Ernst Wintter & Associates LLP is the small to mid-size business’ best choice for 401(k) audit services.
Our 401(k) audit specialists:
- Are licensed CPAs with 401(k) audit experience
- Minimize disruptions to your business operations
- Are responsive to your needs and concerns
- Work cooperatively with you, the custodian, and your third party administrator for a smooth and efficient process
Ernst Wintter & Associates LLP is unique in matching our extensive knowledge base and experience with a focus on small to medium-sized businesses. We ensure you receive the audit services you need in a timely, cost-efficient, and responsive process that is aligned your needs.
How do you know if you need a 401(k) audit?
401(k) benefit plans are subject to regulations overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service. To protect investors, the government regulates benefit plans, ensuring they are appropriately managed and that funds are properly and timely invested. The rules are complex and strict; using a trusted auditor is critical to avoid fines for non-compliance.
- You are required to have a 401(k) audit by a qualified third-party CPA firm when you have 100 or more total eligible plan participants.
- Eligible participants are counted at the beginning of the plan year.
- Eligible participants include active participants, retired or separated participants, and deceased participants.
- Our auditors help you determine whether you are obligated to conduct an audit and file Form 5500-SF or Schedule H of Form 5500.
- If your plan year is seven months or less, you may defer your audit to the following plan year.
- If your plan has 80-120 participants and you filed Form 5500 in the prior year, you may forego an audit under specific circumstances.
Ernst Wintter & Associates LLP 401(k) audit specialists counsel you on all aspects of your audit and ensure that the process is handled timely and professionally without affecting your daily operations.
Contact us today for professional, qualified, and efficient 401(k) audit services. Call (925) 933-2626.
Why Choose Us
401(k) Audit Services Delivered with Integrity, Accuracy, and Experience
At Ernst Wintter & Associates LLP, we are proud to be a trusted provider of specialized 401(k) audit services for businesses in Walnut Creek, CA, and across the region. With decades of hands-on experience in accounting and auditing, our team understands the critical importance of accuracy, compliance, and timely execution when it comes to employee benefit plan audits.
401(k) plan audits are not just routine filingsโthey are essential for maintaining compliance with the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). A well-executed audit ensures your plan remains in good standing, protects the interests of your participants, and avoids the risk of penalties or delays. At Ernst Wintter & Associates LLP, we tailor our 401(k) audit services to meet the unique needs of each client, whether youโre conducting your first audit or seeking to improve processes for an established plan.
Our firm was built on the values of professionalism, integrity, and exceptional service, and those principles are reflected in every engagement. We view each client relationship as a long-term partnership. Our approach is not transactionalโwe listen, we advise, and we act in your best interest at every step of the audit process. We believe that informed clients make stronger financial decisions, so we prioritize transparency and education throughout each phase of the engagement.
Our clients are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their success. We work closely with plan administrators, HR professionals, third-party recordkeepers, and financial advisors to streamline the audit process and ensure that all parties are aligned. We understand that 401(k) plan audits can often be stressful, especially when dealing with tight deadlines or complex reporting requirements. Our job is to remove that stress by offering a clear path forwardโone grounded in knowledge, preparation, and proactive communication.
Our well-rounded team of audit professionals brings a broad and deep level of expertise to every project. We have successfully conducted hundreds of 401(k) audits, covering a wide range of plan sizes and industries. Whether you operate a small business with just over 100 eligible participants or a large corporation with multiple plan types, we have the tools, training, and insight to meet your needs with confidence.
One of the key differentiators at Ernst Wintter & Associates LLP is our unwavering commitment to continuing education. Our accountants routinely exceed the minimum educational requirements of our profession, keeping us well-informed of emerging regulations, industry best practices, and evolving audit standards. This proactive learning culture enables us to deliver audits that are not only accurate and compliant but also forward-thinking.
We take great care to stay current with updates to DOL regulations and audit standards issued by the AICPA and other governing bodies. This commitment to precision is especially important in 401(k) audits, where even small missteps can lead to major delays or potential penalties. Our processes are built around accuracy and efficiency, allowing us to deliver a high-quality audit without unnecessary interruptions to your daily operations.
Beyond the technical execution of audits, we offer a personalized level of service that larger firms often struggle to provide. Youโll never be treated like just another file. We take the time to understand your business, your challenges, and your goals. This allows us to tailor our services to your specific circumstances and communicate with clarity and respect.
Our goal is not just to meet expectationsโbut to exceed them. We want our clients to feel informed, supported, and confident that their plan audit is in capable hands. Thatโs why we maintain a responsive, open-door communication policy. Youโll have direct access to experienced professionals who are available to answer your questions and provide guidance when you need it most.
In addition to 401(k) audit services, our firm offers a full range of tax and accounting services, including nonprofit audit support, broker dealer compliance audits, tax planning, and financial reporting. This allows us to serve as a trusted resource for all your financial needs, helping your organization remain compliant, efficient, and positioned for long-term success.
To better understand 401(k) audit requirements and why they matter, we recommend visiting the U.S. Department of Laborโs guide to retirement plan audits. It provides a clear overview of what the DOL expects and why qualified audits are essential.
If your business has recently reached the 100-employee threshold for a plan audit or if youโre seeking a more responsive, accurate, and personalized audit partner, we are here to help. Our proven track record, deep industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment to client service make us the firm of choice for businesses throughout Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas.
When you’re ready to work with a firm that combines technical excellence with approachable service, Speak with an Expert at Ernst Wintter & Associates LLP. Weโre here to help you navigate your 401(k) audit requirements with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
