Your Employee Benefit Plan Audit Specialist
Get higher-quality, efficient audits from the firm that focuses solely on employee benefit plans.
401(k) Plans • 403(b) Plans • 11(k) Plans • ESOP
Our Commitment Backed by Trusted Industry Associations
Our Employee Benefit Plan Audits
From common defined contribution plans to complex nonprofit and publicly traded structures, we provide audit services across a full range of employee benefit plans.
Defined Contribution
Plan Audits
401(k) and 403(b) employee benefit plan audits ensuring ERISA and DOL compliance.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan Audits
Specialized ESOP and employee benefit plan audits covering valuation and ERISA compliance.
Defined Benefit
Plan Audits
Defined benefit and pension plan audits ensuring accuracy and ERISA compliance.
Non-Retirement Benefit Plan Audits
Employee benefit plan audits for welfare plans with full ERISA compliance and oversight.
Why Caron Bletzer
Specialist Expertise That
Generalist Firms Can't Match
According to the Department of Labor, a large percentage of ERISA audits lack quality when performed by firms with limited experience.
We complete over 1,200 employee benefit plan audits each year and consistently receive clean peer and regulatory reviews.
Meet the Partners Behind Your Employee Benefit Plan Audits
Over 30 years specializing in employee benefit plan audits, including ERISA and 401(k) plans.
John Bletzer, CPA
Managing Partner
Jeff Polchlopek, CPA
Managing Partner
Ann Driscoll, CPA
Partner
Max Anderson, CPA
Partner
Kelsey Anderson, CPA
Partner
Alyssa Belley, CPA
Partner
Patrick Griffin, CPA
Partner
Samantha Hutton, CPA
Partner
Kimberly Jarry, CPA
Partner
Heather Anderson, CPA
Partner
Check Your Audit Readiness in Minutes
Use our employee benefit plan audit readiness tool to identify gaps and prepare for your 401(k), ERISA, or benefit plan audit.
5.0
Client Success Story
How a Specialist Firm Transformed the Audit Experience
“Our previous audit felt reactive. Caron Bletzer brought structure, clarity, and a much smoother process.”
— Sarah Mitchell, CFO Regional Healthcare Services
30+ Years Specializing in Employee Benefit Plan Audits
401(k) Plans • 403(b) Plans • 11(k) Plans • ESOP
Speak to an Audit SpecialistA Structured Audit Process From Start to Finish
We follow a clear, proven process to keep your employee benefit plan audit organized, efficient, and on track.
Speak to an Audit SpecialistStep 1
Initial Planning
We align on scope, timelines, and key requirements.
Step 2
Information Gathering
We coordinate with your team and service providers.
Step 3
Audit Execution
We perform the audit with a structured, efficient approach.
Step 4
Final Report
Clear reporting and communication of results.
Careers
Join Our Team
From a supportive, remote work environment to clearly established advancement opportunities, it’s no surprise that our employees consistently report high levels of job satisfaction. Browse our open roles to get started.
Serving Plan Sponsors Nationwide
Caron Bletzer is an employee benefit plan audit firm supporting organizations across the United States with employee benefit plan audits conducted in accordance with ERISA requirements, including 401(k) plan audits, delivered through a structured and efficient process.
Head office:
Kingston, New Hampshire
1 Library Ln, Kingston, NH 03848
Contact:
FAQs
How much time do employee benefit plan audits require from our team?
A well-structured employee benefit plan audit should minimize disruption. At Caron Bletzer, we complete over 1,200 employee benefit plan audits annually and follow a clear process to reduce back-and-forth and internal workload.
What causes delays in employee benefit plan audits?
Delays in employee benefit plan audits often occur when document requests and communications are not centralized. Firms that perform only a small number of audits each year may also lack specialized processes. As employee benefit plan specialists, we use Atlura to centralize requests and communication, helping keep audits organized and on schedule.
Why work with an employee benefit plan audit firm that specializes in ERISA and 401(k) audits?
Employee benefit plan audits, including 401(k) audits, require specialized expertise. As an employee benefit plan audit firm focused exclusively on these audits, we deliver a more structured and reliable process.
How do you ensure a smooth employee benefit plan audit process?
We use a structured approach built specifically for employee benefit plan audits. Our team coordinates directly with your providers to keep the audit efficient and minimize disruption.
Can you coordinate with our providers during a 401(k) audit?
Yes. We regularly work directly with third-party administrators, payroll providers, custodians, and internal teams to coordinate audit requests, obtain required documentation, and keep the audit process moving efficiently.
What types of plans are included in employee benefit plan audits?
Employee benefit plan audits, including 401(k), 403(b), 11-K, ESOP, defined benefit, and health and welfare plan audits, require specialized expertise. Because we focus exclusively on these audits, we deliver a more structured and reliable process.
What are the risks of using the wrong employee benefit plan audit firm?
Firms that lack experience in employee benefit plan audits may miss key requirements, leading to compliance risks, mistakes and delays. We complete over 1,200 audits annually to ensure consistent quality and oversight.
What makes Caron Bletzer different from other employee benefit plan audit firms?
Caron Bletzer is an employee benefit plan audit firm focused exclusively on employee benefit plan audits. With decades of experience and over 1,200 audits annually, the firm delivers a structured and efficient audit process.
When should we start preparing for an employee benefit plan audit?
It’s best to start early to avoid last-minute pressure. Early preparation helps ensure a smoother employee benefit plan audit and better coordination with your providers.
Blogs
How Retirement Plan Advisors Can Evaluate an ERISA Audit Firm Before Making a Referral
When a plan sponsor asks who can handle their ERISA audit, it can be tempting to provide the name of a CPA or accounting firm you already know. But an audit referral is more than simply passing along a contact. While the advisor is not responsible for performing or managing
When Is a 401(k) Audit Required? Common Misconceptions Plan Sponsors Should Know
Managing a retirement plan comes with significant responsibilities, and understanding when a 401(k) audit is required is one of the most important responsibilities. For many plan sponsors, 401(k) audit requirements can feel confusing, especially as regulations evolve and compliance expectations continue to grow. One of the biggest misconceptions is that
Understanding the Filing Timeline and Form 5500 Due Date for Plan Sponsors
Managing a retirement plan is a year-round responsibility that culminates in one critical regulatory filing. The form 5500 due date is the deadline for reporting a plan’s financial condition, investments, and operations to the Department of Labor (DOL) and the IRS. For many plan sponsors, this date marks the finish
