Assessing the quality of employee benefit plan audits is still top of mind for the DOL. Join in to discover ways to fine tune your audits, avoid common deficiencies and hone your technical proficiencies related to employee benefit plan audits.

Hotel Accommodations - We have a discounted rate at the Hyatt Place Livonia. To receive the discounted rate, follow the link here: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/michigan/hyatt-place-detroit-livonia/detzl?corp_id=73151 and simply select your arrival and departure dates and proceed to checkout. You will automatically receive the MICPA discount. If you can have questions feel free to call us!

Looking for extra flexibility? You can attend the program virtually, too. Click here for details on the virtual option.

PROGRAM AGENDA

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Program Registration

8:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Welcome & Opening Announcements

8:35 AM – 9:25 AM
Common Errors in Plan Operations, and How to Prevent or Detect Them
Let’s face it, plan errors occur but there are ways to mitigate them. We explore operational errors, what they are, how to avoid and then how to effectively communicate such errors if they do occur as part of your responsibility as an auditor. Plus, get the latest changes in reporting requirements following COVID-19 impacts.
Randy M. Dummer, CPA – Partner, Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough, PLLC, Chattanooga, TN

9:25 AM – 10:15 AM
Form an Opinion: Preparing for SAS No. 136
Let’s dig into what the updated requirements and amended rules of The Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 136, Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements of Employee Benefit Plans Subject to ERISA mean for auditors, reporting and transparency. Plus, review examples of the new reports and weigh considerations for filing Form 5500.
Susan W. Hicks – Senior Manager, Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center – Public Accounting, AICPA, Washington, D.C.

10:15 AM – 10:25 AM
Morning Break

10:25 AM – 11:15 AM
Simplifying the Matter of Retirement Plan Investments
Enhance your understanding of retirement plan investments including classification, presentation, and disclosures for each. We will also explore key aspects of 5500 reporting related to these investments.
Amanda Grafilo, CPA – Senior Manager, Plante Moran, Flint
Rachel Petz, CPA – Assurance Senior, Plante Moran, Flint

11:15 AM – 12:05 PM
The Materials to Prevent Misstatement
View actual allegations from the AutoZone 401(k) class action lawsuit currently in litigation through the lens of NOCLAR and discover how and why a 401(k) plan’s system of internal controls can fail to detect and prevent multiple material misstatements. We then review / provide specific audit procedures responsive to detecting those risks of material misstatements.
Stewart Frank, CPA/PFS, AIFA – CEO and Co-Founder, Precision Fiduciary Analytics
Paul P. Walter, CPA – Managing Partner, Walter, Boesky & Associates, PC, Southfield

12:05 PM – 12:55 PM
Group Luncheon

12:55 PM – 1:45 PM
Certification Ace: Avoid These Common Errors
One of the most common deficiencies found in EBP audits by the Department of Labor and in Peer Review is the improper use of the ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(C) election because the certification did not meet the requirements. Let’s get in to these the various types of certification errors, how to avoid them and how you can mitigate your risk as an auditor. 
Susan W. Hicks – Senior Manager, Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center – Public Accounting, AICPA, Washington, D.C.

1:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Direct from the DOL (Presenting Virtually)
Ever wonder what goes on at the EBSA’s Office of the Chief Accountant? Get the inside scoop from the man himself as he discusses the office’s audit quality study, changes to the 2021 Form 5500 to align with SAS 136, common reporting deficiencies they see and tips to help your clients remain compliant with ERISA.
Marcus Aron, CPA, CGMA – Chief, Division of Accounting Services, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C.

3:15 PM – 3:25 PM
Afternoon Break

3:25 PM – 4:25 PM
What Questions Do You Have? Expert Panel Q&A
The nature of EBP auditing is complex and while our sessions cover a range of ongoing and emerging issues, this expert panel is your chance to get specific. Shape the conversation in this question-and-answer forum to get informed solutions and guidance on your lingering challenges.
Marcus Aron, CPA, CGMA – Chief, Division of Accounting Services, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C.
Tara Frank, CPA – Principal, Rehmann, Saginaw
Amanda Grafilo, CPA – Senior Manager, Plante Moran, Flint
Susan W. Hicks – Senior Manager, Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center – Public Accounting, AICPA, Washington, D.C.
Moderator: Julie Killian, CPA, CGMA – Audit Director, BDO, Troy

4:25 PM
Program Adjourns

PRICING DETAILS
Register early to take advantage of the best price! Please note, discounted pricing is already reflected in the online price. No promo code is needed.
Through April 20: $175 MICPA Members/ $325 Non-Members
April 21 - May 4: $195 MICPA Members/ $345 Non-Members
May 5 - May 18: $215 MICPA Members/ $365 Non-Members