What Verdica's 656 score means for Doran Peck
Doran Peck's composite score of 656 places the firm in the elevated risk band (580–669). This means the firm meets baseline regulatory requirements but carries notable compliance concerns that warrant caution from potential clients. The score reflects a mixed profile: strong performance on one major dimension offset by material weaknesses on another. A score in this range suggests the firm is operating and licensed, but presents enough red flags that a business owner or individual should conduct additional due diligence before engaging services. This is not a recommendation against using the firm, but rather a signal to verify credentials independently and clarify how any identified compliance gaps might affect your specific audit or accounting needs.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials: 340 / 850
This sub-score is notably low and represents the primary driver of the overall elevated-risk rating. A credentials score in the 300s typically indicates gaps, lapses, or limitations in state licensing, professional certifications, or registration requirements. In the accounting field, this might reflect missing or expired credentials, incomplete registrations with state boards, or failure to maintain required ongoing education or permits. This dimension is sourced directly from state board registration data, so the deficiency is documented by the regulatory body itself, not speculation.
PCAOB Record: 810 / 850
This score is strong and suggests that Doran Peck has performed well under PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) inspection and audit standard metrics. A score of 810 indicates few or minor findings in PCAOB audit work quality reviews. This is a positive signal that, when the firm does perform audits, it generally adheres to auditing standards and regulatory expectations.
Disciplinary: 850 / 850
A perfect disciplinary score means Verdica's underlying data shows no formal disciplinary actions, sanctions, or enforcement records on file with the state board or PCAOB. This indicates no documented history of violations that resulted in formal complaints or regulatory penalties.
What regulators in CO track for accounting providers
Colorado's state accounting board and the PCAOB maintain separate but complementary oversight of public accounting firms. The state board registers and renews CPA licenses, verifies professional education, and enforces continuing education requirements. Failures to renew, incomplete registration, or unmet credentialing standards show up as state registration gaps.
The PCAOB, a federal regulator, conducts periodic inspections of public accounting firms to assess audit quality, compliance with auditing standards (PCBS), and whether the firm has adequate quality-control procedures in place. Inspection findings address things like whether audit workpapers support conclusions, whether required procedures were performed, and whether the firm's internal quality reviews function effectively. High inspection scores reflect few deficiencies; low scores reflect systemic issues in audit execution or firm governance.
Disciplinary records capture formal regulatory actions—censures, fines, license restrictions, or suspensions—that result from substantiated violations. An absence of such records is standard for most firms, but a clean disciplinary record combined with weak credentials is an unusual pattern worth investigating.
Bottom line
Doran Peck is a licensed, active accounting provider with solid audit quality performance but a material gap in credentials or registration status that has not (yet) triggered disciplinary action. Before engaging the firm, verify what specific credential gaps exist and confirm those gaps do not affect the services you need. A conversation with the firm about remediation plans or a second reference check would be prudent due diligence.