Staying compliant with ever-changing employment laws and regulations is one of the most important, and most overlooked, responsibilities an organization faces. An HR audit is a thorough, systematic and objective review of your HR functions. It is designed to identify gaps, reduce risk and ensure your organization is operating in accordance with relevant federal, state and local requirements.
At Brown Plus, our Human Resources (HR) Consulting Practice offers comprehensive outsourced HR audit services to help organizations of all sizes get a clear picture of where they stand and what steps to take next.
What is an HR Audit?
An HR audit is a thorough review of your organization’s human resources policies, practices, documentation and processes. The goal is to evaluate the current state of your HR function against legal requirements and industry best practices. Beyond ensuring compliance with labor regulations, HR audits can also serve as a tool for recruiting and retention, allowing you to evaluate if your policies are keeping you competitive in the market.
What Does Brown Plus Review During an HR Audit?
Our audit process is comprehensive and tailored to the specific needs of your organization. Brown Plus HR professionals will conduct a detailed review across the following areas:
Employee and Personnel Files
Properly maintained employee and personnel files are foundational to HR compliance. Our team reviews your existing files to ensure they are complete, organized and compliant with federal and state recordkeeping requirements. This includes verifying that required documentation is present, that sensitive records are stored separately and securely, and that retention schedules are being followed. Disorganized or incomplete personnel files are one of the most common compliance gaps we find but also one of the easiest to correct with the right guidance in place.
Personnel Manual Review
A personnel manual, or employee handbook, establishes the foundation for workplace expectations, policies and legal compliance. During an HR audit, the Brown Plus team will review your personnel manual to ensure it reflects current federal, state and local employment laws, is consistently applied across your whole organization and clearly communicates the policies you have in place for your employees. An outdated or incomplete manual can expose your organization to legal risks and create confusion around employee rights and responsibilities.
Operational Analysis of Process and Efficiencies
An HR audit is also an opportunity to step back and evaluate whether your day-to-day HR operations are running as effectively as they should be. Our team examines your existing HR workflows and processes to identify redundancies, constraints and areas where time or resources are being lost. We look at how HR functions are structured across your organization and provide practical recommendations to improve efficiency, consistency and scalability. The goal is not only compliance, but also to help your HR team work more efficiently.
Internal HR Procedures
Documented, consistently applied HR procedures are critical to protecting your organization from legal exposure and ensuring fair treatment of employees. Our team reviews your internal HR procedures, including onboarding and offboarding processes, performance management, disciplinary practices, leave administration and more, to assess whether they are current, clearly communicated and consistently followed. Where gaps or inconsistencies are found, we provide actionable guidance on how to strengthen your procedures and reduce organizational risk.
Form I-9
Federal law requires that all United States employers complete a Form I-9 for every employee hired, verifying their identity and authorization to work in the U.S. I-9 compliance is an area where errors are extremely common and carry significant financial penalties, even when violations are unintentional. Our team conducts an in-depth review of your I-9 documentation, identifies any deficiencies or technical errors and provides clear guidance on how to correct issues and establish practices that will keep your organization in compliance moving forward.
What Are the Benefits of an HR Audit?
Whether your organization has a dedicated HR team or is managing human resources responsibilities with limited internal resources, an HR audit delivers meaningful value.
- Risk Reduction: Identifying compliance gaps before they become costly problems, including fines, litigation or regulatory action.
- Operational Clarity: A clearer understanding of how your HR function is operating and where improvements can be made.
- Documentation Confidence: Knowing that your employee files, I-9 records and internal procedures meet legal requirements.
- Actionable Steps: Prioritized, practical recommendations you can implement, rather than simply a report of findings.
- Peace of Mind: Assurance that your organization has a strong foundation from a compliance perspective, so your leadership can focus on what matters most.
Team Members
Why Choose Brown Plus?
Brown Plus has over 35 years of experience providing clients across multiple industries with a broad range of professional services. Our HR Consulting Practice is led by certified HR professionals who hold designations including Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) through the Human Resources Certification Institute, along with a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) designations through the Society of Human Resource Management.
In 2026, Brown Plus HR department was named the #1 Best HR Team in America by Best Companies Group, a prestigious recognition of excellence in HR leadership, innovation and organizational impact. We bring that same standard of excellence to the organizations we serve.
Our team provides both on-site and remote support, giving your organization the flexibility to engage with us in the way that works best for you. From the initial review through the delivery of findings and recommendations, the Brown Plus team is with you at every stage.
Our Locations
Brown Plus provides services nationwide with a concentration of clients in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our offices are located throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland.
