows, and liabilities. After close, our advisors can offer recommendations to reduce disruption, improve decision-making, and create a smoother transition.

Our Day 1–100 Process

Opening Balance Sheet

We reconcile the opening balance sheet to the final purchase agreement, confirm the purchase price allocation is properly reflected, and help resolve any gaps between seller records and your accounting standards before they become audit findings later.

Working Capital True-Up

We manage the net working capital true-up calculation and support.

Books and Systems Transition

We help migrate or integrate accounting systems, rebuild the chart of accounts where needed, and establish a clean cutover so your first post-close financials are built on a solid foundation rather than an inherited mess.

First Close and Beyond

We support the first few month-end closes directly, then help you establish a repeatable close calendar, reporting package, and controls — whether that support continues with our team or transitions to yours.

Ongoing Accounting Support

Many clients choose to keep our team involved well beyond the first 100 days. Ongoing support can include:

  • Monthly close and management reporting
  • Variance and flux analysis
  • Reporting packages for lenders, boards, or investors
  • Fractional CFO or controller support
  • GAAP implementation and technical accounting guidance

This lets you focus on running and growing the business instead of managing back-office accounting with the option to scale support up or down as your internal team matures.

How Mowery & Schoenfeld Can Support You

Our experienced CPAs combine tax, accounting, advisory, and wealth management services to assist buyers in the post-close chapter.

For mergers and acquisitions, our transaction advisors can lead you through the entire deal process. After close, the handoff occurs from our Transaction Advisory Services team to our tax and audit and assurance teams to offer additional support with annual tax planning, audits, and more. Our client advisory team handles the net working capital true-ups, opening balance sheet accounting, and any accounting process advisory and improvements.

If the acquired company keeps its books on a cash or tax basis, we can help convert the financials to GAAP, including reviewing account balances, recording necessary adjustments, and aligning reporting policies. We also help prepare the business for an audit by organizing supporting documentation, strengthening close processes and internal controls, and addressing accounting issues before auditors begin their work.

Our services include:

  • Comprehensive project management
  • Development and implementation of a plan to efficiently integrate the companies
  • Evaluation, redesign, and implementation of financial management and reporting systems
  • Assessment and redesign of policies and procedures
  • Appraisal and rethinking of the organizational structure, including leadership, staffing, and reporting lines
  • Assurance, accounting, and tax advisory services
  • Deal compliance matters and resolution
  • Post-close fractional CFO support

Supporting Services

Post-close accounting rarely happens in isolation, and our broader team is available to support related needs as they come up:

  • Tax planning and compliance: annual tax strategy, structuring, and filings for the newly acquired entity
  • Audit and assurance: financial statement audits or reviews, particularly for lender or investor requirements
  • Transaction advisory: due diligence and deal support for next acquisition from our Transaction Advisory Services team
  • Operational and integration advisory: project management, systems evaluation, and organizational guidance for buyers navigating broader post-merger integration

Industries and Clients We Serve

As a top 10 Illinois accounting and advisory firm with decades of experience, we’ve worked with a variety of clients across myriad industries. We serve the following clients and industries:

Learn More About Our Post-Transaction Services

Have you recently closed on an acquisition? Reach out to our team to learn how our post-transaction services can help you build a stronger foundation for long-term growth.

Our goal is to set you up for success as you step into ownership. With our team in your corner, you’ll have access to expert advisory as you navigate the crucial post-close transition period.