Agenda

May 19, 2026

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
In this session, we’ll delve into the latest enforcement initiatives at the EBSA’s Office of the Chief Accountant.

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. – Retirement Plan Corrections: EPCRS Update and Practical Strategies in Today’s Environment
Brandon Long, McAfee & Taft
With ongoing changes under SECURE and SECURE 2.0, and the potential for a new Revenue Procedure, plan corrections continue to evolve for sponsors and their advisors. In this session, we’ll provide an overview of the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System, including what qualifies for self-correction, what does not and the documentation requirements practitioners must understand. We’ll review common operational and document failures and the appropriate correction methods for each. We’ll also examine how the Voluntary Correction Program is being used today and what the IRS is focusing on when reviewing submissions, so you can guide clients through corrections with confidence.

12:10–1:00 p.m. – Strengthening ERISA Audits for Peer Review Success
Randy Dummer, Henderson Hutcherson & McCullough PLLC
Take a focused look at the peer review process as it applies to Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) audits. This session will highlight the areas reviewers scrutinize most closely, common deficiencies and errors being identified, and practical steps firms can take to meet expectations. Gain valuable insight into frequent pitfalls and emerging trends to help strengthen audit quality and improve peer review outcomes.

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

May 20, 2026

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 is accelerating. In this session, we’ll break down key provisions impacting 2025 audits and filings, highlight the latest regulatory guidance and walk through the rollout of new requirements and plan options. We’ll also address common issues arising from layoffs, downsizing and client and plan mergers to help you and your clients stay current and one step ahead.

10:00–10:50 a.m. – Cybersecurity and Fraud Risk in Employee Benefit Plans
Jessica Whitman, Plante & Moran
Employee benefit plans face increasing cyber risks that can lead to financial loss, regulatory scrutiny and exposure of participant data. In this session, we’ll examine common cyber threats affecting employee benefit plans, review relevant regulatory guidance and discuss the implications for plan sponsors and their advisors. You’ll gain practical insight to help clients strengthen oversight, manage third-party risk and address common cybersecurity control gaps. 

11:00–11:50 a.m. – Artificial Intelligence (AI) in EBP Audits
Brian Tankersley, K2 Enterprises
AI is transforming accounting, including EBP audits. In this session, we’ll demystify artificial intelligence for ERISA auditors by exploring the differences between Generative AI and Machine Learning and how they apply to EBP audits. We’ll review practical use cases such as plan document summarization and census data formatting, examine AI’s limitations including hallucinations and mathematical errors, and discuss the privacy risks involved when handling participant Personally Identifiable Information (PII). We’ll also cover best practices for using AI tools responsibly while maintaining strict data security.

12:00–1:00 p.m. – All About Form 5500: Auditor Edition
Katie Vought, Plante & Moran
Jamie Tong-Chow, Assurance Partner, Plante Moran
Still relatively new, SAS 136 introduced significant changes to the auditor’s report, employee benefit plan management responsibilities and governance communication requirements for plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). In this session, we’ll explore illustrative examples to investigate common issues with disclosures, with a special focus on Form 5500 implications and its associated supplementary schedules.

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