Make your audits of employee benefit plans a success with the latest best practices and a thorough understanding of new standards and reporting methods.
DESIGNED FOR
CPAs involved in the auditing of employee benefit and pension plans
HIGHLIGHTS
8-8:50 a.m.
Accounting and Auditing Update
Kevin Nardone, CPA – EisnerAmper LLP
Obtain knowledge of essential accounting and auditing considerations affecting 2021 employee benefit plan audits. This session will include discussions of existing guidance with practical insight on implementing new and proposed accounting and auditing standards for employee benefit plan financial statements.
9-9:50 a.m.
The Impact of SAS 136 Implementation on Employee Benefit Plan Audits
Heather Karpawich, CPA – Grant Thornton LLP
This session will discuss what to expect as auditors implement Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) Section 103(a)(3)(C) audits and how they will differ from limited scope audits.
10-10:50 a.m.
Planning and Risk Assessment
Jennifer Giannini, CPA - Baker Tilly US LLP
Details Coming Soon.
11-11:50 a.m.
Best Practices When Designing Investment Menus in the World of Crypto Currency, SDBAs and ESGs
David Hudak, Senior Vice President – Captrust
This presentation will discuss the fiduciary process of reviewing investment options and the standard of care needed when designing investment menus for retirement plans. In this presentation, attendees will learn about the history of investment lineups in retirement plans and industry best practices on Crypto Currency, SDBAs and ESGs. Finally, attendees will learn how to add value to an audit relationship by identifying investment opportunities and helping avoid pitfalls with investment menus.
11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Lunch Break
12:20-1:35 p.m.
U.S. Department of Labor Update
Michael E. Auerbach, CPA – U.S. Department of Labor
Find out what’s going on at the Employee Benefits Security Administration's Office of the Chief Accountant. This session will discuss the work done with regards to plan audits and Form 5500 filings, as well as changes to the 2021 Form 5500 to align with SAS 136. Learn common reporting deficiencies and tips on how to help your clients be compliant with ERISA. Also learn why some audits of employee benefit plans are deemed deficient and what you can do to help make sure your audits are satisfactory.
1:45-2:35 p.m.
Surviving a DOL Cybersecurity Audit
Elliot D. Raff – McDonald Hopkins
On April 14, 2021, the DOL issued guidance concerning cybersecurity and ERISA fiduciary duties. Shortly thereafter, the DOL launched a national cybersecurity enforcement initiative, adding cybersecurity to routine plan examinations and requesting a lengthy list of cybersecurity-related documents. This session will provide an overview of the issues, a discussion of the DOL guidance, and practical steps plan advisors and fiduciaries can take to mitigate cybersecurity risks and be ready for the DOL.
2:45-4 p.m.
Top Employee Benefit Plan Reporting Issues
Michael Kulick, CPA, M.B.A. and Donna Nevolo, CPA - WithumSmith+Brown PC
This session will identify and discuss 10 of the most common deficiencies noted while performing audits of employee benefit plans.