How W.S. Hinch Modernized Its Employee Handbook
Founded in 1963, W.S. Hinch Inc. is a third-generation, full-service accounting firm serving individuals and businesses with tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and business advisory services. More than 60 years in, the firm saw an opportunity to strengthen day-to-day people operations by turning a pieced-together handbook into a clear, modern resource that reflects how the firm works today.
“Patterson Consulting Group was professional, structured, and on task. They stayed on me to hit our timeline before tax season, proactively followed up, and came prepared when we met. Our team appreciates the clarity and structure of the new handbook. It’s already a time-saver and a guide for our day-to-day operations.”
Darrell Hinch
President
Challenge
As a growing small business, W.S. Hinch needed an updated handbook that could keep pace with its team and evolving practices. The existing handbook had been assembled over time and no longer offered the clarity leaders and employees needed.
Key challenges included outdated content, policy gaps and ambiguities, and the need for a trusted HR resource to clarify requirements.
Solution
W.S. Hinch partnered with Patterson Consulting Group to modernize its employee handbook and create a usable, compliant, and employee-friendly resource.
PCG’s approach included:
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Discovery sessions with leadership to understand culture, operational needs, and pain points
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A review of the existing handbook to identify gaps and outdated or unclear content
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Drafting clear policies aligned with applicable requirements
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Clarifying high-impact policies (e.g., cell phone use, PTO) to reduce confusion
PCG kept the project on track through proactive project management, including regular check-ins, timely follow-ups, and thorough preparation for every meeting, so the team met the pre–tax season timeline.
Outcome
The updated handbook delivers clarity and consistency across the organization by setting clear expectations, saving time and enabling more consistent decisions through clarified policies. Its thoughtful structure makes guidance easy to find, giving W.S. Hinch a modern, reliable resource that reflects how the firm works today.