What Verdica's 656 score means for Gary Abbuhl
Gary Abbuhl's composite score of 656 out of 850 places him in the "elevated risk" band (580–669). This grade B rating indicates that while Abbuhl meets baseline regulatory requirements, there are meaningful gaps in credential strength or audit performance that warrant caution before engagement.
A score in this range suggests the provider operates legally and maintains required registrations, but may have compliance friction points or quality-control findings that differentiate them from higher-performing peers. For a business owner or individual seeking accounting services, a 656 score means you should conduct additional due diligence beyond this profile—such as requesting references, reviewing engagement terms carefully, and confirming specific expertise in your industry—before committing to a relationship.
The score is not a red flag that rules out working together, but rather a signal to verify capability and reputation through supplementary channels.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (340 out of 850): This sub-score reflects the quality and currency of Abbuhl's professional licenses and educational credentials as recorded by Colorado's state board. A score of 340 is notably low relative to the other dimensions, indicating either gaps in required certifications, a lapsed or inactive license status, or incomplete credential documentation on file with regulators. In the accounting industry, this dimension captures CPA licensure, continuing education compliance, and professional standing. A weak score here is a material concern and suggests verifying current license status directly with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies before proceeding.
PCAOB Record (810 out of 850): The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board score of 810 is in the "strong" range. This reflects Abbuhl's audit inspection results, quality control findings, and compliance with PCAOB auditing standards. A score of 810 suggests that his firm's audit work and internal procedures have passed inspection with only minor or isolated findings. This is a positive indicator that audit quality is being maintained at a professional level.
Disciplinary (850 out of 850): A perfect score here indicates no regulatory sanctions, complaints, or disciplinary actions on record with Colorado's accounting board or the PCAOB. This means there are no documented violations, consent orders, or public enforcement actions associated with Abbuhl. This is the strongest signal in his profile.
The tension between the weak credential score and strong PCAOB and disciplinary scores suggests a provider whose audit work is sound and whose conduct is clean, but whose formal qualifications or licensing documentation may be incomplete or require clarification.
What regulators in CO track for accounting providers
Colorado's state board and the PCAOB maintain public records that track two main compliance dimensions for accounting providers:
State Licensing & Credentials measure whether a CPA holds an active, unrestricted license; maintains required continuing professional education hours; and meets any state-specific registration obligations. Lapses in renewal, incomplete education records, or restrictions on practice authority will lower this score.
PCAOB Audit Findings are based on inspections of firms that audit public companies or broker-dealers. Inspectors review a sample of audits and evaluate whether work papers, audit procedures, and quality controls meet PCAOB standards. Common findings include insufficient testing, inadequate documentation, or control deficiencies. The PCAOB publishes inspection reports; a strong record means few or resolved findings.
Disciplinary Records capture all formal enforcement actions—complaints substantiated by regulators, settlement agreements, license suspensions, or fines. The absence of disciplinary history is a baseline expectation and is reflected as a top score when there are no public actions.
These three dimensions together provide transparency into both the regulatory baseline (licensing) and performance quality (audit results and conduct).
Bottom line
Abbuhl holds a clean disciplinary record and has demonstrated acceptable audit quality according to PCAOB oversight, placing him in the "elevated" rather than high-risk category. However, the notably weak credential score is a red flag that requires direct verification—contact the Colorado board to confirm his current license status and any outstanding compliance obligations before engaging his services.