What Verdica's 724 score means for CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP's composite score of 724 out of 850 places the firm in the "acceptable" band (670–739), which means it meets baseline compliance standards but does not rank among the strongest performers in its peer category. A score in this range indicates that the firm has maintained required licensing and credentials, passed regulatory oversight, and has not accumulated a significant disciplinary record—but there is measurable room for improvement.
For business owners or audit committees evaluating accounting providers, an acceptable-band score signals that the firm is operationally compliant and not flagged as high-risk. However, this grade does not indicate exceptional performance. Think of it as a passing grade with clear notes for attention: the firm is trustworthy enough for routine engagement, but stakeholders should conduct their own due diligence and cross-check specific service areas relevant to their needs before signing a long-term contract.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (660): This sub-score reflects CliftonLarsonAllen's state registration and professional certifications. A score of 660 sits in the elevated band, suggesting that while the firm holds the necessary licenses to operate in Minnesota, there may be gaps or aging credentials compared to top-tier competitors. In accounting, license standing is foundational—it's the baseline that allows a firm to legally practice. A score below the "strong" threshold typically means the firm is current but not distinguished in this area.
PCAOB Record (700): The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board tracks audit quality, deficiencies, and corrective actions for firms that audit public companies. A score of 700 indicates acceptable audit execution but with detectable findings or areas flagged during inspection. This does not mean negligence; it means the PCAOB has documented observations requiring remediation. Firms in this range are monitored but not in enforcement escalation.
Disciplinary (850): This is CliftonLarsonAllen's strongest sub-score, a perfect or near-perfect rating. It reflects the absence of formal complaints, sanctions, or regulatory violations tracked by Minnesota's accounting board and national registries. A high disciplinary score is straightforward: no major infractions on file.
The pattern across these three dimensions shows a firm with solid foundational compliance and a clean disciplinary record, but with room to strengthen credential maintenance and audit quality performance.
What regulators in MN track for accounting providers
Minnesota's state accounting board and the PCAOB together create the regulatory framework that Verdica uses to score firms. The state board verifies that practitioners hold active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licenses, renew continuing education, and maintain firm registration. Non-renewal, lapses, or complaints filed by clients can lower the License & Credentials score.
The PCAOB, which oversees auditors of public companies, conducts triennial inspections and publishes findings on audit deficiencies—areas where a firm failed to gather sufficient evidence, document procedures, or apply accounting standards correctly. These findings don't trigger automatic sanctions but do become part of a firm's public record. Repeated or severe findings can lead to disciplinary referrals.
Disciplinary records capture formal state board complaints, consent agreements, and sanctions. Minnesota tracks these centrally and shares data with national databases. A clean disciplinary history means no substantiated complaints or licensing restrictions.
These three dimensions together measure compliance, audit quality, and professional conduct—the core pillars of accounting firm oversight.
Bottom line
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP is an acceptable-tier provider suitable for routine accounting and audit work, with no disciplinary red flags and adequate state licensing. Before engaging, verify that the firm's specific service offerings and team expertise align with your needs, and request references for similar-sized clients in your industry.