Davide Villani, CPA, CGMA

Partner, Employee Benefit Plans

Davide is a leader of AAFCPAs’ specialized Employee Benefit Plan Audit & Consulting Practice with extensive expertise in ERISA standards. He provides meaningful audits, done efficiently by a dedicated employee benefit plan audit practice within a 300-person CPA & consulting firm, and with access as needed to the resources of PrimeGlobal, the 4^th largest CPA firm network globally. He audits and advises plan sponsors on ERISA compliance requirements, including those associated with administering 401K, 403B, Defined Benefit, and Health & Welfare Plans. He provides proactive guidance to retirement plan fiduciaries, which helps to protect the financial integrity of employee benefit plans. He reviews the Form 5500 to confirm that investments reflect accurately in the financial information, and that you are operating the plan confidently in compliance with ERISA reporting and fiduciary requirements.

Davide serves as a liaison with IRS and DOL officials regarding ERISA audit issues and provides unmatched communication and negotiation. He anticipates the DOL or IRS audit’s focus, and assists through the DOR Voluntary Correction Program (VCP) and the IRS Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS). He leads forums for shared expertise and regularly presents training courses relating to improving the overall quality of ERISA/DOL audits. He is Co-Chair of the MSCPA’s ERISA Accounting & Auditing Committee, and presents ERISA compliance and best practice training sessions for clients and membership associations, including the MSCPA’s annual Employee Benefit Plan Conference.

Additionally, Davide provides assurance, tax, and operational consulting solutions for sophisticated, privately-held companies, including: manufacturing, distribution, and green tech & clean tech. Davide provides detailed reports about audit findings and communicates business-critical information to management. He adds meaning to the audit process, which positively impacts clients’ critical decision making related to opportunities and challenges presented by rapid innovation, and fast and agile competition. Davide is an active member of the Worcester Economic Club.

Education

Assumption College – Bachelor of Science, Accounting, magna cum laude

Service

Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants – Co-Chair of ERISA Committee
Diocese of Worcester – Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Retirement Committee Member
Shrewsbury Little League, Director U16 Girls Softball & Finance Committee Member

Contributed Insights

DOL Audit Quality Study Underscores the Need for Specialized EBP CPA

In November 2023, The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) published its Audit Quality Study, which outlines work quality as performed by independent qualified public accountants—specifically in employee benefit plan financial statement audits covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) during its 2020 filing year. The administration focused on […]

What Plan Sponsors Need to Know About SECURE 2.0

During AAFCPAs’ recent Nonprofit Seminar (April 2023), Employee Benefit Plan Practice leaders Davide Villani, CPA, CGMA and Shawn P. Huxley, CPA, MSA updated more than 400 attendees on SECURE 2.0 and how it affects plan sponsors. Building on the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019, SECURE 2.0 is designed to […]

IRS Audit Risk Areas for Nonprofit Retirement Plan Sponsors

During AAFCPAs’ recent Nonprofit Educational Seminar (April 2023), Employee Benefit Plan Practice leaders Davide Villani, CPA, CGMA and Shawn P. Huxley, CPA, MSA updated 400+ CFO and Executive Director attendees on the IRS’ 2023 strategic focus areas for small exempt organizations that sponsor retirement plans. AAFCPAs audits 180+ plans annually including 401(k) and 403(b) plans, […]