Surgent's Auditing 401(k) Plans: Critical Issues and Annual Update

Overview

Due to increasing scrutiny in the employee benefit plan area, it is imperative for auditors of 401(k) plans to remain up to date on the rules and regulations that may impact the audit engagement.

In this course, auditors will enhance their knowledge by understanding the changes affecting audit procedures and reporting in accordance with recently issued Statements on Auditing Standards (SASs), identifying best practices, and performing efficient audit engagements.

Highlights

Key requirements of recently issued SASs
Changes affecting 401(k) plans
Audit strategy and improving overall efficiency
Common mistakes as noted in peer reviews and DOL inspections

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of auditing defined contribution plans

Designed For

Experienced practitioners responsible for planning and performing employee benefit plan audit engagements

Objectives

Understand the current changes to the rules and regulations associated with 401(k) plans
Identify best practices associated with engagement performance
Understand the risks associated with a benefit plan audit engagement
Avoid common mistakes noted during peer reviews

Preparation

None

Credits

Level

Code

Vendor

Fields of Study

Leader(s):

Melissa Critcher, Surgent McCoy CPE, LLC

Leader Bios

Melissa Critcher, Surgent McCoy CPE, LLC

Melissa Critcher, CPA
background in accounting includes more than 19 years of experience in public accounting specializing in auditing defined contribution and defined benefit employee benefit plans as well as manufacturing, distribution and professional service organizations. Her public accounting experience includes a position as a senior audit manager with Greer & Walker, LLP in Charlotte, North Carolina, a manager at a regional firm in Raleigh, North Carolina prior to re-locating to Charlotte. Melissa also worked with a local firm in Winston-Salem. During her career, Melissa has been responsible for managing the employee benefit plan niche, marketing and business development and conducting in-house training seminars. Currently, she has her own practice located in the Charlotte, NC area where she concentrates her work on employee benefit plan audits and consulting.

Melissa has been recognized as an outstanding discussion leader for both the AICPA and the NCACPA. In addition to teaching courses for the associations, Melissa has also authored several publications for the AICPA and the NCACPA. Melissa is a 2012-13 recipient of the AICPA Outstanding Instructor Award.

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