AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference 2021
Combine the benefits of learning leadership skills along with understanding the key opportunities and issues within employee benefit plans and experience the Employee Benefit Plans Conference live Online.
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This includes sessions from the conference: AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference 2021
Sessions Included:
Part 1: Affiliated Service Groups/Controlled Groups - Why do I need to know? (May 03, 2021 09:50 AM)
Fiduciary Governance in a Cyber Environment (May 03, 2021 12:05 PM)
Understanding the Tangled Web of Compensation and How It Can Impact Your Retirement Plan (May 03, 2021 12:05 PM)
Certifications: A Deeper Dive: Not as Shallow as you Think (May 03, 2021 12:05 PM)
Understanding Plan Documents (May 03, 2021 12:05 PM)
Planning & Risk Assessment: Part I (May 03, 2021 01:45 PM)
Planning & Risk Assessment: Part II (May 04, 2021 06:00 AM)
Fringe Benefits - What's Taxable and What's Not - And how to correct the mistakes (May 04, 2021 08:40 AM)
Contributions and Participant Data - Part 1 (May 04, 2021 08:40 AM)
Are 401(k) Plans for a Cannabis Business Legal? They are. Learn why. (May 04, 2021 10:10 AM)
A&A Update (May 04, 2021 10:10 AM)
401(k) Compliance Testing - Compliance Testing on Steroids (May 04, 2021 10:10 AM)
Contributions and Participant Data - Part 2 (May 04, 2021 10:10 AM)
Demystifying Employee Stock Ownership Plans (May 04, 2021 12:00 PM)
Data Analytics in EBPs and Beyond (May 04, 2021 12:00 PM)
Everything You Ought to Know About Distributions and Plan Expenses (May 04, 2021 12:00 PM)
Common Investments in Employee Benefit Plans (May 05, 2021 06:00 AM)
Part 3: Advanced Compliance Testing - How Plan Design Can Cause Unintended Headaches (May 05, 2021 09:00 AM)
SAS 136 Update (May 05, 2021 09:00 AM)
Financial Reporting Bloopers (May 03, 2021 09:50 AM)
Financial Reporting and Wrap Up (May 05, 2021 07:30 AM)
Hit the Jackpot: Improve Audit Efficiency With Effective Project Management (May 04, 2021 06:00 AM)
Documentation Best Practices - What You Think You Know or Should Know (May 03, 2021 01:45 PM)
Alphabet Soup of Health Plans (May 04, 2021 12:00 PM)
Form 5500 from the Eyes of an Auditor (May 04, 2021 06:00 AM)
Successful Strategies for How to Get Money Out of a Plan (May 05, 2021 07:30 AM)
Secure & Cares Act Update-Audit Perspective (May 04, 2021 10:10 AM)
Advanced Coverage Testing (May 03, 2021 12:05 PM)
Top 10 ERISA Compliance Traps (May 04, 2021 06:00 AM)
Creative Ways to Design Retirement Plans (May 03, 2021 09:50 AM)
Understanding Actuarial Reports, Valuations and Assumptions (May 05, 2021 07:30 AM)
Multiemployer Plans - Annual Update and Considerations (May 05, 2021 07:30 AM)
Current audit considerations for multiple-employer plans (May 05, 2021 06:00 AM)
Common Operational Errors - Auditor Considerations (May 03, 2021 01:45 PM)
Best Practices for Auditing in an Electronic Environment (May 04, 2021 08:40 AM)
Welcome & Introduction | EBPAQC Update: What's New and on the Horizon (Apr 28, 2021 07:00 AM)
Welcome & Introduction | Beyond the Audit: AICPA Resources That Give You the Upper Hand (Apr 28, 2021 07:00 AM)
Intersecting with Bias (Apr 28, 2021 09:10 AM)
Form 990 for Health & Welfare Plans (May 03, 2021 01:45 PM)
Overview of Unrelated Business Income for Benefit Plans (May 04, 2021 12:00 PM)
Overview of Form 990-T and Form K-1 (May 05, 2021 07:30 AM)
Leaders Share Their Secrets to Success (May 05, 2021 06:00 AM)
Uncovering Opportunities to Boost Quality and Efficiency in your EBP Audits - Presented by CPA.Com (Apr 28, 2021 08:10 AM)
How to Recognize an ERISA Prohibited Transaction When You See One (May 05, 2021 09:00 AM)
IdentificationEBP21201DateApril 28, 2021This session will help you make the most of the EBPAQC tools and resources and perform efficient and effective EBP audits.Objectives
- Select EBPAQC tools to perform efficient EBP audits.
- Recall best practices to improve audit quality.
Speakers
Ian A. MacKay, CPA, CGMADirector, Federal Regulatory Affairs, Association of International Certified Professional AccountantsSusan W. Hicks, CPASenior Manager - Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center—Public Accounting, AICPAPartner, Grant Thornton LLPMelinda Nolen, CPAManager, Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center, AICPA$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP21202DateApril 28, 2021The AICPA has a wealth of resources for many aspects of ERISA and retirement planning. AICPA staff and members will review these resources to give participants familiarity with what they can offer for a vibrant ERISA practice or to plan sponsors for use by internal accounting or human resources staff – or even plan participants.Objectives
- Identify tools from the AICPA Tax Technical Resource Panel
- Recall tax advocacy initiatives
- Identify AICPA Tax Section tools
Speakers
Kristin M. Esposito, CPA, MSTDirector - Tax Policy & Advocacy, AICPASenior Vice President, Argent Financial Group, IncWayne R. Kamenitz, CPA, Dual MBA Taxation & FinanceVice President & Regional Compliance Practice Leader, Segal Company$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP21203DateApril 28, 2021
Note for Peer Reviewers: You must attend both sessions to satisfy your annual EBP must-select training requirement.
This session will address new and recent changes to guidance related to peer reviews of employee benefit plan (EBP) audit engagements. 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 be interactive with discussion of specific issues related to conducting reviews, using the EBP checklist, and real-life EBP audit findings. This presentation is primarily designed for peer reviewers; however these sessions will help subject matter experts gain insight to the peer review process and the benefits of serving as a team member in peer reviews.
Presenters will provide:
- Insights regarding challenges faced by peer reviewers and auditors during times of uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic
- Updates about recent or upcoming changes to professional standards applicable to EBP audit engagements
- An overview of recent changes to the Peer Review Employee Benefit Plan Audit Engagement Checklist, including considerations related to bolded questions.
Objectives
- Analyze risk factors of employee benefit plan engagements such as changes in the economic environment, risks of material misstatement, internal control and financial statement presentation and disclosure considerations
- Differentiate reporting requirements and effective dates for existing and newly issued professional standards impacting audits of employee benefit plans
- Identify recent changes to the peer review checklist for employee benefit plan audit engagements
Speakers
Partner, Retired KPMG PartnerRandy M. Dummer, CPAPartner, Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough, PLLC/Chattanooga, TNChief, Division of Accounting Services, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP21204DateApril 28, 2021Managing an EBP practice today can be challenging when it comes to implementing new standards, managing client collaboration and evolving technology. Join us as we examine the challenges firms face in their typical approach to ensure quality EBP audits. We'll discuss opportunities that might be quick wins in helping you drive more efficient, high quality engagements.Objectives
- Identify common places where firms struggle in their EBP practice (and causes)
- Discover opportunities to improve quality, efficiency and value in your EBP practice
- Determine technology's role in increasing EBP audit effectiveness
Speaker
Product Lead, Assurance, CPA.com$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP21205DateApril 28, 2021
Note for Peer Reviewers: You must attend both sessions to satisfy your annual EBP must-select training requirement.
This session will address new and recent changes to guidance related to peer reviews of employee benefit plan (EBP) audit engagements. 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 be interactive with discussion of specific issues related to conducting reviews, using the EBP checklist, and real-life EBP audit findings. This presentation is primarily designed for peer reviewers; however these sessions will help subject matter experts gain insight to the peer review process and the benefits of serving as a team member in peer reviews.
Presenters will provide:- Insights regarding challenges faced by peer reviewers and auditors during times of uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic
- Updates about recent or upcoming changes to professional standards applicable to EBP audit engagements
- An overview of recent changes to the Peer Review Employee Benefit Plan Audit Engagement Checklist, including considerations related to bolded questions.
Objectives
- Analyze risk factors of employee benefit plan engagements such as changes in the economic environment, risks of material misstatement, internal control and financial statement presentation and disclosure considerations
- Differentiate reporting requirements and effective dates for existing and newly issued professional standards impacting audits of employee benefit plans
- Identify recent changes to the peer review checklist for employee benefit plan audit engagements
Speakers
Partner, Retired KPMG PartnerRandy M. Dummer, CPAPartner, Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough, PLLC/Chattanooga, TNChief, Division of Accounting Services, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP21206DateApril 28, 2021Unconscious bias is prevalent in our culture and can make its way into firms and affect how we interact with clients. During this session, we will go through interactive exercises, exploring unconscious biases and discovering how bias influences functions within your business. Using the Mentimeter platform, we will look at anonymous polling from you, the audience, to tie the impact bias concepts to real-life examples in an honest and transparent way.Objectives
- Define common terms about unconscious bias
- Recognize biases and assumptions and their impact on decisions and outcomes
- Commit to a personal goal of addressing unconscious bias within your sphere of influence
Speaker
Kevin E. Price, PMPHead of Inclusion & Diversity, DHG$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP2104DateMay 3, 2021Retirement plans come in many shapes & sizes, each with a unique mix of features, requirements, and advantages & disadvantages. Choosing the type of plan and the basic features is the only first step in the plan design process. The creative part comes in tailoring the plan design to align with the needs of the company and is appreciated by employees as a valuable benefit.
This session will focus on tax-qualified plans and will address the different types of qualified plans, their features and how to take advantage of the options available to create the optimal plan, or combination of plans, for the client.Objectives
- Recognize the types of retirement plans and the features associated with each
- Recall what considerations may be most important when selecting the optimal plan type & design features
- Identify how to tailor retirement plans to best meet the needs of the plan sponsor and plan participants
Speakers
Lorraine Dorsa, FCA, MAAA. MSPA. EA, CEBSPrincipal & Actuary, Aegis Pension Services, Inc.Mark D. Swedelson, CPA, QPAVice-President, Goldberg, Swedelson & Associates Inc.$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP2108DateMay 3, 2021This session will help auditors and plan sponsors understand the current legislative and regulatory environment dealing with cyber risk. The speakers will discuss appropriate prudence for fiduciaries and provide direct language to look for in contracts with providers. Highlights are as follows:
- Key insurance terminology and exclusion language to look for when observing or buying cyber insurance – both in general and for employee benefit plans.
- What auditors need to know about the current cyber risk environment for the plan and plan participants and how to best document the actions taken to prevent loss in current risk categories – learn how to self-assess your risk.
- The latest cyber cases that can impact plan sponsors and best practices to adopt to protect fiduciary risk.
Objectives
- Identify key insurance terminology and exclusion language to look for when observing or buying cyber insurance – both in general and for employee benefit plans.
- Recognize how to self-assess your risk- what auditors need to know about the current cyber risk environment for the plan and plan participants and how to best document the actions taken to prevent loss in current risk categories.
- Identify the latest cyber cases that can impact plan sponsors and best practices to adopt to protect fiduciary risk.
Speakers
National Cyber Risk Practice Leader, Risk StrategiesPartner, HoganTaylor Technology$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP2109DateMay 3, 2021Compensation plays an important role in all types of retirement plans. Understanding compensation and the various definitions of compensation is critical because misunderstanding can cause significant plan operational issues.Objectives
- Recognize the common (and not so common) components of compensation
- List compensation definitions commonly seen in retirement plans
- Identify common errors founds when determining eligible compensation
Speakers
Lindy Beldyga, CPAPartner, Plante & Moran, PLLCKeith Mong, JD, LL.M.Grant Thornton$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP2110DateMay 3, 2021The plan administrator has determined that a ERISA 103(a)(3)(c) audit is permissible. What can you do to make sure the audit is shipshape? This session will help participants effectively navigate an audit that relies on certified information, including taking a closer look at how plan administrators and auditors can assess whether the certified information is appropriately measured, presented, and disclosed in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. While SAS 136 did not change 29 CFR 2520.103-8, this session provides a refresher on the qualifications and requirements of certifying institutions. This session will also provide an opportunity to discuss frequently asked questions and best practices in engaging certifying entities.Objectives
- Determine necessary qualifications and requirements of certifying institutions to perform an audit under ERISA 103(a)(3)(c).
- Utilize an efficient framework for comparing the valuations reported and certified by qualified institutions holding plan assets, to the fair valuation guidance set forth by FASB, to effectively analyze plan management’s assessment of the certification.
Speakers
Peggy A. Bradley, BASenior Vice President | Client Business Solutions, Northern TrustKizzy Gaul, Esq.Manager, Regulatory Supervision, Prudential Retirement$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP2111DateMay 3, 2021Coverage testing under IRC Section 410(b) is a core nondiscrimination test that applies to all qualified plans. Sponsoring multiple plans, using leased employees, acquiring another entity by merger or acquisition, or owning or being owned by a foreign entity can complicate and impact this testing. This session will look past the basic Ratio Percentage test and explore more advanced testing techniques such as Average Benefits Test and plan aggregation options. You will also learn to identify failed tests and the options and timing for correction.Objectives
- Compare the Ratio Percentage Test with the Average Benefits Test
- Analyze who is the Employer for the testing group, including the impact of mergers or acquisitions, foreign owned subsidiaries and leased employees
- Assess plan design features that may impact Coverage testing
- Identify testing options that may cure a failed test
Speakers
Cindy J. Dwyer, CPAManaging Director, CBIZ MHM LLCToby W. Ruda, CPASenior Director, Washington National Tax, Compensation & Benefits, RSM US LLP$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP2112DateMay 3, 2021This session introduce the plan document provisions of the defined contribution case study, which is utilized for all of the fundamental track sessions.Objectives
- Identify key plan provisions of the case study to consider risk assessment and develop audit procedures
- Utilize a practical example of the AICPA EBPAQC's Plan Document Tool to summarize key elements of the plan provisions
Speakers
Travis Jack, CPA, QKAManaging Member, Metz & Associates, PLLCFounder & CEO, Ryan + Mann LLC$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP2113DateMay 3, 2021This session will discuss several of the more common operational errors that occur during the administration of qualified benefit plans and will cover auditor responsibilities, financial statement impacts, and, at a high-level, available correction methods under the IRS or DOL correction programs. Additionally, the communication of these matters that are required with plan management will be covered. In total, the session will cover all of the impacts of an operation error including both the audit and tax impacts.Objectives
- Distinguish what constitutes an operational error
- Recognize common operational errors and possible correction methods
- Recognize auditor responsibilities including communication of errors
Speakers
Managing Director, Alvarez & MarsalPartner, Plante Moran, PLLC$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP2115DateMay 3, 2021The Form 990 was written for not-for-profit entities, which health and welfare plans technically are. Ever wonder how to read or complete a Form 990 for your health and welfare plans/VEBAs? This session will help translate the form into benefit plan terminology to assist auditors and tax preparers in reviewing and completing them.
After this session, participants will:Objectives
- Identify how to complete or review key sections of the Form 991
- Recognize what information the Form 990 provides that could be relevant to the audit
- Discover tips and examples to efficiently complete or review Form 991
Speakers
J. Calvin Marks, CPAPrincipal, Johnson Lambert LLPNational Director, Compensation and Benefits, Cherry Bekaert LLP$49Standard Price
IdentificationEBP2116DateMay 3, 2021Join us for an in-depth session on documentation techniques for ERISA plan audits. Participants will have opportunity to explore the key areas where audit documentation is critical - and how insufficient documentation practices can cause a non-conforming engagement even when sufficient substantive procedures have been performed. Our speakers will also share best practices that have been proven successful in their employee benefit plan audits.Objectives
- Recall the AICPA Professional Standards for documentation and how to apply them in an EBP audit.
- Identify key areas in an EBP audit where excellent documentation practices can significantly contribute toward meeting professional standards.
- Identify and locate resources which are available for the EBP auditor to comply with documentation standards.
Speakers
Principal, Windham Brannon, LLCTiana D. Wynn, CPA, MBAPartner, SB & Company LLC$49Standard Price
