Browse 934 providers in this category.
Provider ranking
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Baker Tilly US LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 3.7
Madison, WI
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 3,801 plans audited • $917.5B under management
Company: Est. 1931 • 10,001 employees
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Cliftonlarsonallen LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 3.2
Akron, OH
Credentials: AICPA Member • Other • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 3,291 plans audited
Company: Est. 2012 • 8,800 employees
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Forvis Mazars, LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 3.8
Springfield, MO
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 2,714 plans audited • $423.6B under management
Company: Est. 2003 • 40,000 employees
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BDO USA P.C.
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 2.3
Philadelphia, PA
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 1,274 plans audited • $454.9B under management
Company: Est. 1910
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PLANTE & MORAN, PLLC
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member
Stats: 1,216 plans audited • $158.8B under management
Company: Est. 1924
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Caron Bletzer, PLLC
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 3.6
Kingston, NH
Credentials: PCAOB Registered
Stats: 1,147 plans audited • $97.2B under management
Company: Est. 1993
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Eide Bailly LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 2.9
Fargo, ND
Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member
Stats: 1,147 plans audited • $97.2B under management
Company: Est. 1998 • 3,300 employees
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RSM LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 3.3
Chicago, IL
Stats: 989 plans audited • $111.6B under management
Company: Est. 1926
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Pension Assurance LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Woodland Hills, CA
Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member
Stats: 935 plans audited • $35.3B under management
Company: Est. 2014
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WithumSmith+Brown PC
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Princeton, NJ
Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member
Stats: 932 plans audited • $355.2B under management
Company: Est. 1986 • 2,500 employees
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Wipfli LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Eau Claire, WI
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 817 plans audited • $68.3B under management
Company: Est. 1986 • 3,000 employees
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Grant Thornton LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 3.6
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member
Stats: 798 plans audited • $403.0B under management
Company: Est. 1924
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Ernst & Young LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 4.1
New York, NY
Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member
Stats: 638 plans audited • $1.0T under management
Company: Est. 1989
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EisnerAmper LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Iselin, NJ
Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member
Stats: 598 plans audited • $98.5B under management
Company: Est. 1965 • 4,000 employees
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Deloitte & Touche LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 3.3
Chicago, IL
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 567 plans audited • $1.0T under management
Company: Est. 1845 • 470,000 employees
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PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Harrison, NY
Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member
Stats: 554 plans audited • $53.0B under management
Company: Est. 1891 • 1,000 employees
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PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Boston, MA
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 539 plans audited • $991.2B under management
Company: Est. 1998
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Sikich CPA LLC
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Naperville, IL
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 533 plans audited • $31.9B under management
Company: Est. 1982 • 1,950 employees
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Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P.
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Houston, TX
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 476 plans audited • $138.5B under management
Company: Est. 1950 • 1,500 employees
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UHY LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
St Louis, MO
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 459 plans audited • $27.6B under management
Company: Est. 1957
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Armanino LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 3.5
San Ramon, CA
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 448 plans audited • $55.4B under management
Company: Est. 1969 • 2,495 employees
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Bonadio & Co LLP
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 3.5
Pittsford, NY
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 430 plans audited • $46.7B under management
Company: Est. 1978
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Doeren Mayhew Assurance
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Troy, MI
Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member
Stats: 407 plans audited • $22.7B under management
Company: Est. 2003 • 550 employees
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LBMC, PC
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Brentwood, TN
Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member
Stats: 399 plans audited • $41.9B under management
Company: Est. 1984 • 900 employees
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Lee CPA Audit Group
Employee Benefit Plan Auditor
Folsom, CA
Credentials: AICPA Member • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)
Stats: 387 plans audited • $5.6B under management
Choosing the Right Retirement Plan Provider: A Focus on the 401k Auditor Role
The average 401(k) audit cost in the US as of 2024 was $$16,450.
Selecting a retirement plan provider is one of the most significant decisions a business owner can make. The right provider offers essential services, manages complex regulations, and ultimately helps employees secure their financial future. When comparing options, understanding the role of key oversight personnel, like the 401k auditor, is crucial for maintaining compliance and minimizing risk.
A retirement plan provider is responsible for administering the plan, handling investments, managing recordkeeping, and ensuring regulatory adherence. For larger plans, federal law often mandates an annual independent audit by a qualified 401k auditor. This audit verifies the plan’s financials and ensures operational compliance with ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) rules.
Why the 401k Auditor Matters in Provider Selection
The audit process is complex, and the quality of your plan provider can directly impact the ease and success of the annual review. A high-quality provider will:
- Maintain impeccable records, simplifying the data collection for the 401k auditor.
- Implement robust internal controls to prevent errors and fraudulent activity.
- Stay current with changing regulations to ensure the plan remains compliant year-round.
Choosing a provider with a proven track record of successful audits and strong fiduciary support can significantly reduce your administrative burden and liability. When evaluating potential partners, inquire about their internal compliance teams and how they assist clients in preparing for and responding to the findings of an independent 401k auditor.
Key Services Offered by Top Retirement Plan Providers
While compliance is paramount, providers also offer a range of services designed to enhance the plan for both the employer and the participants. These include:
- Fiduciary Support: Offering guidance and taking on some of the fiduciary responsibilities to lessen the employer's risk.
- Investment Selection: Providing access to a diverse menu of investment options and professional investment management services.
- Participant Education: Offering workshops, tools, and personalized advice to help employees make informed decisions about their savings.
- Technology and Administration: State-of-the-art platforms for seamless enrollment, contribution processing, and reporting.
The right provider acts as a strategic partner, helping you navigate complex legal requirements while delivering maximum value to your employees. Whether you are launching a new plan or looking to switch providers, thorough due diligence is essential. Focus on finding a provider who prioritizes transparency, compliance, and participant success. A strong relationship with your provider will ensure that when your plan is reviewed by a 401k auditor, the process is smooth and stress-free.
Take the time to explore your options and find a provider whose expertise in administration and commitment to compliance aligns with your business needs and long-term goals.