WORKING WITH US
Professional Employee Benefit Plan Audit Specialists
Work with employee benefit plan audit specialists focused exclusively on efficient, accurate and compliant ERISA audits for plans of all sizes.
Our Commitment Backed by Trusted Industry Associations
Our Difference
An Accounting Firm That Specializes in Employee Benefit Plan Audits
Your employee benefit plan audit deserves specialized expertise. At Caron Bletzer, employee benefit plan audits are the sole focus of our firm. With 100% of our work dedicated to Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) audits, we deliver deep technical knowledge, an efficient audit process and experienced ERISA audit specialists committed to high-quality results.
View our Services
Our Employee Benefit Plan Audits
From common defined contribution plans to complex multiple employer and publicly traded plan 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
Audits You Can Count on
The Department of Labor has identified quality concerns with ERISA audits performed by inexperienced firms. At Caron Bletzer, we focus exclusively on employee benefit plan audits, completing more than 1,200 audits annually for plans across the United States.
Our experienced ERISA audit specialists deliver accurate, efficient audits designed to reduce disruption for your internal team while keeping your audit on track.
Meet the Partners Behind Your Employee Benefit Plan Audits
Over 32 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
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
Our Values
National EBP Audit Practice
One of the largest employee benefit plan audit practices in the country.
Dedicated ERISA Audit Specialists
Engagements staffed with professionals focused exclusively on Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) audits.
Decades of Audit Experience
Extensive experience auditing plans of all sizes and structures.
Efficient Audit Process
A proven employee benefit plan audit process designed for accuracy, efficiency and minimal disruption.
Secure Audit Collaboration
Access to our all-in-one collaborative platform to keep your audit organized and on track for timely completion.
Ready for a More Efficient Employee Benefit Plan Audit?
Partner with experienced ERISA audit specialists focused exclusively on employee benefit plan audits.
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.
Serving Plan Sponsors Nationwide
Caron Bletzer provides non-retirement benefit plan audits for organizations across the United States. Our experienced ERISA audit specialists help plan sponsors maintain compliance, reduce administrative disruption and complete the audit process efficiently and confidently.
Head office:
Kingston, New Hampshire
1 Library Ln, Kingston, NH 03848
Contact:
FAQs
What types of employee benefit plan audits does Caron Bletzer provide?
We provide specialized employee benefit plan audit services for defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, ESOPs and non-retirement benefit plans. Our team performs audits for 401(k), 403(b), 401(a), cash balance and other ERISA-covered plans.
Do you provide defined contribution plan audits?
Yes. We perform defined contribution plan audits for 401(k), 403(b), 401(a) and other participant-directed retirement plans, helping plan sponsors meet ERISA, IRS and Department of Labor requirements.
Can Caron Bletzer assist with defined benefit plan audits?
Yes. Our team performs defined benefit plan audits for pension and cash balance plans, with experience handling the complex calculations and compliance requirements associated with these plans.
Do you perform ESOP and non-retirement benefit plan audits?
Yes. We provide Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) audits as well as non-retirement benefit plan audits, including funded welfare benefit plans and other ERISA-covered benefit arrangements.
Do I need an audit for my defined contribution plan?
The requirement for an audit is triggered by the number of participants in the plan. Generally, plans with 100 or more participants require an audit. How participants are counted depends on the type of plan, and there are special rules for plans with between 80 and 120 participants. Please contact us with your plan specific questions.
What are non-retirement benefit plan audits?
Non-retirement benefit plan audits review ERISA-covered welfare benefit plans, such as funded health and welfare plans, to help ensure financial reporting accuracy and compliance with Department of Labor requirements. Our team provides specialized non-retirement benefit plan audits designed to keep your plan organized, compliant and audit-ready.
What should we expect when transitioning our defined contribution plan audit to Caron Bletzer?
We understand that switching auditors can feel overwhelming, which is why we work hard to make the transition as smooth as possible. While the first-year audit may be slightly more involved, we will work with your team to minimize the lift. We’re often able to obtain records directly from your plan’s recordkeeper and, in some cases, your payroll provider, reducing the number of documents you need to supply. Our team is also experienced with a wide range of vendor systems, which helps streamline testing and keeps your audit efficient.
What is the difference between a 103(a)(3)(C) audit and a non-103(a)(3)(C) audit?
The main difference between a 103(a)(3)(C) audit and a non 103(a)(3)(C) audit is the scope of testing. A 103(a)(3)(C) audit is a limited-scope audit, where the auditor relies on the certification of a qualified institution for plan investments, meaning they do not test investment values and related income. A non 103(a)(3)(C) audit, on the other hand, requires the auditor to perform substantive testing of plan investments. At Caron Bletzer, most of our audits are 103(a)(3)(C) audits.
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
