Top 403(b) Plan Auditors

Find experienced 403(b) plan auditors for nonprofit and education sector plans.

Browse 934 providers in this category.

Provider ranking

  1. Bushoven LLC

    Employee Benefit Plan Auditor

    Fair Lawn, NJ

    Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member

    Company: Est. 1984

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  2. Butler & Stowe

    Employee Benefit Plan Auditor

    Gastonia, NC

    Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member

    Company: Est. 1949

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  3. C. Randolph CPA PLLC

    Employee Benefit Plan Auditor

    West Jefferson, NC

    Credentials: Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) • AICPA Member

    Company: Est. 2020

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  13. Cliftonlarsonallen LLP

    Employee Benefit Plan Auditor • Pro Score 3.2

    Akron, OH

    Credentials: AICPA Member • Other • Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC)

    Company: Est. 2012 • 8,800 employees

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Finding the Right 403(b) Auditor for Your Retirement Plan

If you sponsor a 403(b) retirement plan, ensuring compliance and accuracy is critical. A qualified 403b auditor plays a key role in protecting the plan's participants and meeting regulatory requirements set by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Retirement plans for tax-exempt organizations, such as schools, hospitals, and non-profits, must adhere to complex rules regarding their plan documents, operations, and financial reporting. When your plan reaches a certain size (typically 100 or more participants), an annual independent audit performed by an experienced 403b auditor is often mandatory. This audit verifies the financial statements and ensures that the plan operates in accordance with the plan document and IRS/DOL regulations.

What Does a 403(b) Audit Cover?

Working with an auditor who specializes in employee benefit plans, particularly 403(b) plans, is essential. The auditing procedures focus on several critical areas:

  • Plan Document Compliance: The auditor verifies that the written plan document satisfies all 403(b) requirements and was timely adopted. Inconsistencies between the plan document and employee handbook should be identified and resolved.
  • Review of Plan Operations: This includes checking internal controls, ensuring proper administration, and verifying that the plan's operations align with the written document and tax code.
  • Financial Statement Accuracy: Auditors apply procedures to ensure that the beginning balance of net assets available for benefits is materially correct, which impacts the current year's statement of changes in net assets available for benefits.
  • Regulatory Guidance: A qualified 403b auditor provides guidance on IRS and DOL compliance requirements and assists with Form 5500 filing.

Best Practices for 403(b) Plan Sponsors

While the auditor confirms compliance, plan sponsors have fiduciary oversight responsibilities. Key governance areas include:

  • Maintaining a robust governance structure.
  • Regularly reviewing investment lineup and fund options.
  • Ensuring fee transparency and reasonableness.
  • Properly managing record-keeping.

Choosing a firm with deep experience in auditing 403(b) plans is a best practice. Firms that audit various employee benefit plans, including defined contribution, 401(k), and 403(b) plans, often possess the specialized knowledge required to perform a thorough and accurate audit. Look for firms that offer actionable recommendations for improvement and clear communication throughout the process.

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