Post-Audit Surprises: Why Your Revenue Reports Aren’t the Final Word
- The HRG Team
- Aug 6
- 1 min read
You close the quarter. The numbers look good. Revenue is booked. Margin looks healthy. And then—months later—a post-audit deduction slams your P&L.
Welcome to the world of delayed surprises.
Retailer audits often reach 12 to 24 months back. That means a “clean” month can come back to haunt you if an auditor uncovers a compliance issue or documentation gap. It’s like getting a bill for a party you thought someone else already paid for.
A fictional example:
A wellness brand reported $10M in annual revenue.
A year later, a $220,000 post-audit deduction hit due to unverified promo allowances from the prior spring.
The risk isn’t just the money—it’s the timing. When deductions show up long after the revenue is booked, your team scrambles, and your forecasts lose credibility.
Key Takeaway: Post-audit surprises are avoidable if you actively monitor for potential deductions before the auditors do.
Take Action:
Your revenue report isn’t the final word. HRG helps suppliers get ahead of post-audit deductions before they hit.
