What Verdica's 656 score means for Arden Kirkpatrick
Arden Kirkpatrick's composite score of 656 out of 850 places this Colorado-based accounting provider in the "elevated risk" band (580–669). This means the entity meets baseline regulatory requirements but carries noticeably higher compliance concerns than providers in the "acceptable" range and above.
A score of 656 reflects a mixed profile: strong regulatory standing in some areas offset by material weaknesses in others. For business owners or organizations evaluating Arden Kirkpatrick as an accounting provider, this score suggests due diligence is warranted. The provider is not flagged as high-risk, but the gap between this score and the "acceptable" threshold (670) indicates there are documented compliance gaps worth understanding before engagement. The lack of independent customer reviews currently indexed on Verdica means you cannot cross-reference this regulatory data against real-world user experience.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (340): This sub-score of 340 is significantly below the composite and is a primary driver of the elevated-risk rating. In accounting, license and credential verification covers active CPA certification status, proper state board registration, required continuing education compliance, and maintenance of professional standing. A score this low typically indicates one or more of the following: inactive or lapsed licensing status, incomplete credential documentation on file with regulators, or gaps in documented professional qualifications. This is the area most directly under the provider's control and represents the foundation of professional competency.
PCAOB Record (810): The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) score of 810 is strong and sits firmly in the "excellent" range. This reflects a favorable history in PCAOB audit inspections and investigations. PCAOB evaluations focus on audit quality, compliance with auditing standards, and adherence to regulatory requirements during public company audits or inspections. A score of 810 suggests Arden Kirkpatrick has avoided major audit deficiencies or disciplinary actions at the federal level and maintains acceptable audit quality standards.
Disciplinary (850): A perfect score of 850 indicates no recorded disciplinary actions, sanctions, or complaints in Verdica's indexed data from state and federal regulators. This is a positive signal that the provider has not been subject to formal enforcement actions, fines, or license restrictions.
What regulators in CO track for accounting providers
Colorado state board registration and PCAOB audit findings form the backbone of Verdica's scoring framework for accounting providers.
State boards track active licensing status, continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, and whether a CPA maintains good standing with their home state. Registration data flags lapses, suspensions, or credential mismatches. The state board also processes complaints and disciplinary referrals that may result in formal action.
The PCAOB, a congressionally authorized nonprofit, inspects registered accounting firms annually or triannually (depending on size and public client volume). Inspections evaluate audit quality, compliance with professional standards, and internal quality controls. Findings from these inspections become part of the PCAOB's public database and inform compliance scores. Significant deficiencies or repeated audit failures can trigger formal investigation and enforcement.
Together, these data sources create a picture of regulatory compliance: whether a provider is licensed, in good standing, passing federal audit inspections, and free of disciplinary records. Scores move based on changes in any of these categories.
Bottom line
Arden Kirkpatrick's 656 score indicates elevated compliance risk, primarily driven by credential or licensing concerns, despite a strong PCAOB audit history and clean disciplinary record. Before engaging this provider, confirm that any credential or licensing gaps have been resolved with Colorado's state board, and request documentation of current active status and CPE compliance.