Auditing employee benefit plans (EBPs) requires specialized knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of a highly regulated environment. Without the appropriate expertise, CPA firms and plan sponsors face increased risk and heightened regulatory scrutiny.
We help firms and plan sponsors navigate the complex and evolving requirements imposed by the Department of Labor (DOL), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other regulatory bodies. Our services provide the insight and support needed to promote compliance, reduce risk, and operate confidently in today’s dynamic regulatory landscape.
OUR SERVICES
We are employee benefit plan subject matter experts with deep expertise in auditing, accounting, compliance, and filing requirements across all plan types. Our flexible service offerings support both audit firms, through services such as EBP Engagement Quality and pre-issuance quality reviews, and plan sponsors, including financial statement preparation, with the experience and resources needed to address your specific needs.
WHO WE ARE



Darlene Bayardo, founder of Bayardo Accounting and Consulting, PC, has more than 25 years of experience with national public accounting firms and private accounting. She has extensive knowledge in the audits of employee benefit plans. She focuses on ERISA audit quality and risk management. Her expertise facilitates technical consultations, development of audit and accounting guidance, resources and training programs for employee benefit plan auditors, industry development communications, and quality reviews for EBP Practices.
Technical Knowledge
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A frequent speaker on technical EBP matters, Darlene has presented at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants EBP Conferences and various state conferences. She is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and participates in its annual EBP conference as a speaker and as part of the conference planning committee. Darlene has served on the AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Expert Panel and the AICPA Technical Standards Subcommittee of the Professional Ethics Executive Committee.
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30% of employee benefit plan audits contained major deficiencies (DOL 2023 Audit Quality Study)
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15.6% of identified audit deficiencies were related to participant data, one of the most common EBP-specific risk areas (DOL 2023 Audit Quality Study)
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15.3% of identified audit deficiencies involved contributions received and receivable (DOL 2023 Audit Quality Study)
The Bayardo Perspective
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With Audit Quality Is a Fiduciary Decision—Not a Compliance Formality
Audit Quality Is a Fiduciary Decision—Not a Compliance Formality For employee benefit plan sponsors, audit quality is not a technical detail, it is a fiduciary judgment with real regulatory and
Trusted by Our Clients
Find out what some of our happiest clients have to say!
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Darlene as she performs quality control reviews of my 401(k) audits. She is extremely knowledgeable and practical, and brings thoughtful, pragmatic recommendations when difficult or complex issues arise. Darlene has been a valuable resource in helping strengthen the quality of my audit work.
Sabey, CPA
Working with Darlene has been a great experience. Her strong technical expertise in employee benefit plan auditing is matched by a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach that keeps projects moving efficiently. Her insightful review comments consistently enhance the quality of our work and the team’s understanding of complex issues.
Darlene demonstrated strong technical knowledge in preparing the plan’s financial statements in full accordance with professional standards. She was highly responsive and detail-oriented, ensuring questions were addressed promptly and accurately. Acting as an effective liaison between our team and the auditors, she facilitated clear communication and a smooth, efficient review process.