What Verdica's 772 score means for Holbrook & Manter CPAs
Holbrook & Manter CPAs in Connecticut earned a composite score of 772 out of 850, placing the firm in the "strong" band (740–799). This means the firm demonstrates solid compliance across the dimensions Verdica tracks: licensing credentials, regulatory audit history, and disciplinary record. A score in this range suggests a provider that meets or exceeds baseline industry expectations and has not triggered significant red flags in public regulator data.
For a business owner or consumer evaluating this firm, a 772 score signals reasonable confidence in their regulatory standing. This is not a perfect score—an "excellent" rating (800–850) would reflect even fewer or no audit findings—but it does indicate the firm maintains current credentials and has not accumulated a pattern of serious violations. The gap between 772 and a perfect 850 stems entirely from PCAOB audit findings, which is discussed below. The firm's perfect scores on licensing and disciplinary measures show no state board sanctions or credential lapses.
Readers should understand that this score reflects only publicly available regulator data and does not capture service quality, client outcomes, pricing, or responsiveness. It answers the narrow but important question: "Does this firm pass basic compliance checks?" To form a complete picture, you should supplement this score with direct references, client interviews, and a fee proposal review.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials: 850 (perfect). This sub-score reflects state board registration, CPA license status, and peer review credentials maintained with Connecticut's accounting board and any national registries. A perfect 850 here means Holbrook & Manter holds current, unencumbered licenses and has no history of failure to renew, surrender, or suspension at the state level. This is a minimum threshold, not an achievement; most active firms maintain this score.
PCAOB Record: 655 (below average). The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board inspects and evaluates CPA firms that audit public companies. A score of 655 indicates the firm has a history of audit findings—quality control gaps, documentation issues, or non-compliance with auditing standards—noted during PCAOB inspections. The score is not at the "high risk" level (300–579) but sits in the "elevated" band (580–669), signaling that inspectors have identified concerns worth noting. These findings do not automatically indicate fraud or gross negligence; they often reflect procedural gaps or minor control weaknesses that firms must remediate. However, the presence of findings distinguishes this firm from peers with cleaner inspection records.
Disciplinary: 850 (perfect). This sub-score aggregates formal enforcement actions by state boards, including censure, fines, or license restrictions. A perfect 850 means no such actions are on record. The firm has not faced formal complaints that resulted in regulatory penalties, which is a positive signal of operational integrity at the state level.
What regulators in CT track for accounting providers
Connecticut's state board maintains CPA licenses and investigates complaints about professional conduct. The board can impose discipline for violations of the CPA code of conduct, including incompetence, dishonesty, or failure to maintain independence.
The PCAOB, a federal regulator created under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, conducts triennial inspections of firms that audit public companies. Inspectors review audit workpapers, quality controls, and compliance with auditing standards. They issue inspection reports that identify deficiencies—areas where the firm's audits fell short of standards. These findings influence Verdica's PCAOB sub-score. A firm with no inspection findings scores higher; one with recurring or serious deficiencies scores lower.
Neither regulator publishes customer satisfaction or technical depth. Their data focuses on licensing status and structural compliance.
Bottom line
Holbrook & Manter CPAs holds a strong compliance profile with no state disciplinary history and current credentials, but shows a history of PCAOB audit findings that warrant attention. Before engaging, confirm their remediation steps from the most recent PCAOB report and request references from clients in your industry.