What Verdica's 819 score means for Forvis Mazars US LLP
Forvis Mazars US LLP scores 819 out of 850 on Verdica's composite compliance assessment, placing it in the "excellent" band (800–850). This score reflects strong regulatory standing across the dimensions that matter most to accounting firms: current licensing, audit quality oversight, and disciplinary history.
A score in this range signals that the firm meets or exceeds baseline compliance expectations and has demonstrated low regulatory friction in recent activity. For a business owner or audit committee member evaluating this provider, an 819 score means the firm has cleared major red flags—no material disciplinary actions on file, clean PCAOB audit records, and valid credentials in Maryland. That said, the score is not perfect (850 is the maximum), which reflects either minor credential gaps or routine audit observations that regulators flagged but did not escalate to formal discipline.
Most accounting firms score between 580 and 740. An 819 places Forvis Mazars in the top tier. Readers should interpret this as a low-risk profile relative to the market, though "excellent" compliance does not guarantee error-free work—it reflects adherence to regulatory requirements and professional standards as measured by public records.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (760): This sub-score evaluates whether the firm holds current registrations and licenses required to practice in Maryland and, where applicable, at the federal level. A score of 760 is strong but not maximal, suggesting the firm is properly licensed and registered but may have minor gaps—such as a credential that is current but recently renewed, or a secondary license that is in good standing but not held in all jurisdictions where the firm operates. In plain terms: the firm is legally authorized to do business, but there is room for improvement in credential scope or renewal timing.
PCAOB Record (850): The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board conducts triennial inspections of accounting firms and publishes findings on audit quality, internal controls, and compliance with professional standards. A perfect score of 850 here indicates that Forvis Mazars has no material deficiencies or violations flagged in PCAOB audit reports. This is significant because PCAOB findings are public, rigorous, and directly tied to whether firms can audit public companies. An 850 means the firm has passed PCAOB scrutiny without major criticism.
Disciplinary (850): This reflects state board records, peer review outcomes, and formal enforcement actions. A perfect 850 means no substantiated complaints, license suspensions, fines, or disciplinary consent orders on file with Maryland's accounting board or federal regulators. It is the cleanest possible record in this category.
What regulators in MD track for accounting providers
Maryland's State Board of Accountancy and the PCAOB maintain overlapping oversight roles. The state board licenses Certified Public Accountants and firms, enforces the Maryland Accountancy Law, and investigates complaints. PCAOB focuses on audit quality for firms auditing public companies or filing audit reports with the SEC.
Key compliance levers include: maintenance of required licenses and continuing education; audit methodology and working paper quality; adherence to auditing standards (GAAS and PCAAS); independence and ethical compliance; and timely correction of deficiencies identified in inspections. Infractions that lower scores include failure to renew licenses, material audit failures, independence violations, inadequate quality control, and substantiated complaints from clients or regulators. Regulators also track whether firms have undergone peer review and remediated any criticisms.
Bottom line
Forvis Mazars US LLP's 819 score indicates a compliance-strong provider with clean regulatory records and current licensing. A business owner or audit committee considering this firm should still conduct standard due diligence—reference checks, detailed engagement terms, and confirmation that the firm's specific service offerings (tax, audit, consulting) align with your needs. The score reduces regulatory risk but does not eliminate the need for contract clarity and scope alignment.