What Verdica's 792 score means for Bader Martin PS
Bader Martin PS earned a composite score of 792 out of 850, placing it in the "strong" band (740–799). This score reflects a firm that meets regulatory expectations across licensing, audit quality, and disciplinary history, with room for improvement in certain measurable areas.
A score in this range tells you that Bader Martin PS has cleared baseline compliance hurdles and demonstrates a track record unlikely to pose immediate red flags. The firm holds current credentials and has not accumulated a disciplinary record that would trigger heightened scrutiny. However, it is not in the "excellent" tier (800–850), which indicates there are documented findings—most likely in the PCAOB audit dimension—that regulators have flagged as items requiring attention or remediation.
For a business owner or someone selecting an accounting provider, a 792 score suggests competence and stability, but it is worth asking what those PCAOB findings entail before signing a service agreement. This is not a "proceed with caution" signal; it is a signal to do your due diligence.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials: 850 (perfect). This perfect sub-score means Bader Martin PS holds all required licenses and registrations in Missouri and has no lapsed or conditional credentials on file. In plain terms: the firm is legally cleared to operate. This dimension also typically reflects no disqualifying educational or professional violations at the state board level. A perfect score here is the foundation; it is table stakes for any accounting provider.
PCAOB Record: 705 (moderate). This is the lowest of the three sub-scores and the primary reason the composite score sits at 792 rather than higher. The PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) inspects firms that audit public companies and issues detailed inspection reports. A score of 705 indicates the firm has been inspected and findings were documented—such as deficiencies in audit planning, inadequate testing of controls, or documentation gaps. These findings do not necessarily indicate fraud or gross negligence; they typically reflect quality-control lapses or procedural shortcomings that regulators expect firms to remediate. Scores in this range are common among mid-market firms and often correspond to firms that have received inspection findings but are not repeat offenders with systemic issues.
Disciplinary: 850 (perfect). No formal disciplinary actions, sanctions, or consent orders appear on the firm's record with the Missouri State Board of Accountancy or in PCAOB enforcement records. A perfect disciplinary score is a clean bill of health on the enforcement side.
What regulators in MO track for accounting providers
Missouri's regulatory framework relies on two primary data sources:
The state board registration ensures firms and individuals meet education and experience requirements, maintain continuing education credits, and comply with the Missouri accountancy statutes. The board can suspend or revoke licenses for violations ranging from incompetence to dishonesty.
The PCAOB audit findings apply to firms that audit public companies. The PCAOB conducts triennial inspections (or more frequently for high-risk firms) and publishes detailed reports. These reports identify specific instances where audit work fell short of standards—for example, failure to obtain sufficient audit evidence, inadequate risk assessment, or inadequate documentation. Firms receive a grace period to correct findings; repeated or uncorrected findings can lead to enforcement action. Verdica's PCAOB sub-score reflects the severity and prevalence of findings in the most recent inspection data available.
Bottom line
Bader Martin PS is a compliance-strong firm with perfect licensing and disciplinary records, but documented audit quality findings that warrant a closer look before engagement. Request a copy of the firm's most recent PCAOB inspection report (publicly available) and ask management how they have addressed any flagged items—this single conversation will tell you whether the firm takes regulatory feedback seriously.