ESOP Consulting

Bringing clarity to ESOP through consulting

An ESOP is a complex, long‑term strategy that touches every part of your business. Our consulting services bring feasibility analysis, transaction support, accounting, assurance, valuation, tax, and employee benefit expertise together in one integrated approach—so decisions are informed, coordinated, and built to last.

Our deep expertise and comprehensive services mean we do more than deliver reports. We translate findings into practical guidance, helping you understand what it means for your organization, what comes next, and how to apply that knowledge with confidence.

We translate ESOP complexity into a clear, coordinated strategy at every stage

Our team encompasses the full breadth of ESOP expertise, working alongside you from early exploration and transactions through ongoing compliance, reporting, and support.

ESOP feasibility

Perform a comprehensive feasibility study of all factors impacting the ESOP’s initial valuation.

ESOP transactions

Develop and implement an ESOP transaction framework that best serves the company and shareholders.

ESOP accounting

Apply ESOP accounting standards to record transactions, manage complexity, and support accurate reporting.

ESOP financial statement assurance

Provide independent ESOP audits that validate financial statements and stand up to regulatory scrutiny.

ESOP valuation

Deliver thorough, independent initial and annual ESOP valuations to determine fair market value.

ESOP tax

Identify a tax strategy based on models of multiple scenarios, maximizing the benefits for stakeholders.

ESOP feasibility

Our comprehensive feasibility analysis includes shareholder objectives, model cash flows and tax benefits, ownership structure, transaction goals, and long-term sustainability. We identify the most favorable financial framework for stakeholders.

ESOP transactions

We structure and implement ESOP transactions by designing effective ownership transitions and guiding companies through execution. We ensure the transaction framework supports business objectives, shareholder outcomes, and long-term plan success.

ESOP accounting

Manage ESOP accounting with expertise that supports accurate reporting, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance—backed by a team that understands the full ESOP life cycle and collaborates with you to keep processes predictable and aligned with your goals.

ESOP financial statement assurance

We deliver independent financial statement audits and reviews for ESOP-owned companies, along with ERISA plan audits for employee stock ownership plans, addressing plan-specific reporting requirements, evaluating internal controls, and supporting regulatory compliance to provide reliable assurance for management, trustees, and stakeholders.

ESOP valuation

We perform unbiased ESOP valuations to determine market value, informed by real-world M&A experience and broader business valuation work. Our expert analysis is customized to support review by a company’s management team, trustee, and Department of Labor.

ESOP tax

We support ESOP tax planning with guidance on ownership structures, transactions, and ongoing compliance, including modeling after‑tax outcomes and addressing tax considerations as the plan evolves across ownership stages.

Benefits of working with the ESOP consulting team

Comprehensive ESOP services

Our breadth of ESOP services and expertise makes us a single source, supported by dedicated resources and deep bench strength throughout every engagement. This depth allows us to seamlessly handle complexities and meet evolving needs.

Client-centric approach

We collaborate closely with clients by addressing their unique needs, ensuring they are part of the process, and matching the right experts to assist them.

Industry-leading expertise

Our expertise means that we understand the day-to-day nuances of your business and ESOPs. Our in-depth knowledge of ESOPs supports needs across valuation, accounting, tax, employee benefits, and beyond.

Senior-level involvement

We prioritize strong client relationships, hands‑on principal involvement, and continuity in our teams, giving you direct access to experienced guidance when it matters most.

Consistent, personalized support

We’re there when you need us, with timely, responsive communication and a predictable process that keeps work clear and organized. Regular check‑ins ensure continued alignment and help clients always know what to expect.

Trusted guidance for every ESOP need

BerryDunn provides integrated ESOP guidance through valuation, feasibility, assurance, and tax to transactions and employee benefits—delivered by dedicated ESOP professionals who stay closely engaged, bring experienced leadership, and align closely with your timeline and reporting goals.