What Verdica's 656 score means for Christopher Messerges
Christopher Messerges holds a composite Verdica score of 656 out of 850, placing him in the "elevated risk" band (580–669). This grade of B signals that while the provider meets baseline regulatory requirements, there are measurable concerns that warrant attention before engagement.
A score in this range reflects mixed performance across the compliance dimensions that matter most to public entity clients: licensing status, audit quality, and disciplinary history. The score is not a failing grade—it indicates an accounting provider who is operating within the regulatory framework—but it does suggest that prospective clients should conduct additional due diligence before committing to a business relationship. The elevated-risk classification means there is room for improvement and that monitoring may be prudent during any engagement.
For a business owner or nonprofit board evaluating Christopher Messerges, the takeaway is straightforward: this provider is cleared to operate, but comes with a compliance profile that is neither strong nor concerning enough to warrant automatic disqualification. The score invites a closer look at the specific sub-score drivers and an independent conversation about fit, experience, and references.
How the sub-scores break down
Christopher Messerges's composite score is built from three regulatory dimensions:
License & Credentials (340 / 850): This sub-score reflects state board registration and professional licensing status in Illinois. A score of 340 is significantly below the acceptable threshold and is the primary weight dragging down the composite score. In the accounting profession, this dimension captures whether a provider holds active CPA licensure, any required registrations, and the currency of continuing education and regulatory standing. A low score here typically signals incomplete licensing, lapsed credentials, or registration issues at the state level. This is the most immediate red flag in Messerges's profile and should be the first point of clarification with the provider or the Illinois state board.
PCAOB Record (810 / 850): This sub-score reflects the provider's history in PCAOB audit quality reviews and inspection findings. A score of 810 sits in the strong range and suggests that when Messerges has been audited by the PCAOB, the quality of work and adherence to auditing standards has been generally sound. This is a positive indicator of technical competency and willingness to meet federal audit standards. The PCAOB monitors audit work papers, independence, and compliance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), so a strong score here demonstrates capability in execution.
Disciplinary Record (850 / 850): This is a perfect score, indicating no disciplinary actions, sanctions, or complaints recorded against Messerges by regulatory bodies. The absence of disciplinary history is a baseline expectation, and a perfect score reflects clean standing in this category.
The composite of these three sub-scores reveals a provider with a clean disciplinary record and acceptable audit work quality, but a material weakness in licensing or credentialing status that materially affects overall trust.
What regulators in IL track for accounting providers
Illinois's state board and the PCAOB maintain separate but complementary oversight:
State Board Registration tracks whether an individual holds a valid CPA license, has completed continuing professional education requirements, and has not been subject to enforcement actions or license suspensions. The state verifies that practitioners meet competency standards and remain in good standing.
PCAOB Audit Inspections focus on the quality of audit work performed on public company financial statements. The PCAOB reviews audit engagement files, tests the adequacy of audit procedures, and assesses compliance with auditing standards and independence rules. Findings can range from observations (minor) to deficiency notices (significant gaps in audit procedures).
Both agencies publish findings and maintain searchable databases that Verdica uses to compute scores. A provider's standing in either system directly affects how clients and regulators perceive their reliability.
Bottom line
Christopher Messerges's score of 656 places him in elevated-risk territory, primarily due to licensing or credentials concerns that outweigh otherwise acceptable audit work quality and a clean disciplinary record. Before engaging, verify his current CPA status with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and ask directly about any licensing gaps or restrictions.