Agenda

May 20, 2025

8:55–9:00 a.m. – Welcome and Opening Remarks
Zach Donah, CAE, MassCPAs

9:00–9:50 a.m. – Department of Labor (DOL) Update
Michael Auerbach, CPA, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)

10:00–10:50 a.m. – Accounting and Auditing Update
Jake Parente, PwC LLP
Megan Brooks, CPA, PwC LLP
In this session, we’ll discuss various accounting and auditing reminders, including SAS 145 (understanding the entity and its environment and assessing the risks of material misstatement), SOC 1 evaluations, FinREC recommendations, investment disclosures and forfeitures.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Managing Change in the ERISA Audit Environment
Randy Dummer, CPA, American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
Changes to a plan can significantly complicate ERISA audits. In this session, we’ll explore how auditors must adjust their audit plans to accommodate these changes, including changes in plan providers, year-end adjustments, mergers, terminations, freezes in defined benefit pension plans and how plan amendments that alter provisions can impact the audit.

12:10–1:00 p.m. – Auditing Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs)
Jason Eddy, CPA, Grant Thornton LLP
Debbie Smith, CPA, Grant Thornton LLP
Lauren Smith, CPA, Grant Thornton LLP
In this session, we’ll cover pooled employer plans (PEPs) and the unique risks and audit considerations associated with these types of plans.

1:00 p.m.– Closing Remarks
Zach Donah, CAE, MassCPAs

May 21, 2025

8:55–9:00 a.m. – Opening Remarks

9:00–9:50 a.m. – Legal and Regulatory Update
David Guadagnoli, LLM, MBA, JD, Sullivan & Worcester LLP
Amy Sheridan, Sullivan & Worcester LLP
The pace of change continues to accelerate with new regulations, procedures and potential legislation. In this session, we’ll review provisions relevant to 2024 audits and filings, provide updates on the latest guidance, address plan correction issues and discuss what’s coming next. This session is designed to ensure that you —and your clients—are staying current.

10:00–10:50 a.m. – Concurrent Sessions

Session 1: Best Practices and Efficiencies in EBP Audits
Randy Dummer, CPA, American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
In this session, we’ll share ways to be more efficient and effective in performing ERISA audits, including practical tips for trimming hours from your audits, while focusing on performing those audits with quality that will satisfy peer reviewers.

Session 2: The Current and Future Landscape of Audit Technology
Peter Zender, CPA, Galasso Learning Solutions
This session explores how technology is transforming the audit profession. Learn about key trends including data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, and how they’re enhancing and improving the quality of benefit plan audits. Through demos, case studies and practical tips, you’ll learn how to navigate and adapt to the evolving audit landscape. This session will help CPAs stay ahead in a rapidly changing profession.

11:00–11:50 a.m. – Retirement Plan Corrections: Latest Developments Under EPCRS
Brandon Long, McAfee & Taft
In this session, we’ll cover new developments related to common errors and corrections (e.g., overpayments) and still outstanding questions.  We’ll also share the latest DOL correction guidance regarding self-correction of late deposits and loan repayments.

12:00–1:00 p.m. – SECURE Act Loose Ends, Trends, and Issues to Consider
Brandon Long, McAfee & Taft
In this session, we’ll discuss SECURE loose ends and issues, including mandatory Roth contributions, “super” catch-up contributions, penalty-free withdrawal provisions, required automatic enrollment (including merger and acquisitions) and more.

1:00 p.m. – Closing Remarks
Zach Donah, CAE, MassCPAs