Brett Cubellis is the best! He always follows up and is prompt in his response.
Client: Technology company with Domestic and International Operations
Service: 401K Consulting
How it Started
When a Controller was notified late by her third-party administrator that her company’s 401k plan required an audit that year, she knew she needed a firm that could do quality work on a compressed timeline. Luckily, because she had worked with Schneider Downs on several employee benefit plan audits at her previous company, she knew we were the ones to call. Our robust ERISA practice was more than capable of handling the quick turnaround she needed. We were ready to hustle when it became time to do their audit.
Out of Left Field
As soon as we started reviewing the plan document, we noticed a major problem with the plan administration: the auto-enrollment procedures listed on the plan were not being performed. An error of this magnitude was a huge risk to the client since it could bring significant costs. Navigating the potential legal and financial ramifications required a practiced hand. After identifying the problem, we quickly had our in-house retirement experts step in to help the client identify and execute corrective actions. Our team helped them understand their options, calculate lost earnings, draft responses to notices as they came up and ensure compliance with DOL guidance. Because they had undergone some corporate mergers previously, we assisted their legal team with pinpointing their precise legal liability within the acquisition documents. We served as an ongoing resource for them, providing continuing counsel throughout the entire process of right-sizing their plan and correcting the problems.
How it's Going
With our guidance, the client identified and executed the appropriate corrective actions for the issues, and today they have a clean plan and a smooth audit.
Years later, the Controller reached out to us again: this time on behalf of a sister company having trouble with their retirement plan. Overwhelmed by calls from employees complaining about employee contributions, loan repayment and timely remittance, they didn’t know where to start. Remembering how valuable our in-house retirement expertise had been in getting her own organization’s plans back on track, the client told their sister company that she had the perfect solution. Once again, we’ve rolled up our sleeves.
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Brett Cubellis is the best! He always follows up and is prompt in his response.
Relationships with the great people we work with.
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.
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.
Very responsive. Lower cost option compared to Big 4.
Working with Schneider Downs has been an absolute game-changer for our business. Their Tax and Audit teams, especially Carl Scharf, Sarah Hoagland, and Brandon Embreus, are unmatched in expertise and dedication. From day one, they took the time to understand the unique aspects of our company and developed strategies tailored to our needs. What I appreciate the most is their proactive approach; they always keep me informed of tax-saving opportunities, regulatory changes, and potential risks, so there are never any surprises. Every member of the team is approachable, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable — they make our complex world of accounting feel simple and manageable. In a world where customer service often falls short, Schneider Downs stands out with their unwavering commitment to their clients. They’re not just our accountants; they’re trusted partners who genuinely care about our success.
The past year has been the perfect example of what I like best about Schneider Downs. In addition to our recurring annual corporate audit, tax compliance, and employee benefit plan audit / TPA services, SD&Co has provided us with cyber security consulting, breach response, lease accounting software and implementation, and estate valuation services. It is great to know that with a call to one of our primary relationship contacts, we can quickly and confidently be placed in the hands of an expert in any number of financial-related services. Communication and consistency within all SD&Co. service offerings is fantastic!!!
Honesty, Integrity, Professional
Down to earth.
Our accountant Brett Cubellis.
The people
Schneider Downs’ engagement teams are hand-selected by our shareholders based on skill sets and experience and are available around the clock for consultation. Each attestation engagement is subject to our comprehensive quality control and risk management system, providing an independent review of audit opinions, related financial statements and significant underlying working papers, to ensure that the highest levels of professional standards are met.
To learn more, visit our dedicated Audit and Assurance page.
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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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