Employee Benefit Plan Audit Deep Dive: Live Q&A

Jennifer Downs, CPA

President, Benefit Audit Group, LLC

Jennifer Downs, CPA is President of Benefit Audit Group, LLC. Benefit Audit Group focuses on audits of 401(k) and 403(b) plans.

A graduate of Towson University, Jennifer has over twenty years experience in public accounting and in performing employee benefit plan audits. She is a member of AICPA and MACPA and is the designated audit member  responsible for the firm's membership in the AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center.

A co‐presenter of advanced employee benefit plan audit topics at the annual MACPA Employee Benefit Plans Conference and I am an active member of the Conference’s planning committee.

She is an active role with the Chesapeake Human Resources Association (CHRA). I am Director of Affiliate Involvement which supports the vendors in CHRA.

Specialties: Audits of 401(k) and 403(b) plans.

Overview

Excited to continually improve all aspects of the employee benefit plan (EBP) services she provides to clients, Kate spends significant time and energy on the growth and development of her team to enable them to provide the utmost quality of service. Her investment in technology and other resources provides additional efficiency and timeliness of delivery. Kate is a knowledgeable and dedicated advisor who always looks ahead to what may impact her clients.

Experience

She has extensive experience working with CFOs and human resources professionals who have fiduciary responsibility for sponsoring retirement and funded health and welfare plans. Kate specializes in performing EBP audits* and helping her clients stay compliant with IRS and Department of Labor regulations. Additionally, she spends a significant amount of time supervising and developing her team members so they can continually improve all aspects of the EBP services they provide to their clients. Kate and her team aim always to consider what may impact their clients.

Education & Affiliations

Kate earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from James Madison University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and co-chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs’ (MACPA) Employee Benefit Plan Conference Planning Committee.

*Aprio assurance, attest, and audit services provided by Aprio, LLP.

Marcus J. Aron, CPA, CGMA

Chief, Division of Accounting Services

Employee Benefits Security Administration

U.S. Department of Labor

Washington, D.C.

Mr. Aron has over thirty years of experience in working with audits of ERISA-covered plans. He is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of EBSA’s CPA Firm Inspection Program, providing technical assistance to plan filers and plan professionals, and providing ERISA-related accounting and auditing expertise within EBSA.

Mr. Aron is a certified public accountant and holds a B.B.A. degree with a major in

accounting from the College of William and Mary in Virginia.

Nelly Gizdova 

Partner, UHY LLP

Managing Director, UHY Advisors

Nelly has more than 20 years of relevant experience in public accounting, excelling in providing attestation and consulting services.

She leads a division of the Employee Benefits Plan Center of Excellence. Her work is essential in assisting plan administrators to meet stringent Department of Labor and IRS compliance standards, including the crucial tasks of preventing plan qualification failures and managing Form 5500 filings. She also supports plan sponsors during DOL or IRS audits, ensuring their processes withstand governmental scrutiny. Her approach integrates detailed oversight with strategic consulting to enhance the operational efficiency of employee benefit plans.

Nelly’s expertise is valuable in ensuring that not-for-profit organizations and businesses in various sectors achieve and maintain compliance and fiscal health.

Certifications

• Licensed CPA in Maryland and Virginia
• Master of Accounting and Control, University of National and World Economy

Jennifer Amato joined SC&H Group in 2000 and has since become a key member of the firm, specializing in employee benefit plan audits and overseeing the quality management of the audit practice. With a focus on building long-term relationships, Jennifer is committed to providing her clients with not only thorough audit services but also actionable, value-added advice. She and her team work diligently to enhance processes, improve controls, and implement best practices, ensuring her clients receive the highest level of service and expertise.

A graduate of Stevenson University with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Accounting, Jennifer is a Certified Public Accountant in both Maryland and Illinois. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MAPCA), and the Chesapeake Human Resources Association (CHRA). Her career is built on a passion for helping clients navigate complex challenges while fostering meaningful connections with both her colleagues and clients. She takes pride in being a trusted advisor, guiding clients through every stage of the audit process.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Jennifer is deeply involved in volunteer work with the Cool Kids Campaign, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families facing cancer. She is particularly passionate about giving back to those in need, especially children, as she recognizes the blessings in her own life.

When she’s not at work or volunteering, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Whether it’s relaxing on the beaches of Ocean City, Maryland, enjoying multiple trips to Disney, or exploring new destinations, family adventures are at the heart of her personal life.

Mark A. Buckberg, CPA, CFE, CFF is a partner at Withum with 20 years of experience. Mark specializes in auditing labor organizations and multiemployer benefit plans. He has expertise in all aspects of federal reporting and compliance for labor unions, employee benefit plans, auditing and consulting for defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, health and welfare funds, vacation funds, royalty funds and training funds. Mark is proficient in preparing Forms 990, 990-T, 5500 and LM-2.