DOL Wage & Hour Audit Defense for Employers Nationwide
A DOL Wage & Hour investigation can be stressful, disruptive, and costly. As a former U.S. Department of Labor Wage & Hour Investigator, I help employers prepare for, manage, and resolve Wage & Hour Division (WHD) investigations with confidence — before, during, and after they happen.
What to Expect During a DOL Audit
A typical WHD investigation includes:
- Opening conference
- Record requests
- Payroll and timekeeping review
- Employee interviews
- Back wage calculations
- Closing conference
I guide employers through every step.
Before the Investigation — Pre-Audit Readiness
Preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce liability and avoid unnecessary findings:
- Review of employee classifications (exempt vs. non-exempt)
- Payroll and timekeeping compliance review
- Evaluation of recordkeeping practices and coverage
- Identification of potential FLSA and wage & hour risk areas
- Guidance on corrective actions before investigator involvement
During the Investigation — Audit Management & Defense
I act as a single point of contact between your organization and the DOL, keeping the investigation focused, accurate, and compliant:
- Liaison with DOL Wage & Hour Investigators
- Gathering and organizing required payroll and employment records
- Ensuring investigators receive only records required by law
- Assistance during employee interviews and onsite or remote visits
- Ensuring correct application of FLSA coverage and exemptions
- Identification and presentation of applicable good-faith defenses
- Strategic communication to help avoid unnecessary penalties or liquidated damages
Back Wage Review & Computation Support
Back wage calculations are often complex and prone to error:
- Independent computation of potential back wages
- Verification and review of DOL investigator back wage calculations
- Identification of calculation errors, incorrect assumptions, or overstatements
- Support during discussions or disputes related to back wage findings
After the Investigation — Resolution & Compliance
- Assistance with review and response to DOL findings
- Assistance with remediation planning
- Ongoing compliance guidance to prevent repeat violations
Common Issues Found in DOL Audits
WHD frequently identifies:
- Misclassification
- Overtime errors
- Off‑the‑clock work
- Incorrect regular rate calculations
- Missing records
- H‑2A/H‑2B/SCA/DBA violations
Preventive Wage & Hour Compliance Programs
For employers seeking long-term protection:
- Customized wage & hour training for HR and management
- Development of compliant wage & hour policies and procedures
- Internal audit tools and periodic compliance reviews
- Ongoing advisory support as operations evolve
Who We Serve
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) applies to most industries and employers nationwide, including:
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Professional services
- Retail and service industries
Why Employers Trust FA Consulting LLC
With years of enforcement experience and hundreds of investigations completed, I understand exactly how WHD evaluates compliance—and how to protect employers. My approach is practical, investigator-level guidance, not legal theory.
I worked with Frank Alvarado as a Wage and Hour investigator, he was absolutely one of the best in the field, his attention to detail of the cases we did was nothing else but brilliant. He is a person I would love to have in my company that I can absolutely trust with the job at hand.
Sandra Bryant, SWB Consulting
Ready to Respond with Confidence?
Don’t wait until penalties are assessed. Whether you’ve received a DOL notice or want to prepare proactively, I can help — before, during, or after an investigation.
Get in Touch
Call: 706-809-3500
Email: Frank@frank-alvarado.com
No obligation • Limited availability • Confidential