Competency is broad and efficiently applied. SD is a great thought partner and goes beyond keeping score to enable us with meaningful insights.
Client: American Commercial Barge Line
Schneider Downs Service: ERISA Audit
How it Started
In 2021, Schneider Downs was contacted by a company that had missed its most recent ERISA filing date by several months, creating significant frustration with their current provider. Although Schneider Downs was not local to their area, the client reached out to us at the recommendation of their actuary. When he asked us to propose on their ERISA audits, the prospect was very clear: his top priority was filing timely this year. We were determined to deliver.
Every Step of the Way
After our initial meeting, it was clear that this audit required an especially proactive approach. In general, due to the extensive third-party coordination and client onboarding tasks that come with a first-year ERISA audit, it’s tricky to make granular predictions about specific timing. However, to make sure the client felt comfortable that this year would be different than the last, we carefully outlined and committed to a detailed timeline of our audit plan in April.
To ensure we delivered on the promised timeline, we conducted biweekly calls with the client in June, even though fieldwork didn’t start until August. When we did begin fieldwork, which we conducted remotely, we upped the cadence of our calls and communicated regularly with the client through issuance—which occurred with time to spare.
How it's Going
Since successfully completing their ERISA audits, we’ve developed a strong partnership with the client and continue to provide several complimentary services and general advisory services as they grow. Today, because we’ve demonstrated that their priorities are our priorities, we’re the first to know whenever a change occurs within their organization. They know we’ll always pick up their call.
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Competency is broad and efficiently applied. SD is a great thought partner and goes beyond keeping score to enable us with meaningful insights.
the ease of having questions answered- the knowledge of our day-to-day business needs and issues.
We have been overwhelmingly happy with the people and services that we receive from Schneider Downs. Not everyone understands the nuances of nonprofit finance, but SD does. While we are required to have an audit and to file with the IRS and Commonwealth, we view our relationship with Schneider Downs as more of a partnership. We are constantly bounces our thoughts off of our SD team for agreement and/or guidance so that there are no surprises on either side. The SD team has been great to work with. They are respectful and knowedgeable about our industry/business and we appreciate our relationship.
Jim Yard, Jessica Miller and team are first class in everything they do. They are a wealth of experience and knowledge and share that expertise with our Management team and Board. I have worked with numerous firms in my 25+ career and Schneider Downs is the best when it comes to communication, transparency and high-quality work product. We could not be happier with our relationship, and they are a source of strength in our overall risk management framework.
Variety of services, expertise and customer service.
Every thing from keeping us up on all of the changes to consistent timely assistance when we need!
Having Jim Yard as resource. He is easy to reach and reactive to any request. Appreciate his partner with me.
The best thing is the partnership. Patrick and team are always responsive and great to work with. I love the open dialogue and professionalism. The team at SD is very knowledgeable and I feel they take the step further to exceed rather than just meet our expectations.
Great relationship with our primary POC – Jim Sayer. Excellent knowledge base and highly responsive to our business needs. SD has added real value to our taxation reporting and strategy.
Knowledgeable people
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Schneider Downs is a Top 60 independent Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm providing accounting, tax, audit and business advisory services to public and private companies, not-for-profit organizations and global companies. We also offer Internal Audit; Technology Consulting; Software Solutions; Personal Financial Services; Retirement Plan Solutions and Corporate Finance Services. Schneider Downs is the 13th largest accounting firm in the Mid-Atlantic region and serves individuals and companies in Pennsylvania (PA), Ohio (OH), West Virginia (WV), New York (NY), Maryland (MD), and additional states in the United States with offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Columbus, OH, and McLean, VA.
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