What Verdica's 656 score means for Alan Stahlecker
Alan Stahlecker's composite score of 656 out of 850 places him in the "elevated risk" band (580–669). This means his profile shows mixed signals: some areas of compliance strength, but notable gaps that warrant attention before engagement.
A score in this range indicates a provider who meets baseline regulatory requirements but carries enough red flags to justify additional due diligence. For business owners or clients evaluating Stahlecker, the 656 score suggests he is not a high-risk outlier, but he is not a low-friction choice either. You should expect to ask follow-up questions about his specific credentials, audit history, and any disciplinary matters before making a commitment.
The score is built from verifiable regulatory data—PCAOB audit findings and Colorado state board registration—rather than subjective opinion. The absence of independent customer reviews means Verdica has no third-party feedback indexed yet; your own reference checks remain important.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials: 340 / 850
This sub-score is the primary driver of the elevated overall rating. A score of 340 in this category suggests deficiencies or gaps in professional licensing, certifications, or credential verification relative to the standards Verdica tracks. In the accounting industry, this dimension captures whether a provider holds required CPA licenses, is registered with state boards, maintains required continuing education, and keeps credentials current. A lower score here often signals incomplete registration, expired licenses, or missing credentials that should be clarified before engagement.
PCAOB Record: 810 / 850
The PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) sub-score of 810 is substantially stronger and indicates a solid track record in regulatory audits. This score reflects Stahlecker's history as assessed through PCAOB inspection findings, which evaluate audit quality, compliance with standards, and adherence to regulatory expectations. A score of 810 suggests no major red flags in recent PCAOB activity, though it is not in the "excellent" range, indicating either minor findings or a pattern that Verdica's algorithm views as acceptable but not exemplary.
Disciplinary: 850 / 850
The perfect score on the disciplinary dimension is a clear positive: it indicates no material disciplinary actions, complaints, or sanctions on record with Colorado's state board or related regulators. This suggests Stahlecker has not faced formal complaints, license suspensions, or enforcement actions that would otherwise be flagged.
The contrast between the strong PCAOB and disciplinary scores and the weaker credentials score suggests the issue is not misconduct or poor audit performance, but rather a credentials or registration documentation problem.
What regulators in CO track for accounting providers
Colorado's state board of accountancy and the PCAOB maintain separate oversight frameworks that Verdica synthesizes into this score.
State Board Registration & Credentials track whether a CPA or accounting firm holds valid licenses, maintains required certifications, completes continuing professional education (CPE) hours, and meets state-specific registration requirements. Gaps here include expired licenses, incomplete filings, or missing CPE documentation. These are administrative but material—they affect legal standing to practice.
PCAOB Audit Findings apply primarily to providers involved in public company audits. The PCAOB conducts regular inspections and issues findings on audit quality, internal controls, and compliance with auditing standards. Common issues flagged include insufficient audit procedures, inadequate documentation, or failures to identify risks. Verdica's PCAOB score reflects the severity and frequency of findings in these inspections.
Neither regulator tracks customer satisfaction, pricing, or service speed—those dimensions remain outside the compliance scoring framework.
Bottom line
Stahlecker's 656 score signals an elevated-risk provider with strong regulatory compliance in audits and disciplinary history, but notable gaps in credentials or licensing documentation. Before engaging him, verify the status of his Colorado CPA license, confirm all registrations are current, and ask directly about any credential gaps. His audit record is solid enough to not automatically disqualify him, but the credentials issue requires clarification.