HCM Unlocked, a leading provider of tech-enabled human capital managed services, announced the acquisition of Forensic Payroll Consultants (FPC), a firm specializing in resolving complex payroll tax issues and historical compliance challenges. The acquisition, completed on October 9, 2025, integrates FPC's expertise in payroll reconstruction, agency notice resolution, Employee Retention Credit (ERC) filings, and merger & acquisition compliance into HCM Unlocked's offerings, strengthening payroll tax consulting and enabling clients to address legacy issues that disrupt operations, audits, or M&A transactions.
The acquisition addresses rising demands for payroll tax consulting amid audits and compliance pressures. FPC's third-party independence ensures unbiased resolutions, working with accountants and providers to deconstruct errors and fix issues. HCM Unlocked's proprietary data validation software complements this, offering end-to-end support from processing to legacy fixes. John Wallace, CEO of HCM Unlocked, stated, “Demand for payroll tax consulting has surged as companies deal with greater complexity, more audits, and tighter compliance standards. Bringing Forensic Payroll into HCM Unlocked is a natural extension of where the market is heading and a critical part of our growth strategy.”
Andrew Lopez, President & CEO at FPC, added, “Joining HCM Unlocked allows us to scale our impact. Our mission has always been to help businesses resolve payroll tax challenges with accuracy and speed. Now, with HCM Unlocked’s platform and national reach, we can deliver even greater value.”
HCM Unlocked serves mid-market employers with managed payroll, HR, benefits, recruiting, analytics, and tech consulting, ranked among Inc.'s 100 fastest-growing companies. FPC's focus on prior-employment tax issues fills a gap, enabling seamless transitions to new providers. The combined entity enhances HCM Unlocked's mid-market HCM managed services, mitigating risks in a $100B+ U.S. HR outsourcing market where 70% of implementations fail (SHRM).
This move supports HCM Unlocked's growth, empowering clients to focus on core business while outsourcing compliance-heavy tasks.
HCM Unlocked is a human capital consulting and managed services firm supporting employers across payroll, HR, tax, and compliance. The company partners with benefit brokers, private equity firms, and employers to implement and manage modern HCM ecosystems.
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