DECA Delaware: 2025 DE DECA State Career Development Conference
2025-01-30 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | University of Delaware – Trabant Center, Newark, DE, 19711, United States
Jenni Fleck Jones is a Marketing judge at DECA Delaware’s 2025 State Conference!
Date of Conference: January 29 and 30
Location: University of Delaware Trabant Center, 17 West Main Street, Newark, DE
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Over 40 events are held at the state competition with over 250 students from across Delaware who compete for a spot to attend the International Career Development Conference in April 2025.

For more information, visit DECA Delaware’s Website.

Goldey-Beacom College Business Ethics Course Networking Event
2025-02-18 12:00 - 14:00 | 4701 limestone road Wilmington DE 19808, 4701 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE, 19808, United States
Our College Recruiter, Jenni Fleck Jones, will discuss career tips and connect with students eager to enhance their networking skills and learn about different career opportunities. This opportunity is part of Goldey-Beacom College’s Business Ethics course.
Additional Details can be found at GBC’s Career Center.

Strafford: Employee Benefit Plan Audit Peer Reviews
2025-03-06 13:00 - 15:00 | DE
Christopher J. Ciminera, CPA, QKA is presenting Strafford’s Webinar – Employee Benefit Plan Audit Peer Reviews
Topic: Employee Benefit Plan Audit Peer Reviews
Date: March 6, 2025 @ 1:00-2:50pm EDT
Firms that audit employee benefit plans must pay careful attention to peer review preparation and anticipate the reviewer’s concerns about handling participant data, investments, fees, contributions, and other aspects of the plan. The plan audit group’s reputation is at stake during these reviews.
Peer reviewers routinely find substandard risk assessment procedures, failure to properly document the procedures performed, improper reliance on SOC reports, failure to test investment transactions earnings, timely remittance of employee contributions, and other problems in reviewing benefit plan audits. Plan audit groups often struggle to assess risk adequately.
Listen as our veteran employee benefit plan advisers and auditors help you evaluate your firm’s peer review preparation and proactively address noncompliance issues that often arise during inspections.

For more information, visit Strafford’s Website.

The Plan Sponsor University - Keynote Presentation
2025-03-11 10:05 - 10:50 | Villanova University, West Campus - Garey Hall Room 10A, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Maria Hurd, CPA will be the Keynote Speaker at The Plan Sponsor University All Day Conference.
The Plan Sponsor University will be held on March 11 from 8:00am-2:00pm at Villanova University.

Keynote Timeframe: 10:05-10:50

Learn more from the TPSU website!

Smyrna High School College & Career Fair
2025-04-03 08:00 - 12:00 | Smyrna High School, Duck Creek Parkway 500, Smyrna, Delaware, 19977, United States
Christina Bell, CPA will be sharing the good news about how rewarding a career as a CPA can be to the students at Smyrna High School.
Students will hear about the many possibilities that are out there for future careers, what the day-to-day life is like in those careers, and the paths they can take that lead to them.
When: Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 8:00AM until 12:00PM
Where: Smyrna High School – 500 Duck Creek Parkway, Smyrna, DE 19977

Rowan University | Intern Delaware Corporate Field Trip
2025-04-04 13:30 - 14:30 | Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs, 1011 Centre Road, Suite 310, Wilmington, DE, 19805, United States
BLS CPAs is proud to be a stop on the Delaware Field Trip with Rowan University and Intern Delaware!
Rowan College of Business students will participate in a corporate field trip around Delaware, visiting three prominent companies: CSC, M&T Bank, and Belfint Lyons & Shuman. This experience will give students valuable insight into the operations, cultures, and career pathways within each organization. From learning about corporate governance at CSC, to financial services at M&T Bank, and public accounting at Belfint Lyons & Shuman, the trip offers a well-rounded look into different industries.
Learn more about our college/early talent programs.

Strafford: Audits of Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs)
2025-04-24 13:00 - 14:00 | DE
Christopher J. Ciminera, CPA, QKA is presenting Strafford’s Webinar – Audits of Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs)
Topic: Audits of Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs)
Date: April 24, 2025 @ 1:00pm EDT
This webinar will explain pooled employer plans (PEPs) for businesses and accountants considering implementing or recommending this new flexible retirement plan option. Our panel of seasoned retirement plan auditors will cover eligibility requirements for PEPs, design considerations, and differences between PEP audits and other examinations.

For more information, visit Strafford’s Website.

Rowan University | Accounting Society Presentation
2025-04-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, United States
Jenni Fleck Jones and Emily Bowman will be stopping at Rowan University to enjoy an afternoon with the Accounting Society!
Emily will share her career path and Jenni will give recruiting tips to the group.
Learn more about our college/early talent programs.

Women’s Wealth and Wellness
2025-05-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Blue Ball Barn, West Park Drive 1914, Wilmington, Delaware, 19803, United States
Valerie C. Middlebrooks, CPA will be co-presenting at Financial House’s Women’s Wealth and Wellness Event.
May 8, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Organized by Financial House, this event is aimed to empower professional women with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in every aspect of their financial lives. The mission is to provide a supportive community where women can connect, learn, and grow together.

ASPPA Spring National Virtual 2025: Safeguarding & Optimizing Participant Data
2025-05-15 11:30 - 12:20 | DE
Maria T. Hurd, CPA, RPA will be co-presenting at ASPPA Spring National Virtual Conference.
May 15, 2025
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM EST: Safeguarding & Optimizing Participant Data
Managing participant data has become increasingly complex with the rise of auto-enrollment, Roth contributions, and evolving recordkeeping rules. This session will provide actionable insights on best practices for data collection, security, and retention to minimize risks and enhance operational efficiency. Attendees will gain tools to navigate compliance requirements and improve participant outcomes.
ASPPA Spring National Conference
May 14 – 15
Virtual
ASPPA Spring National — is a virtual experience, offering opportunities for attendees to make connections that will fuel you and your team well after the event.

AICPA Engage 2025 Conference: Estate Planning for the 99%
2025-06-11 18:00 - 19:30 | ARIA Resort & Casino
Karly Laughlin, CPA, AEP will be co-presenting with Jordon Rosen at the AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE25 Conference!
AICPA & CIMA Engage 2025: Estate Planning for the 99%

June 11, 2025

3:00 PM — 4:15 PM PDT
6:00 PM — 7:15 PM EDT

This session will look at why estate planning is critical for the modest estate owner and review post-mortem tax, administrative, and fiduciary elections with an emphasis on the portability election vs. conventional credit shelter trust planning. We will also walk participants through the process of filing the decedent’s final income tax return and relevant elections, and look at the issues when the decedent was a partner in a partnership or S corporate shareholder at the time of death.
Learning Objectives:

Recognize why planning is critical for those with estates under $13 million and how planning could be impacted under the new administration.
Recognize the various post-mortem tax elections and why the portability election could be significant.
Identify the various elections, including applicable business elections, available when filing the decedent’s final income tax return.

Association for Accounting Marketing - Navigating the Internal and External Challenges of DEI Communications
2025-06-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Jenni Fleck Jones is moderating a discussion for AAM’s next Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Webinar.
Navigating the Internal and External Challenges of DEI Communications
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) communications landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past year. Cass Bailey, CEO of Slice Communications will host a discussion that will examine various approaches, best practices, and case studies to provide participants with actionable insights applicable to their present and future work.

Cassandra Bailey, Founder and CEO, Slice Communications (SME)
Jenni Fleck Jones, Marketing Manager & College Recruiter, Belfint, Lyons & Shuman (Moderator)

401(k) and 403(b) Designated Roth Accounts: Soup to Nuts
2025-07-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar, DE, United States
Maria T. Hurd, CPA, RPA will be presenting at the July Delaware SHRM Webinar Series!
401(k) and 403(b) Designated Roth Accounts: Soup to Nuts

July 24, 2025

12:00 PM — 1:00 PM EDT

Discover the evolution of Designated Roth Accounts, from Roth IRAs in 1997 to the “Rothification” trends under the SECURE 2.0 Act. This webcast covers the fundamentals of Roth accounts, contributions limits, and regulatory challenges that will become effective in 2026.
Gain insight into addressing these challenges like discrimination testing, catch-up limits, and compliance with changing tax regulations.

Goldey-Beacom College Networking Event with Accounting, Finance, and Business Administration Majors
2025-09-18 09:15 - 10:45 | 4701 limestone road Wilmington DE 19808, 4701 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE, 19808, United States
Our College Recruiter, Jenni Fleck Jones, will discuss career tips and connect with students eager to enhance their networking skills and learn about different career opportunities.
Additional Details can be found at GBC’s Career Center.

University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship Startup eXperience
2025-10-08 15:00 - 17:30 | Venture Development Center, 132 E. Delaware Ave., Newark, Delaware, 19711
Jenni Fleck Jones is going back to school where she will be acting as a startup advisor for students in Horn Entrepreneurship’s Startup eXperience class. Students will be eager to share their startup business with advisors who will bring in external points of view!
Want to learn more about a career at BLS? Visit our College Students webpage.
To learn more about University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship, visit their website.

University of Delaware BUAD110 Project
2025-10-15 08:00 - 10:00 | University of Delaware – Purnell Hall, 118 Purnell Hall, Newark, DE, United States
Jenni Fleck Jones is working with teams through University of Delaware’s BUAD 110 class. Students will work with various companies on a business prompt and create solutions. It’s a wonderful example of experiential learning at UD!
Want to learn more about a career at BLS? Visit our College Students webpage.
To learn more about University of Delaware Lerner School of Business, visit their website.

University of Delaware Small Accounting Firm Speed Networking
2025-10-15 17:30 - 19:00 | University of Delaware – Lerner Hall, Alfred Street, Newark, Delaware, 19716, United States
Want to know more about local accounting firms outside the ‘Big 4’? University of Delaware Students are invited to attend the Small Accounting Firms Speed Networking event as part of ACCT 201 to hear from employees of local mid-size accounting firms.
Want to learn more about a career at BLS? Visit our College Students webpage.

ASPPA Annual Growth Summit: An Ounce of Prevention is Better than a Pound of Cure: Do We Really Have to Correct These Audit Findings?
2025-10-28 08:15 - 09:05 | Manchester Grand Hyatt, One Market Place, San Diego, California, 92101
Maria T. Hurd, CPA, RPA will be co-presenting at ASPPA’s Annual TPA Growth Summit.
October 28, 2025
8:15 AM – 9:05 PM EST
11:15 AM – 12:05 PM PDT
An Ounce of Prevention is Better than a Pound of Cure: Do We Really Have to Correct These Audit Findings?

This session focuses on navigating the complexities of retirement plan audits, with a special emphasis on the implications of SECURE 2.0. It will delve into common plan design and transactional challenges that can lead to audit complications, offering practical insights and strategies to mitigate potential issues in light of the latest legislative updates. Learning Objectives: Identify potential audit issues related to automatic enrollment and high employee turnover; Develop strategies for managing mid-year changes in service providers with minimal disruption; Implement best practices for record-keeping and historical data management when terminating service providers; Understand the audit implications of plan termination dates and apply effective solutions; Correcting compensation errors clearly and accurately, ensuring compliance and minimizing risks.

Speakers

Maria T. Hurd, CPA, RPA, Director-Retirement Plan Audit Services, Belfint Lyons & Shuman, PA
Molly Wessler, QPA™, QKA®, Plan Administration Manager, Leading Retirement Solutions
Facilitator: Julie Altig, CPC™, QPA™, Owner/Partner, Atlantic Pension Services, Inc.

ASPPA Annual TPA Growth Summit
October 25 – 29
San Diego, CA
ASPPA Annual shapes the retirement plan landscape through innovation, education, and leadership. At this conference, you don’t just ride the waves of change: you create them. Equip yourself with the knowledge, connections, and skills that will define tomorrow’s retirement solutions. Together, we’ll harness the momentum that moves our profession forward.

The Plan Sponsor University - How to Prevent and Detect Operational Mistakes in Your Retirement Plan
2025-11-06 08:00 - 14:00 | Villanova University, West Campus - Garey Hall Room 10A, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Maria Hurd, CPA will be presenting at The Plan Sponsor University All Day Conference.
How to Prevent and Detect Operational Mistakes in Your Retirement Plan
The Plan Sponsor University will be held on November 6 from 8:00am-2:00pm at Villanova University.
Learn more from the TPSU website!

West Chester University - Beta Alpha Psi Small Firms Night
2025-11-06 17:30 - 19:00 | West Chester University – Business and Public Management, 50 Sharpless Street, Room 212, West Chester, PA, United States
BLS CPAs will be attending West Chester University – Beta Alpha Psi’s Small Firms Night where students can hear from accountants from various local small to mid sized firms! Bella LaPlante, Staff II Accountant will be a panelist and Jenni Fleck Jones, College Recruiter will be available to answer questions.
WCU Students – be sure to talk with us about our College Programs.

Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA): Financial Management for Nonprofits
2025-12-03 11:30 - 13:00 | Virtual
Jon Moll, CPA will be presenting a virtual workshop for Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA): Financial Management for Nonprofits.
In this workshop, Jonathan D. Moll, (Director of Accounting and Auditing at Belfint, Lyons, Schuman) will demystify nonprofit financial management by breaking down concepts into easy-to-understand language. He will share insights on interpreting balance sheets and cash flow statements, developing budgets aligned with mission goals, and presenting financial information to boards and funders with confidence.

Build your confidence in reading and interpreting nonprofit financial statements.
Develop more accurate, mission-driven budgets.
Learn strategies for financial storytelling to engage boards and donors.

Learn more here: DANA’s Workshop Webpage
Learn more about BLS CPA’s Nonprofit Practice Group.

AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plan Conference - You Have an ERROR Now What?
2025-12-04 13:00 - 14:15 | Virutal
Christopher J. Ciminera, CPA will be co-presenting at the AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference on December 4, 2025 from 1:00pm – 2:15pm!
AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference
December 4, 2025
Chris’s session: You Have an ERROR Now What? – Understanding the Impact of 401K Corrections

Secure 2.0 Catch-Up Requirements Webinar
2025-12-17 13:00 - 14:30 | Virutal
Summit Group Retirement Planners, Inc. has invited Maria T. Hurd, CPA, RPA to present on the very timely topic of Catch-Up Requirements!
The Secure 2.0 catch-up contribution regulations become effective January 1, 2026. While many sponsors have spent 2025 preparing, the upcoming deadline warrants a final, focused review to ensure all processes are fully aligned.
REGISTER HERE
Webinar Details
Topic: Secure 2.0 Catch-Up Requirements
Title: Catch the Catch-Up Regulations Before They Catch You Off Guard
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Time: 1:00pm ET
The session will cover:

Regulatory changes effective 1/1/2026
Roth treatment for catch-up contributions where applicable
Implications for payroll coordination and plan administration
Final readiness recommendations to confirm full compliance

We encourage you to attend to validate your approach and avoid any year-end surprises!
REGISTER HERE
