What Verdica's 656 score means for Kim Blaugher
Kim Blaugher's composite score of 656 out of 850 places this Minnesota-based accounting provider in the elevated risk band (580–669). This score reflects a mixed compliance profile: strong regulatory standing on one dimension, but meaningful gaps on another.
A score in this range signals that a potential client should proceed with informed caution. The provider is not flagged as high-risk across the board, but the score indicates vulnerabilities worth understanding before engagement. The score is built on three equally-weighted dimensions: licensing credentials, PCAOB audit performance, and disciplinary history. Readers should view 656 as a yellow flag rather than a red one—worth investigation, but not an automatic disqualification.
For business owners or finance teams considering this provider, the key takeaway is straightforward: this is someone to vet carefully. Ask targeted questions about the areas where the score is weaker, and cross-check references independently.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials: 340
This sub-score of 340 is notably low and represents the primary driver of Kim Blaugher's overall elevated-risk rating. In the accounting industry, this dimension tracks whether a provider holds required licenses, maintains current continuing education, holds recognized certifications (such as CPA status), and meets state board standards. A sub-score of 340 suggests material deficiencies in one or more of these areas—either missing licensure, lapsed credentials, or incomplete compliance with state registration requirements. This is the most direct measure of formal qualification to practice.
PCAOB Record: 810
This sub-score of 810 is strong and reflects the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's inspection and audit findings. A score this high indicates that PCAOB inspections have not uncovered significant deficiencies in audit quality, methodology, or control procedures. This dimension tracks things like audit documentation, engagement quality reviews, and compliance with auditing standards. The 810 rating suggests that when this provider has been examined by federal regulators, the work product and processes have held up well.
Disciplinary: 850
A perfect disciplinary sub-score of 850 means Verdica's data sources show no material disciplinary actions, complaints sustained by state boards, or regulatory sanctions against Kim Blaugher. This is a positive signal—it indicates a clean record on the enforcement side. No investor complaints, no license suspensions, and no documented violations are indexed in state board or PCAOB records.
The spread across these three sub-scores is instructive: Kim Blaugher has a clean disciplinary history and solid PCAOB audit results, but a material gap in formal credentials or licensing status. This pattern suggests the issue is not misconduct or poor work quality in audits, but rather administrative or licensing compliance.
What regulators in MN track for accounting providers
Minnesota's state board of accountancy (and the PCAOB at the federal level) monitor several dimensions of provider compliance:
- Licensing status: CPAs and accounting firms must maintain current licenses and registrations. Lapses, failures to renew, or incomplete applications lower credentials scores.
- Continuing education: Providers must complete required professional development hours. Non-compliance here is flagged in credentials data.
- PCAOB audit quality: Federal inspectors examine audit files, testing whether work met professional standards. Deficiencies in planning, evidence collection, or documentation are documented in inspection reports.
- Disciplinary actions: State boards sustain complaints, issue sanctions, or suspend licenses when providers violate rules or ethical standards. This data is public and heavily weighted in trust scoring.
These dimensions collectively reflect both technical capability (credentials, audit quality) and ethical/legal standing (discipline, regulatory history). A provider strong in audit quality but weak in credentialing suggests a gap between ability and formal authorization.
Bottom line
Kim Blaugher's 656 score indicates elevated risk primarily due to licensing or credential gaps, not poor audit quality or disciplinary problems. Before engaging, confirm current license status with Minnesota's accounting board, verify all relevant certifications are active, and request references. The PCAOB track record is solid, but the credentialing issue warrants direct clarification.