NOTE FOR PEER REVIEWERS: You must attend both sessions if you wish to satisfy your annual EBP must-select training requirement. This session will address the impact of recent changes to guidance related to peer reviews of employee benefit plan (EBP) audit engagements, real-life examples of matters identified in peer review, and the United States Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration November 2023 Audit Quality Study. For peer reviewers, attendance of both parts I and II will satisfy the annual peer review must-select training requirement to review EBP engagements. This session is designed to include discussion of performing peer reviews, using the Peer Review Employee Benefit Plan Audit Engagement Checklist (EBP checklist), and the evaluation of real-life EBP audit findings. This presentation is primarily for peer reviewers; however, these sessions include discussion of topics that will help subject matter experts gain insight to the peer review process and benefits of serving as a team member in peer reviews. Presenters will provide: * Updates on recent or upcoming changes to professional standards applicable to peer reviews and EBP audit engagements * Insights regarding regulatory changes that affect EBP audits * An overview of recent changes to the Peer Review EBP checklist, including guidance for peer reviewers when using bolded questions to evaluate whether an engagement was performed and reported on in conformity with applicable professional standards in all material respects

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze auditing and reporting requirements for audits of employee benefit plans including recent changes to professional standards and their impact on employee benefit plan audits
• Identify recent changes to the peer review checklist for employee benefit plan audit engagements
• Use real-life examples identified in peer review audits and compare the impact of various matters

NOTE FOR PEER REVIEWERS: You must attend both sessions if you wish to satisfy your annual EBP must-select training requirement. This session will address the impact of recent changes to guidance related to peer reviews of employee benefit plan (EBP) audit engagements, real-life examples of matters identified in peer review, and the United States Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration November 2023 Audit Quality Study. For peer reviewers, attendance of both parts I and II will satisfy the annual peer review must-select training requirement to review EBP engagements. This session is designed to include discussion of performing peer reviews, using the Peer Review Employee Benefit Plan Audit Engagement Checklist (EBP checklist), and the evaluation of real-life EBP audit findings. This presentation is primarily for peer reviewers; however, these sessions include discussion of topics that will help subject matter experts gain insight to the peer review process and benefits of serving as a team member in peer reviews. Presenters will provide: * Updates on recent or upcoming changes to professional standards applicable to peer reviews and EBP audit engagements * Insights regarding regulatory changes that affect EBP audits * An overview of recent changes to the Peer Review EBP checklist, including guidance for peer reviewers when using bolded questions to evaluate whether an engagement was performed and reported on in conformity with applicable professional standards in all material respects

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze auditing and reporting requirements for audits of employee benefit plans including recent changes to professional standards and their impact on employee benefit plan audits
• Identify recent changes to the peer review checklist for employee benefit plan audit engagements
• Use real-life examples identified in peer review audits and compare the impact of various matters

The Form 5500 workshop will provide a practical review of the Form 5500 and related schedules. We will explore common practitioner questions, Form 5500 and related schedules' pitfalls, as well as the new 2023 changes. The session is designed for plan administrators, auditors, tax professionals, and preparers who want to learn about Form 5500 as well as expand their knowledge of Form 5500 filings. **INCLUDED IN MAIN CONFERENCE PASS | IN PERSON ONLY**

Learning Objectives:

• Identify Form 5500/5500-SF specifics
• Indicate changes to the 2023 Form 5500
• Identify Form 5500 related schedules and Form 8955-SSA
• Recognize common challenges and how to address them

Hear an update from the DOL and IRS onsite in Las Vegas, NV, and live online!

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the latest initiatives and priorities within the DOL and IRS
• Apply the latest regulatory and enforcement developments in planning the EBP engagement and discussing potential issues with plan sponsors

This session is an advanced discussion on unique ESOP considerations. As an ESOP plan matures, certain administration and compliance issues may arise. These include managing cash and distributions, complying with Statutory Diversification Rules, allocating shares to newer participants after all the shares have been acquire and section 409(p) testing.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify unique ESOP rules
• Evaluate methods to address issues that arise for mature ESOPs

What’s going on at the DOL that will impact this season’s benefit plan audits? This session will discuss significant results and findings from the DOL’s audit quality study. Additionally, Mr. Aron will address ongoing deficiencies that continue to challenge auditors of employee benefit plans and provide valuable insights to ensure audits meet professional and regulatory standards.

Learning Objectives:

• Better understand the findings and common deficiencies the DOL identified in their audit quality study and whey they continue to occur.
• Perform benefit plan audits with a better understanding of deficiencies commonly identified by the DOL.
• Assist clients with enforcement letters received from the DOL.

The Internal Revenue Code provides for a number of ways for employers to deliver health benefits to their employees. Many of these arrangements allow employees to set aside amounts that the employee can use for his or her own health benefits. This session will discuss the basics of these arrangements and the tax and Affordable Care Act rules that come into play when encountering these arrangements.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the various types of health care accounts, including how the accounts are funded, applicable contribution limits, and how benefits can be paid from the accounts
• Distinguish how employers set up various health care accounts and what administrative requirements, if any, apply to each.
• Identify the basic issues, if any, under the Affordable Care Act that come into play when considering health care accounts.

This session will discuss recent audit and accounting standards which impact employee benefit plan audits. Also, there will be discussion about relevant tools and resources which can be used to assist in identifying and applying recent guidance.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify applicable auditing standards for 2023 audits
• Indicate the impact of not-yet-effective standards on future audits
• Identify recent accounting guidance that could impact financial statement reporting
• Recognize tips on where to find relevant tools and resources
• Identify potential risks related to nondisclosure agreements and restricted use clauses.

This is part one of a two-part series on compensation in employee benefit plans. This session will dig into the various types of the "definition of compensation" (DOC) that are commonly used in plans, as well as some of the nuances that can make understanding the DOC more challenging, the typical inclusions and exclusions by type of DOC.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine how eligible compensation is defined in various plans.
• Identify what is audited in relation to definitions of compensation in the various types of plans.

This is part one of two-part series on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Explore the unique features of ESOPs compared to other defined contribution plans, including typical risks, common testing procedures performed when auditing ESOPs, and reporting requirements specific to ESOPs.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine what defines an ESOP, key terminology, and how ESOPs differ from other defined contribution plans
• Recognize relevant provisions and unique concepts of a leveraged ESOP

This session will provide a basic overview of ERISA rules and regulations, highlighting certain key elements for plan auditors, as well as provide an overview from the DOL. This session is the first session of the fundamentals case study

Learning Objectives:

• Recall the various types of plan document designs, common plan amendments, and decisions from the DOL on the auditor's role and the importance of the audits of plans
• Identify ERISA from an auditor's perspective (plan types, roles of providers, vesting rules, nondiscrimination testing)

Get prepared for the rest of the conference by releasing tension in your neck, shoulders, hips and back so you can sit tall and breathe deep. Live on Zoom!

A 403(b) Plan is a tax-advantaged retirement plan designed for non-profit organizations and certain government entities. The 403(b) Plan is similar to a 401(k) Plan, although it offers several enhanced benefits, such as catch-up contributions for tenured employees. This session will discuss the basics of 403(b) Plans, their benefits and the differences between 403(b) and 401(k) plans. It will also discuss prototype documents. Describe the differences between ERISA and non-ERISA 403(b).

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the types of organizations that can have a 403(b).
• Distinguish the requirements for 403(b) and the difference from 401(k)
• Assess prototype documents

Compensation arrangements for executives can take many different forms based on company objectives and executive priorities. During the session, experts will describe some of the common components of those arrangements, tax impacts for the company, and employee and emerging trends so that attendees can better understand the arrangments and identify the key components.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify common types of compensation that are frequently paid to executives and their key characteristics.
• Recognize how executive compensation arrangements can be designed to align company objectives with employee incentives.

This is part two of a two-part series on compensation in employee benefit plans. It's not uncommon to find errors in the application of a plan’s definition of compensation. However, truly understanding a plan’s definition of compensation is not always straight forward.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what auditors are finding related to definitions of compensation issues
• Determine the best-in-class practices related to applying definitions of compensation
• Identify correction methodologies for errors found in applying definitions of compensation
• Calculate reporting impact of findings and corrections

This is part two of two-part series on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). This session dives deeper into ESOPs, focusing on key accounting, reporting, and audit issues related to ESOPs.

Learning Objectives:

• Formulate unique auditing considerations for an ESOP audit, including risk assessment
• Assess ESOP accounting concepts
• Recognize proper ESOP reporting

This session is part of the fundamentals track case study. This session will dive into understanding the plan documents, including identifying relevant plan provisions of the defined contribution case study, which is utilized for all of the fundamental track sessions.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the different types of plan document designs and common plan amendments
• Recognize relevant plan provisions of the case study to consider risk assessment and develop audit procedures
• Identify a practical example of the AICPA EBPAQC's Plan Document Tool to summarize the relevant plan provisions

Executive compensation is ever-evolving as companies and executives priorities change and legislative changes occur, as with many things in today's world. During this session, executive compensation experts will provide in-depth updates about those areas that have been in focus recently and legislative updates.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify recent trends in the area of executive compensation and apply those to clients
• Interpret recent legislative updates and guidance to identify what changes may be required to current compensation arrangements for compliance

The audit requirements changed effective January 1, 2023. We will review the new 5500 requirements. In addition, we will discuss the first year audit requirements when a plan meets the DOL rules for an audit, a plan which has been audited by another auditor and a new plan.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the specific risks of a first-year audit engagement.
• Apply audit guidance related to initial benefit plan audits.
• Identify the unique characteristics of defined contribution and defined benefit plans as they relate to initial plan audits.

Almost no plan is run in perfect compliance, but the vast majority of plans are administered largely in compliance with all IRS and DOL requirements. Every once in a while though, service providers come across a plan that failed to operate any where close to a compliant manner. Those plans might have issues with contribution calculations, untimely remittances, prohibited transactions, filing compliance or all of the above. In this session, hear from experts about juggling all of the corrective actions and filings required and bringing those plans back into compliance.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the various compliance programs available with the IRS and DOL to bring plans into compliance and understand the main components of those programs
• Assess the overall project required to bring a plan back into full compliance and identify and organize the key milestones for doing so

IRS examinations highlight target areas but also are random to determine what is the next focus area. DOL investigations seek to determine fiduciary compliance, including proper documentation. This session will review the methods used and recent observations

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key areas for current enforcement actions.
• Identify the approach taken during the enforcement actions.
• Apply the knowledge learned to questions that plan sponsors should be asked when providing value added services to your engagement.

This session is Part I of II, in which we will work through the planning and risk assessment process for the fundamental track case study of an ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(C) audit. In summary, we will review the conceptual framework for audit planning, identify the circumstances for an ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(C) audit and understand the appropriate evaluation of a SOC 1 report and how it impacts your audit procedures. In addition, we will review the documentation of risk assessment in an EBP audit and identify the linkage of risk assessment to audit procedures.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize necessary procedures to properly plan an employee benefit plan, through utilization of an example
• Identify risk assessment and the design of and linkage to planned procedures based on risk evaluation by audit area at the assertion level
• Distinguish when ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(C) audits are appropriate
• Recall SOC 1 report and its impact on planned procedures and risk assessment

Join us for day 1 of our Virtual Networking Roundtable Discussions. (check back for direct links to each table to be listed below) Topics include: * SOC 1 Q&A     * Technology in your Audits     * Non-Traditional Staffing     * Growing Your Benefit Plan Practice     * Lessons Learned & Future Solutions     * Cyber Security Stories

Qualified plans may not discriminate in favor of Highly Compensated Employees. There are a number of annual nondiscrimination tests that are required to ensure qualified plans do not discriminate in favor of Highly Compensated Employees. This session will provide an overview of the key compliance tests for qualified plans, discuss consequences of failed testing, cover corrective action for common testing failures, and explore strategies to mitigate testing failures. We will also address compliance testing requirements for plan auditors.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize testing requirements for qualified plans.
• Identify corrective options for failed tests

The new risk assessment standard (SAS No. 145) is effective for 2023 employee benefit plan audits performed in 2024. The new standard may require significant changes in how your firm performs risk assessment. This session will address: implementation considerations, IT General Controls, identifcation and assessment of risks, and more.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key provisions of SAS 145
• Distinguish the new risk assessment standards from the existing standards
• Apply the new standards to audits of employee benefit plans

Learn about common operational errors in qualified retirement plans, the proper corrective action of those errors, and the impact on the audit.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify common plan operational errors and required corrective actions.
• Analyze the impact operational errors have on plan financial statements and required communications with plan management and those charged with governance.
• Recognize IRS and DOL programs to correct operational errors.

This session will focus on fraud within an EBP plans through lessons learned from recent cases from the misappropriation of assets to falsification of records, the warning signs, red flags, and preventative controls.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify frauds related to EBPs based on actual recent cases.
• Indicate procedures to identify fraud and key controls to mitigate fraud risks.

This session is Part II of II, in which we will work through the planning and risk assessment process for the fundamental track case study of an ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(C) audit. In summary, we will review the conceptual framework for audit planning, identify the circumstances for an ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(C) audit and understand the appropriate evaluation of a SOC 1 report and how it impacts your audit procedures. In addition, we will review the documentation of risk assessment in an EBP audit and identify the linkage of risk assessment to audit procedures.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize necessary procedures to properly plan an employee benefit plan, through utilization of an example
• Identify risk assessment and the design of and linkage to planned procedures based on risk evaluation by audit area at the assertion level
• Distinguish when ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(C) audits are appropriate
• Recall SOC 1 report and its impact on planned procedures and risk assessment

Join CPA and resilient entrepreneur Kelly Mann for a transformative session on turning professional and personal challenges into opportunities. Learn practical strategies to evaluate career risks, overcome setbacks, and cultivate a resilient mindset. Kelly's entrepreneurial and personal journey offers actionable insight to help you thrive amidst adversity.

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish career risks and rewards for informed decision-making.
• Identify mindset shifts to navigate worst-case scenarios and setbacks.
• Indicate practical tools to align personal goals with professional success.

Demonstration of automation in the field of auditing as a feasible strategy to increase the efficiency of the auditor and to manage risk at the same time. schedules. The Automation strategies will assist the auditors to manage risk and increase EBP audit efficiency and profitability.

Learning Objectives:

• Automation to mitigate risks through 100% testing of population
• How to reduce manual preparation time by 50% along with a thorough audit trail
• How 360-degree analysis enables higher audit efficiency

Building a scalable EBP practice that delivers predictable profitability is a goal firms of every size should focus on. EBP audits may not result in the highest profit margins for your firm, but they are still critically important to your clients, your firm, and your people. Join accounting industry expert of over 30 years and Makosi CFO, Wayne Kaplan, as he highlights the keys to establishing, managing, and growing the most effective and profitable EBP practice. In this session, you will be taking away the following key learnings:

Learning Objectives:

• The key characteristics of a delivery model that matters to your clients
• The role of employee satisfaction in EBP audit practices
• Impacts that a good or bad resource strategy has on the success of your firm

This session will provide an overview of trends in benefits provided by employers and the tax consequences of those benefits. Examples include wellness plans, electric vehicle considerations, and other incentives. In addition, an update on IRS activity in the benefit space will be included.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify tax consequences of emerging benefits
• Analyze areas of IRS focus on fringe benefits

Join us for Part one of a two-part series focused on key accounting, auditing and reporting issues impacting defined benefit plans. Part one will cover contributions and benefit payments.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize issues in auditing different types of defined benefit payments.
• Identify contribution requirements in a defined benefit plan.

Join us for an insightful exploration of the latest trends and issues impacting the employee benefit plan industry. In this session, we'll dive into the recent litigation and regulation changes that are shaping the landscape for benefit plans. Our expert speakers will provide a comprehensive overview of recent litigation and why it matters to you.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the current trends affecting the employee benefit plan industry, including regulatory changes.
• Identify the primary issues and challenges faced by benefit plan sponsors and gain insights on how to proactively address them.

In this thought-provoking session, we'll explore the Pros and Cons of Offshoring within the employee benefit plan industry. Delve into the considerations, benefits, and potential drawbacks of offshoring to supplement resouce restrictions within the US. Our expert presenters will provide a balanced perspective to help you make informed decisions on whether offshoring is the right strategy for your organization.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the advantages of offshoring in the context of employee benefit plan auditing, including potential cost savings, expanded resources, and increased efficiency.
• Assess the potential challenges and disadvantages associated with offshoring, such as data security concerns, communication issues, and client perceptions.

This session is part 1 of 2 that focuses on the testing of eligibility, participant data and contributions for the fundamentals track case study, including discussion of common errors found in these areas.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the various contribution types that are typical in a defined contribution plan, review the annual limits, and understand the participant and employer contributions based on the fundamental track case study's plan provisions, considering eligibility and eligible compensation for each type of contribution
• Recall the risk assessment of relevant assertions and the planned audit procedures of the case study
• Indicate sampling and testing procedures utilizing examples from the case study for payroll, definition of compensation, participant eligibility, participant data, contributions, and the timely remittance of contributions
• Recognize common errors found in testing of contributions, eligibility, and participant data

This session will provide a discussion on the compensation issues that are present in partnerships and how certain rules and reporting is different than other entity types. Examples include profits interests, dual status as an employee and partner, benefit differences between being an employee and partner, and guaranteed payments.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate partner compensation issues from those of an employee
• Determine the tax consequences of partner compensation

Join us for Part two of a two-part series focused on key accounting and auditing issues impacting defined benefit plans. Part two will cover accumulated plan benefits.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key assumptions used in the computation of the actuarial present value of accumulated plans benefits.
• Recognize different ways to audit census data used in the computation of the actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits.

Practical insight to your nuanced issues. This session will showcase practice areas that may not have a black and white answer and potential solutions - bring your questions!

Learning Objectives:

• Interpret how others may have varying answers for questions that leave good faith or judgement as a professional standard.
• Formulate techniques to substantiate your documentation for any gaps applied to decisions in relation to SECURE 2.
• Select questions for the audience and the group to analyze that are factually specific.

This session will explore ERISA's rules related to party in interest transactions that are both permissible and prohibited. This session will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to identify, prevent, and address prohibited transactions when working with ERISA qualified employee benefit plans.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the different constituents serving employee benefit plans and the nature of a plan's transactions with these constituents.
• Evaluate various transactions executed by ERISA plans to determine the permissible party in interest transactions.
• Assess potential corrections when prohibited transactions are identified.

This session is part 2 of 2 that focuses on the testing of eligibility, participant data and contributions for the fundamentals track case study, including discussion of common errors found in these areas.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the various contribution types that are typical in a defined contribution plan and review the annual limits.
• Identify the participant and employer contributions based on the fundamental track case study's plan provisions, considering eligibility and eligible compensation for each type of contribution.
• Recall the risk assessment of relevant assertions and the planned audit procedures of the case study.
• Indicate sampling and testing procedures utilizing examples from the case study for payroll, definition of compensation, participant eligibility, participant data, contributions, and the timely remittance of contributions.
• Recognize common errors found in testing of contributions, eligibility, and participant data.

With the anticipation of higher levels of plan participation as a result of more prevalent autoenrollment, SECURE 2.0 contained new distribution options and clarifications of existing distribution rules. This session will provide an overview of the new retirement legislation that pertains to distributions such as the new emergency expense distributions, emergency savings accounts, disaster recovery distributions, and distributions for long-term care premiums; changes in required minimum distribution rules, corrections, and applicability; and additional optional and mandatory SECURE 2.0 provisions impacting distributions.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine important provisions within SECURE 2.0 that impact plan design and operations.
• Distinguish mandatory and permissive changes made to existing distribution rules and how to apply effective dates of these changes.

In this session, you will learn best practices in documentation, including addressing common Peer Review and Department of Labor findings. Practical examples will be presented to help you more effectively document your benefit plan audits.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify common deficiencies in documentation found in peer reviews and by the DOL.
• Distinguish the fundamental principles of documentation and how well documented workpapers can lead to improved understanding and effectiveness..
• Identify the "good", the "bad", and the "ugly" in documentation using illustrative examples.

Multiple-Employer Plans (MEP) have been identified as having unique considerations with potential for deficiencies. This session will address some of the unique accounting and auditing issues related to MEPs.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what makes a MEP structurally different from a Single Employer and Multiemployer Plan
• Recognize accounting issues impacting MEPs and share best practices for addressing reporting risks
• Recognize auditing issues impacting MEPs and share best practices for addressing audit risks

This session will provide an overview of typical health and welfare plan arrangements. We will discuss the roles and responsibilities of the employer, employees, and different service providers such as the insurer, third party administrator, trustee. In addition we will provide an overview of plan accounting and unique terminology and common funding arrangements.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze and review typical health and welfare plan offerings
• Compare and discuss audit testing for different plan features and types

This session will provide an overview of distributions and common errors in a defined contribution plan and will focus on the testing of distributions and plan expenses for the fundamentals track case study.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the various types of distributions (retirement, rollovers, hardships, loans, etc.), vesting and forfeitures, as well as the different forms of payment (lump sum, annuities).
• Recall the risk assessment of relevant assertions and the planned audit procedures of the case study.
• Indicate sampling and testing procedures for distributions (including vesting and forfeitures), participant loans, and hardships utilizing examples from the fundamental track case study.

Melt away stress with our virtual relaxation session! Enjoy a guided visualization set to calming music that will ease away any tension in your body and leave your mind feeling focused & refreshed. Feel free to have an eye pillow, blanket or bolster for under your knees, but props are not required. Beginners welcome. Videos will be off during the session. 15 minutes

*Please submit the online waiver here prior to joining the session

How do you continue to move forward, to grow, and succeed, amidst an environment of constant stress, uncertainty, and that just seems wired for burnout? Dr. Darria Long is a Harvard and Yale-trained ER doctor, national bestselling author, national TV health expert on CNN, NBC, Netflix and other networks, TedX speaker of the widely popular “An ER Doctor on Ending the Crazy Busy”, and founder of The National Burnout Study in Women – and trained all her life to be able to function in stressful environments. Those skills became personal, however, when Dr. Darria developed a massive, mysterious and life-threatening heart condition, and over 18 months, nearly went into cardiac arrest multiple times. She focused on not just surviving that experience – but coming out of it with insights to share as others went through their own stressful moments – regardless of their exact circumstances. In this motivating address, Dr. Darria curates data-driven solutions and guidance, along with her experience as an ER physician, and stories from her journey from grim diagnosis to building life back, better. Audiences will leave with a combination of tools and mindset shifts to not be able to just tolerate uncertainty, but to thrive during it.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify tactics to reduce your stress burden / load
• Identify mindset shifts to respond, no matter how much stress is in your environment.

Continue the conversation and join us for day 2 of our Virtual Networking Roundtable Discussions. (check back for direct links to each table to be listed below) Topics include: * SOC 1 Q&A     * Technology in your Audits     * Non-Traditional Staffing     * Growing Your Benefit Plan Practice     * Lessons Learned & Future Solutions     * Cyber Security Stories

This session will cover the IRS correction programs under the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System, commonly known as EPCRS and currently set out in Rev. Proc. 2021-30. The session will discuss common and unusual failures and correction methods. The session will also cover changes to EPCRS that are required by the recently-passed SECURE 2.0 Act

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize updates made to EPCRS.
• Determine how to use self-correction when the plan is chosen for an enforcement examination.
• Analyze common corrections and errors.

Mergers and acquisitions are unique and auditors need to understand the audit risk associated with these transactions. Example audit procedures will be discussed along with financial reporting requiements

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key areas and potential risks in these transactions
• Assess audit procedures and reporting requirements.

Firms are increasingly adopting new and advanced technologies to streamline their engagements, all while remaining focused on quality and compliance. Nevertheless, we recognize that getting your technology tools in order can be challenging. Whether you’re already using cloud technology or seeking guidance on where to start, there are strategic measures you can employ today to facilitate an efficient, high-quality audit. Join our session, where we’ll delve into the current technological landscape and explore its future implications for the auditing profession. You’ll hear from practitioners who will share their transformation journeys, providing you with the insights needed to kickstart your own innovative path.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how new technology options can facilitate an efficient, high-quality audit.
• Recognize how to better position your firm for the future by adopting or advancing your tech stack.

The original Secure Act and Secure 2.0 legislation made sweeping changes to qualified requirement plans. This combined legislation contained more modifications affecting qualified plans since the 2006 Pension Protection Act. Find out what’s hot and what’s not as we delve into how this legislation is changing plan design and employee participation. Topics include: automatic enrollment, contributions for student loan payments, the “roth-ification” of employer contributions and new penalty-free early withdrawals.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify emerging trends in 401(k) plan design such as automatic enrollment, employer Roth Contributions, and withdrawal options.
• Analyze which optional changes should be considered and implemented soon and determine other options that may need additional guidance.

This session provides an overview of investments commonly held by defined contribution plans and focuses on investment testing and disclosures relevant to the fundamentals track case study.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key characteristics of various investments commonly held in plans, including insurance products, common/collective trust funds, pooled separate accounts, mutual funds, and self-directed brokerage accounts.
• Recall the risk assessment of relevant assertions and the planned audit procedures of the case study
• Indicate sampling and testing procedures utilizing examples from the fundamentals track case study for investments and investment income
• Identify some of the unique financial reporting requirements for investments

Keys to document compliance include knowing what is mandatory, what is discretionary and in the case of legislation, when documents must reflect both and adoption dates.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify what to look for in plan document amendments to reflect current operations during the remedial amendment periods available to Prototype and due dates for Individually Designed Documents.
• Evaluate why compliance may be affected when the IRS does not provide sample language for mandatory amendments.

This session will address the Form 5500 return, focusing on an overview of Form 5500 and the related schedules, what's changed in the 2023 Form 5500, what auditors need to consider when determining if it is "substantially complete", and what plan sponsors need to review prior to signing.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize material inconsistencies between the Form 5500 and the financial statements
• Apply practical tips to efficiently review a Form 5500 by going through an illustrative Form 5500 from an auditor and plan sponsor's perspective.

This session is a continuation from Part I and will continue to provide an overview of typical health and welfare plan arrangements. We will discuss the roles and responsibilities of the employer, employees, and different service providers such as the insurer, third party administrator, trustee. In addition we will provide an overview of plan accounting and unique terminology and common funding arrangements.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze and review typical health and welfare plan offerings
• Compare and discuss audit testing for different plan features and types

This advanced tax session will cover a variety of hot topics in the compensation & benefits area. Experienced professionals will explain what they are hearing and what companies are concerned about or need to be aware of.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize recent compensation and benefits trends
• Identify tax consequences of compensation and benefits trends

This session is part of the fundamental case study and will cover audit completion and financial reporting for a defined contribution plan, focusing on the fundamental track case study, including required communications to management and those charged with governance.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify presentation requirements for defined contribution plans.
• Indicate financial statements and excerpts of communications to management and those charged with governance relevant to the fundamental case study sessions.
• Recognize audit procedures necessary related to Form 5500, compliance/nondiscrimination testing, and supplementary schedules.

General session that allows the audience to engage with regulators in an interactive open forum, providing you with an opportunity to get answers to your most pressing questions.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify insights into the latest regulatory changes and updates affecting employee benefit plans, including issues faced by plan sponsors, accounting, auditing, and tax professionals who work with employee benefit plans.
• Recognize the perspective for regulators on key compliance issues to help align your practice with current expectations.
• Identify opportunities in guidance issued by government regulators.

What is the most important way to start your day? With the latest news and updates. If you are looking for tax resources to compliment your practice, look no further than this session. We will explore resources for many aspects of retirement planning.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize AICPA-related resources
• Identify the wealth of government-provided tax resources at your fingertips
• Recall practitioner favorites that could provide useful in your practice

Speakers will discuss:     * The AICPA’s response to the 2023 DOL audit quality study     * EBPAQC tools and resources that address many of the audit quality issues identified in the study     * New EBPAQC resources to help you perform efficient and effective EBP audits

Learning Objectives:

• Recall AICPA’s approach to addressing audit quality issues noted in the 2023 DOL audit quality study
• Select EBPAQC tools and resources that address audit quality issues noted in the study
• Identify new EBPAQC resources

Join us for a roundtable of your peers for firms that perform less than 100 EBP audits. This will be a roundtable discussion to talk about issues, ideas, best practices facing your firm and your EBP Practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall information about your EBP Practice with peers
• Recognize methodology and practice management of other firms that audit a similar number of EBP audits
• Identify top issues your firm is facing while networking with your peer group.

Join us for a roundtable of your peers for firms that do more than 100 EBP audits. This will be a roundtable discussion to talk about issues, ideas, technology, and best practices facing your firm and your EBP Practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall your respective EBP practices with your peers.
• Recognize and discuss methodology and practice management of other firms that audit a similar number of EBP audits.
• Identify top issues your firm is facing alongside your peer group and discuss solutions other firms have implemented.

Discover the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics in the Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) world. In this enlightening session, our expert presenters will unveil the potential of AI and data analytics to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and insights for both users and auditors. Explore real-world examples and case studies that showcase how these technologies are reshaping the EBP landscape.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the role of AI and data analytics in the EBP industry and how they can revolutionize data management, reporting, and decision-making
• Determine how to harness AI and data analytics to identify anomalies, trends, and compliance issues within EBP data, leading to more effective audits and operational improvements.
• Choose best practices when utilizing AI for presentations and discuss necessary precautions.

The session will discuss common errors in financial reporting

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate requirements relating to 103(a)3(c) certifications and common errors in certifications.
• Evaluate common errors in disclosures of financial statements.

Once a corporate transaction is completed, the real work starts for the qualified plans. Decisions about harmonizing plans, merging plans and funding become much more important. In this session, presenters will cover the common issues that come up post close, strategies for dealing with those issues and potholes to avoid.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key issues that must be addressed post-close.
• Interpret what a normal post-close timeline looks like and potholes to avoid.

This session will provide real life examples of accounting and auditing issues identified through peer reviews and how to avoid these issues in future audits.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify common issues found in peer review findings.
• Apply practical examples to avoid common issues found in peer review findings.

This session provides an overview of reporting commonly held investments in qualified plans, including consideration of unique characteristics and requirements for classification of non-publicly traded investments.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key characteristics of classifying investments commonly held in plans, including insurance products, FBRICs, collective trust funds, pooled separate accounts, mutual funds, and self-directed brokerage accounts.
• Assess common financial reporting errors made by plan sponsors and administrators in reporting plan investments.

Overview of the various controlled group and affiliated service group rules and what they impact.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the basic rules that aggregate entities, including attribution rules.
• Analyze whether entities will be aggregated in particular fact patterns.
• Recognize differences between the section 52 aggregation rules and the section 414 aggregation rules.

IT general controls play an important role in ensuring the security, integrity, and reliability of information systems. This session will explore the core concepts that underpin IT general controls, including their role in risk management, compliance, and overall information system governance.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify when and why ITGCs are relevant for EBP audits
• Analyze common IT risk in EBP audits and the common controls that would mitigate those risks, including the applicability of CUECs of the ITGC environment at a plan sponsor

There will be a tremendous amount of information covered in the fundamental track sessions, and we are sure there will be questions that may not get answered during the sessions or topics that just need a little bit more explanation. This is your chance to ask about any of the topics covered in the fundamental track sessions – by a panel of the instructors that led these sessions. Come prepared with all of your, or “your friend’s”, questions for our case study leaders.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall answers to outstanding questions in areas of an EBP audit.
• Indicate your clarification or dig deeper on items discussed during the Fundamental Track sessions.

The Town Hall session is your chance to actively engage with EBP industry experts and DOL representatives. Submit your questions throughout the conference, and in this session, you'll gain practical and useful guidance as the experts address your inquiries.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify industry challenges related to employee benefit plans.
• Recall best practices related to employee benefit plans.