What Verdica's 792 score means for Frazier & Deeter LLC
Frazier & Deeter LLC scores 792 out of 850 on Verdica's composite compliance index, placing the firm in the "strong" band (740–799). This score reflects a provider with solid regulatory standing and minimal disciplinary history, but not perfect marks across all measured dimensions.
A score in this range signals that the firm meets or exceeds baseline regulatory requirements and poses low compliance risk to clients. However, the gap between 792 and the maximum 850 indicates room for improvement in at least one performance area—in this case, the PCAOB audit findings sub-score (705), which pulled the overall rating down from an "excellent" tier.
For a business owner or individual seeking accounting services, a 792 score suggests a provider worth serious consideration. The firm has clean credentials and disciplinary records, and its PCAOB history, while not flawless, reflects findings that regulators believed warranted tracking. This is a meaningful distinction from providers in the "acceptable" or "elevated risk" bands. That said, the score is not a guarantee of quality or fit; readers should still verify licensing, ask about specific audit findings, and cross-check references before engagement.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (850/850): Frazier & Deeter LLC achieved a perfect score on this dimension, indicating full compliance with Missouri state board registration requirements and all relevant professional licenses. This means the firm and its principals hold current, unrestricted credentials to practice accounting in the state. A perfect score here is baseline hygiene—it confirms the provider is legally permitted to operate.
PCAOB Record (705/850): The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board score of 705 is the primary factor preventing an "excellent" overall rating. The PCAOB inspects registered accounting firms and publishes findings on audit quality, internal controls, and compliance with auditing standards. A score of 705 indicates the firm has had inspection findings on record. These findings typically address audit methodology, documentation, or quality control gaps—not fraud or malfeasance, but areas where audits did not fully meet PCAOB standards. This sub-score reflects regulator-identified deficiencies that the firm may or may not have remediated since inspection.
Disciplinary (850/850): Frazier & Deeter LLC has a clean disciplinary record with no formal actions, sanctions, or violations logged by state or federal regulators. This score confirms the absence of enforcement history tied to ethical violations, fee disputes, or misconduct. A perfect disciplinary score is common among compliant providers and reflects professional standing.
What regulators in MO track for accounting providers
Missouri's state board and the PCAOB (a SEC-authorized nonprofit) jointly oversee accounting firm compliance through two primary mechanisms:
State Board Registration: Missouri requires accounting firms to register and renew licenses tied to principal partners' credentials. Regulators verify CPE (continuing professional education) hours, conduct background checks, and monitor for disciplinary actions by other boards or courts. Firms must disclose material litigation, regulatory inquiries, and fee disputes.
PCAOB Inspections: Firms that audit public companies or broker-dealer financial statements undergo triennial PCAOB inspections. Inspectors review selected audits for compliance with GAAP and PCAOB standards, evaluate quality control policies, and test whether the firm's work met legal and professional benchmarks. Findings are categorized by severity and become part of the firm's public record. Common findings include inadequate audit evidence, weak internal reviews, or insufficient documentation—issues that affect audit reliability but differ from criminal or ethical misconduct.
Scores move when inspection findings are released, disciplinary actions are filed, or licenses are renewed without incident.
Bottom line
Frazier & Deeter LLC is a strong-tier provider with clean credentials and no disciplinary history, offset by PCAOB inspection findings that warrant review. Before engaging the firm, confirm the nature and current status of those audit findings and verify references from comparable clients. A 792 score suggests low risk, but due diligence remains prudent.