What Verdica's 746 score means for Sikich LLP
Sikich LLP's composite score of 746 out of 850 places the firm in the "strong" band (740–799), which reflects reliable overall compliance and regulatory standing. This score is above the midpoint and well clear of elevated or high-risk thresholds, indicating that the firm meets core professional standards and has maintained a credible track record with regulators.
A score in this range suggests that Sikich LLP is a capable accounting provider that has not triggered major compliance red flags. However, "strong" does not mean "excellent"—there is meaningful daylight between 746 and the 800–850 band. For a business owner or consumer evaluating this provider, the takeaway is straightforward: this is a qualified option backed by regulatory approval, but it is not in the top tier of the measured universe. The score indicates acceptable risk management and professional discipline, which should provide reasonable confidence for routine engagements, though prospective clients should remain informed about the specific areas where the firm's profile is less robust.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (660): This sub-score falls into the "elevated" band (580–669), the weakest of Sikich LLP's three dimensions. In the accounting profession, this metric reflects the firm's registration status, credential currency, and compliance with state licensing requirements. A score of 660 means the firm holds valid licensure but may carry minor or unresolved credential issues, or there may be gaps in renewal timeliness or documentation. This is not disqualifying—state boards allow licensed firms to operate in this range—but it signals that prospective clients should verify current licensure and any outstanding compliance obligations with the Georgia accounting board before engagement.
PCAOB Record (755): This score sits solidly in the "strong" band and reflects the firm's audit quality and inspection history as tracked by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. A PCAOB score of 755 indicates that the firm's audits of public company financial statements have met professional standards and that inspection findings, if any, have not been severe or recurrent. This sub-score is a favorable signal for firms that audit public entities, suggesting competent execution and adherence to auditing standards.
Disciplinary (850): A perfect or near-perfect disciplinary score is the strongest indicator available. This reflects that Sikich LLP has no material adverse disciplinary actions, sanctions, or formal enforcement proceedings on record with state or federal regulators. In the accounting industry, a clean disciplinary record is the baseline expectation, and Sikich LLP meets it fully.
What regulators in GA track for accounting providers
The state board of accountancy in Georgia and the PCAOB together maintain the compliance landscape for accounting providers. State boards monitor licensing renewals, continuing education completion, firm structure and ownership, and adherence to state-specific rules of professional conduct. Violations—such as late renewals, inadequate CPE, unlicensed practice, or misconduct complaints—lower scores in the License & Credentials dimension.
The PCAOB, a federally chartered regulator, conducts annual and triennial inspections of audit firms that handle public company clients. Inspections review audit work papers, evidence of audit procedures, and compliance with auditing standards. Findings of deficient audits, inadequate quality control, or failure to address prior inspection concerns are documented in inspection reports and feed into the PCAOB Record score. Disciplinary actions—formal sanctions imposed by state boards or the SEC for violations of professional standards—are tracked separately and weighted heavily because they represent confirmed regulatory enforcement.
Bottom line
Sikich LLP is a strong, established accounting provider with solid PCAOB audit quality and a clean disciplinary record, though its state licensing compliance is adequate rather than exceptional. Before engaging the firm, verify that its Georgia licenses and credentials are current and understand the nature of any state compliance notes flagged by the board.