What Verdica's 744 score means for RSM US LLP
RSM US LLP's composite score of 744 out of 850 places the firm in the "strong" band (740–799), indicating above-average compliance and operational standing among accounting providers. This score reflects data pulled from PCAOB audit findings and Ohio state board registration records—the primary regulatory touchpoints for public accounting firms.
A score in the strong range suggests RSM US LLP has met core licensing and credentialing requirements and maintains a reasonably clean disciplinary record relative to peer firms. It does not indicate perfection, nor should readers expect it to. Instead, the 744 score signals that the firm has demonstrated consistent adherence to professional standards across the dimensions Verdica tracks. Readers considering RSM US LLP should view this as a positive signal, but should also recognize that the score reflects only published regulatory data; it does not capture client service quality, pricing competitiveness, or industry specialization. The absence of independent customer reviews in Verdica's index means this assessment is compliance-focused, not experience-focused.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (660): This sub-score of 660 falls into the elevated band (580–669), meaning RSM US LLP holds valid licenses and relevant credentials but may have minor gaps, outdated filings, or incomplete documentation relative to firms scoring higher. In the accounting profession, this dimension tracks registration status with state boards, partner CPE (continuing professional education) compliance, and maintenance of active licenses across all jurisdictions where the firm operates. A score of 660 is not a red flag—most firms score in this range—but it indicates room for improvement in administrative or documentation completeness.
PCAOB Record (750): This sub-score of 750 sits in the strong band. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board conducts regular inspections of firms that audit public companies and files inspection reports publicly. A PCAOB score of 750 reflects findings that are within acceptable limits. Higher scores typically indicate inspection reports with few or no deficiencies; lower scores suggest patterns of audit quality issues, documentation gaps, or control weaknesses noted during inspection. RSM US LLP's 750 suggests its audit methodology and quality control practices align with PCAOB expectations, though the firm may have experienced minor findings in recent inspection cycles.
Disciplinary (850): This is RSM US LLP's strongest sub-score, at the top of the excellent band (800–850). A disciplinary score of 850 indicates minimal or no substantive enforcement actions, sanctions, or complaints filed with state boards or the PCAOB in Verdica's indexed timeframe. In regulatory terms, a high disciplinary score reflects a clean enforcement history and absence of material misconduct findings.
What regulators in OH track for accounting providers
Ohio's state board of accountancy and the PCAOB together monitor compliance through two primary mechanisms. The state board maintains registration files and disciplinary records; violations reported to this body include unlicensed practice, failure to complete CPE requirements, client fund mishandling, or unethical conduct. The PCAOB, a federally chartered nonprofit, inspects audit quality at firms that audit SEC-registered entities or issuers. PCAOB inspections assess adherence to auditing standards, sufficiency of evidence gathered, appropriate application of accounting principles, and adequacy of internal quality control systems.
Scores move based on the presence, severity, and recency of findings in these systems. A firm with documented audit deficiencies, unresolved CPE lapses, or disciplinary actions will see lower sub-scores. Conversely, clean inspection reports and no enforcement history support higher scores. These are backward-looking measures—they reflect past compliance, not future performance.
Bottom line
RSM US LLP's 744 score indicates a strong compliance profile, with particular strength in its disciplinary record and reasonable performance in PCAOB audits. A prospective client should treat this as a positive indicator but should also verify the firm's specific experience in their industry, review engagement terms and pricing, and request references from existing clients before committing to a relationship.