SERVICES
Defined Benefit Plan Audits
Your pension plan requires accuracy and deep ERISA expertise. We deliver efficient defined benefit plan audits for active, frozen, and terminating plans.
Our Commitment Backed by Trusted Industry Associations
Defined Benefit Plan Audit Services
From traditional pension plans to complex cash balance structures, we provide specialist audit services across the full range of defined benefit plans.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Audits
Defined benefit plan audits require specialized expertise. With decades of experience working with pension plans like yours, that’s exactly what we bring to the table.
Cash Balance Plan Audits
Your cash balance pension plans will be audited by a team that understands the benefit calculations that make them unique.
Why Caron Bletzer
Audits You Can Count on
According to the Department of Labor, many ERISA audits lack quality when performed by inexperienced firms. We specialize in defined contribution plan audits, completing over 1,200 audits annually with strong peer and regulatory reviews.
Our team combines deep regulatory expertise with a customized, efficient audit approach.
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
Defined Benefit Plan Audits Made Simple
“Samantha and the team at Caron Bletzer made our defined benefit plan audit process simple and easy from the start. They kept everything organized, communicated clearly throughout the audit, and worked seamlessly with our providers to keep the process moving efficiently.”
— Jennifer Poole, CFO, Retail Sector
Working With Us on Defined Benefit Plan Audits
When you partner with us, you get more than a compliant audit. You get a streamlined, reliable process built around your team.
Speak to an Audit Specialist
Specialized Audit Expertise
Focused exclusively on defined benefit contribution plan audit and ERISA compliance.
Streamlined Audit Process
With our collaborative practice management application, communications, file sharing, and audit requests are centralized for a smoother, more organized audit.
Less Burden on Your Team
We work directly with your providers to reduce internal workload.
Trusted
Nationwide
A leading firm delivering employee benefit plan audits to organizations across the country.
A 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.
30+ Years Specializing in Defined Benefit Plan Audits
Let’s make your next pension plan audit more efficient, organized, and streamlined.
Speak to an Audit SpecialistServing Plan Sponsors Nationwide
Caron Bletzer provides efficient defined benefit plan audits that help plan sponsors stay compliant, reduce disruption, and move through the audit with confidence.
Head office:
Kingston, New Hampshire
1 Library Ln, Kingston, NH 03848
Contact:
FAQs
What is a defined benefit plan audit, and is it required?
A defined benefit plan audit is an independent review of a pension plan’s financial statements and operations in accordance with applicable auditing standards. In general, plans with 100 or more participants require an annual audit. Special rules can apply for plans near the filing threshold.
What makes defined benefit plan audits more complex?
Defined benefit plan audits involve a review of actuarial assumptions, benefit calculations, and decades of participant data. Plans may also be frozen, terminating, or undergoing de-risking, requiring specialized pension plan audit expertise.
Can you audit both pension and defined contribution plans?
Yes. We regularly perform audits for both defined benefit and defined contribution plans, helping plan sponsors streamline communication, timelines, and audit workflows.
Do you audit plans for clients going through plan de-risking?
Absolutely. We are experienced with a wide range of de-risking strategies, including plan freezes, terminations, lump-sum payouts, and annuity buyouts, and understand how to handle these transitions accurately within the audit.
When should we prepare for a pension plan audit?
We recommend starting well before your Form 5500 filing deadline. Early preparation helps identify data gaps, coordinate with actuaries and service providers, and reduce last-minute delays.
Why does specialized ERISA audit experience matter?
The DOL has reported higher deficiency rates among firms with limited ERISA experience. A deficient defined benefit plan audit can increase the risk of delays, penalties, and regulatory scrutiny for plan sponsors.
What other audit services do you offer?
In addition to defined benefit plan audits, we provide audits for a wide range of benefit plans, including 401(k), 403(b), 401(a), and 11-K filings. We also offer Defined Contribution Plan Audits, Non-Retirement Benefit Plan Audits, and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP Audits) to support organizations with more complex plan structures.
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
