What Verdica's 656 score means for Lee Stephenson
Lee Stephenson's composite score of 656 out of 850 places this accounting provider in the "elevated risk" band (580–669). This means the entity meets baseline regulatory requirements but carries moderate compliance concerns that warrant attention from clients and stakeholders.
A score of 656 reflects a mixed compliance profile. The entity is not in the highest-risk category, nor does it demonstrate excellence across all measured dimensions. For a business owner or consumer evaluating this provider, the score suggests proceeding with appropriate due diligence rather than automatic disqualification. However, it also signals that this is not a top-tier performer. The gap between 656 and the "acceptable" threshold of 670 is narrow, meaning modest improvements in one or two areas could shift the overall risk posture materially.
Verdica's underlying data comes from PCAOB audit findings and Utah state board registration records. These are the regulatory touchstones that matter most in the accounting profession, so a score built on them carries real weight. The absence of independent customer reviews means the assessment is purely compliance-based and does not factor in service quality, responsiveness, or client satisfaction.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (340 / 850): This sub-score is notably low and is the primary drag on Lee Stephenson's composite score. A score of 340 in this dimension typically reflects gaps or concerns in professional licensure, continuing education compliance, or credential status with the Utah state board. In the accounting industry, state boards enforce active license status, mandatory CPE hours, and ethical fitness standards. A low score here suggests either incomplete licensing records, lapsed credentials, or documentation issues flagged by the state regulator. This is the most concrete red flag in the profile.
PCAOB Record (810 / 850): This sub-score is strong and substantially offsets the credentials concern. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board inspects accounting firms and audit practices. A PCAOB score of 810 indicates a relatively clean track record on federal audit quality standards. Firms with low PCAOB scores typically have findings related to audit procedure deficiencies, inadequate documentation, or failure to detect material misstatements. Lee Stephenson's 810 suggests that PCAOB inspections have not surfaced serious audit quality problems.
Disciplinary (850 / 850): This is a perfect score, meaning no disciplinary actions, complaints upheld, or sanctions have been recorded by Utah's licensing board or other tracked authorities. This is a positive signal and indicates no formal regulatory enforcement history on file.
What regulators in UT track for accounting providers
Utah's state board of accountancy maintains licensing records and monitors practitioners for violations of professional standards. They verify active CPA licenses, track continuing professional education compliance, and investigate complaints about unethical conduct or incompetence. Disciplinary actions range from warnings to license suspension or revocation.
The PCAOB, a federal regulator created under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, conducts triennial or annual inspections of registered firms. Inspectors review audit workpapers, test compliance with auditing standards, and assess the effectiveness of quality control systems. PCAOB findings may identify deficiencies in planning, evidence gathering, or reporting. These findings do not automatically result in sanctions but create a public record that reflects audit quality.
Verdica synthesizes these data sources to surface which providers have clean licensing, strong audit practice records, and no disciplinary history. Scores move based on changes to these regulatory records—a license renewal issue, a new PCAOB finding, or a disciplinary action would all shift the composite score.
Bottom line
Lee Stephenson presents an elevated but not prohibitive risk profile. The strong PCAOB and disciplinary scores are offset by concerning credentials gaps that demand clarification. Before engaging this provider, verify current license status directly with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, and ask directly about any pending or resolved credential issues with the state board.