I strive to provide quality service and exceptional value to our clients while partnering with them to meet their regulatory compliance requirements and also being a valued resource throughout the year.”
About Christopher
Chris specializes in auditing retirement plans as a member of the firm’s Employee Benefit Plan Audit practice group. He helps the firm’s clients navigate the retirement plan audit requirement while providing timely and quality service. As a specialist in the area, his direct work with clients minimizes daily interruption while providing a comprehensive and thorough audit. Chris understands the importance of, and enjoys working together with, the various service providers involved in plan administration including third-party administrators, investment advisors, ERISA attorneys, and other key players during the audit.
Chris enjoys educating plan sponsors to ensure that their retirement plan is being administered to prevent and detect operational and compliance errors. When necessary, Chris helps clients that need to make corrections through the numerous correction programs available including, but not limited to, the IRS’s Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System, DOL’s Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program, and DOL’s Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program.
Because of the continuously changing legislative and regulatory requirement of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Chris realizes the importance of a continuously informed plan administrator to properly administer a retirement plan. Chris enjoys educating clients and other service providers by regularly contributing to the practice group’s blog – The Art of the Qualified Plan Audit. Chris’s blogs and articles have been subsequently published in various publications and newsletters including Delaware Banker, Plan Adviser, Raymond James’ Fiduciary Insights Update, the National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA), ASPPA Net, Society of Financial Service Providers, and 401(k) Advisor. Chris also provides continuing professional education webinars to ASPPA’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter, Strafford, and myCPE. These topics include: retirement plan audits, Form 5500 preparation, corrections of plan errors, EBP peer reviews, and other important topics.
Areas of Specialization
Audit & Assurance Audits, Reviews & Compilations Employee Benefit Plan Audits Employee Benefit Plans
Professional Memberships & Recognition
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants (DSCPA)
- Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)
- American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA)
- ASPPA Benefits Council of Greater Philadelphia
Boards & Committees
- ASPPA Benefits Council of Greater Philadelphia Board Member – Treasurer (2021-Current)
- ASPPA Spring National Conference Committee Member (2022-Current)
- Toastmasters International – Past President and Treasurer of Brandywine Toastmasters Club 359 (2018-2022)
Community Support
- Surfrider Foundation, which is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network by volunteering through beach clean-up initiatives – Member & Supporter
- Shine, which supports patients living with cancer in Chester County, PA – Supporter
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk – Supporter & Volunteer
- 5k Participant supporting various charitable organizations
- First Annual 2016 Millennial Summit – Speaker
Education/Certifications
- West Chester University – Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting
- ASPPA Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA®)
- AICPA Advanced Defined Contribution Plans Audit Certification
Fun Facts
- Guitar player with over 25 years’ experience playing in numerous bands
- Surfer, bodyboarder, water skier, boater, and lover of all things water-related
- Avid reader and old book collector
- Winner of the PICPA’s 2004 Business Plan Team Challenge
Insights from Christopher
- Counting Participants in a First Year Plan
- The 2023 DOL Audit Quality Study: Slight Improvements, but Audit Quality is Still Concerning
- Section 101 of the SECURE Act Adds “PEP” to the Retirement Plan Industry
- Changes to Hardship Withdrawal Administration from the SECURE 2.0 Act
- Learning How to Count Again
- Accountant’s Opinion Selection on Form 5500