What Verdica's 840 score means for KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP in Pennsylvania achieved a Verdica composite score of 840 out of 850, placing it in the "excellent" band (800–850). This score reflects strong overall compliance standing across the three dimensions Verdica tracks: licensing credentials, regulatory audit history, and disciplinary record.
For a business owner or finance leader evaluating an accounting provider, a score in this range signals low compliance risk. The firm has demonstrated consistent adherence to professional standards as measured by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and Pennsylvania state licensing requirements. The near-maximum score also suggests a track record of quality control and regulatory responsiveness. That said, a score of 840 (rather than a perfect 850) indicates room exists for minor improvement or indicates historical findings that, while resolved, still factor into the composite calculation.
Independent customer reviews support the quantitative picture: four indexed reviews average 4.8 out of 5 stars, suggesting client satisfaction aligns with the firm's strong regulatory standing.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (820): This sub-score reflects KPMG's standing with Pennsylvania's state accounting board and any ongoing compliance with continuing education, registration, and professional licensing standards. A score of 820 indicates the firm holds valid credentials and meets state requirements, though the 30-point gap from perfect suggests either historical licensing notes or minor compliance items that have been tracked. In the accounting industry, this dimension captures whether a provider is legally authorized to practice and remains in good standing—a foundational requirement.
PCAOB Record (850): This is a perfect score on the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board dimension, which evaluates the firm's audit quality and inspection findings. The PCAOB conducts regular inspections of firms that audit public companies, looking for adherence to auditing standards, quality control, and client service practices. A perfect 850 here indicates no substantive audit quality deficiencies were identified in the PCAOB's most recent inspection records available to Verdica. This is a significant positive signal for firms auditing public entities.
Disciplinary (850): Also perfect, this sub-score indicates no substantiated disciplinary actions, sanctions, or violations on record with the PCAOB, state board, or other relevant regulators. In the accounting profession, disciplinary history can include findings of substandard work, ethical breaches, or failure to comply with regulatory orders. A perfect score means KPMG's disciplinary slate is clean.
What regulators in PA track for accounting providers
Pennsylvania's state accounting board and the PCAOB together maintain the compliance baseline for firms like KPMG. The state board verifies that CPAs and CPA firms hold valid licenses, meet continuing professional education requirements, maintain liability insurance where required, and comply with any consent orders or conditions of licensure. Violations might include operating without a license, failing to renew credentials, or breaching confidentiality rules.
The PCAOB, a congressionally chartered body created after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, inspects audit firms that service public companies. PCAOB inspections examine audit workpapers, testing whether the firm followed generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS), maintained adequate quality controls, and detected material misstatements or fraud risks. Common findings include insufficient audit procedures, inadequate documentation, or staff training gaps. Over time, repeated or serious findings can result in PCAOB enforcement action, fines, or restrictions on a firm's ability to audit public companies.
Verdica's score incorporates the most recent available findings from both regulators, creating a forward-looking snapshot of compliance risk.
Bottom line
KPMG LLP in Pennsylvania presents a low-compliance-risk profile based on its 840 composite score and perfect marks on PCAOB and disciplinary dimensions. Before engaging the firm, verify that its service offerings match your specific needs and request references from similar clients—strong regulatory standing is necessary but not sufficient for a good engagement fit.