HR Companies & HR Consultants in Austin, TX

PEO Consulting Services, Inc. is an Austin, Texas firm that works as an independent broker for companies deciding whether to join a Professional Employer Organization, and which one to choose. It does not operate as a PEO itself. Instead, it works on the buyer's side.

It studies each client's situation and then presents that profile to several national and regional PEO providers. The firm is paid by the providers it places clients with, so the business receiving the advice is not billed for the consulting.

Who the firm serves

The typical client is a smaller or midsize employer, often with about 20 people on staff. The firm also reports working with organizations ranging from roughly five employees to well over 100. Its client base covers a broad mix of sectors, including:

• Accounting practices and other professional service firms
• Construction companies and skilled trades
• Retailers and other customer-facing operations
• Manufacturers
• Technology companies and early-stage startups
• Medical and dental offices

How engagements work

Each engagement starts with a needs analysis of the owner's objectives and current frustrations. The firm then collects underwriting details once and uses that package to request proposals from several PEOs, so the client does not have to repeat the same paperwork for each vendor.

Proposals are laid out side by side so that pricing, benefit plans and service levels can be compared directly. Before signing, clients get help reading the PEO contract and understanding how co-employment divides responsibilities. The firm also assists with implementation and stays involved after launch to confirm the arrangement keeps working as expected.

Areas of guidance

Through the providers it represents, the firm helps clients set up payroll as part of an integrated PEO structure rather than as a separate tool. This includes:

• Direct deposit and pay cards
• Time and attendance integration
• Accurate deductions
• Quarterly tax filings with federal and state agencies
• Automated PTO accrual tracking

Contractors can obtain certified payroll reporting and support for owner-controlled insurance programs (OCIP). The firm also helps clean up outdated or inconsistent payroll records during a transition. On the benefits side, it guides employers toward major medical coverage, Section 125 premium plans, 401(k) and other retirement options, and voluntary dental, vision, life and disability coverage.

It also covers ACA eligibility reporting for employers with 50 or more participants. Through PEOs, clients can access pay-as-you-go workers' compensation, handbook and policy assistance, onboarding support and help with employment compliance.

Background and approach

The practice is led by Kevin Bierman, who has spent more than three decades helping owners understand PEO partnerships and select providers. The firm presents itself as a personal, consultative alternative to generic sales pitches and boilerplate quotes. It emphasizes direct conversations and plain explanations of what a PEO does and does not handle.

For buyers comparing HR partners, its main distinction is independence. It does not push a single PEO's package, it does not charge the client for its advisory work, and it continues as an advocate after the contract is signed. Payroll and benefits help is generally delivered through the PEO model rather than as standalone services.