What Verdica's 820 score means for Michael Murphy
Michael Murphy's composite score of 820 out of 850 places him in the "excellent" band (800–850), indicating strong regulatory standing and compliance performance. This score reflects data aggregated from PCAOB audit findings and Colorado state board registration records—the primary oversight mechanisms for accounting providers.
A score of 820 means Michael Murphy has demonstrated consistent adherence to professional standards across the dimensions Verdica tracks. The three-point gap from a perfect 850 is minimal and typical even among top-performing providers; it suggests no material red flags in the indexed data but acknowledges that no compliance record is entirely friction-free.
For a business owner or consumer considering engaging Michael Murphy's services, this score indicates a low-risk choice based on available regulatory data. It does not guarantee error-free service or predict future performance, but it does signal that regulators and audit bodies have not identified serious or repeated compliance failures. Readers should interpret this as a positive baseline indicator, not a substitute for direct reference checks, fee transparency discussions, or review of engagement terms.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials: 810
This sub-score reflects the status and completeness of Michael Murphy's professional licenses and credentials as recorded by the Colorado state board. A score of 810 indicates current, valid registration with no major gaps or restrictions flagged in state records. In the accounting industry, state boards track CPA license status, required continuing education compliance, and whether any conditions or limitations attach to a practitioner's right to practice. A high score here means Michael Murphy has maintained good standing with his state regulator.
PCAOB Record: 810
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) audits accounting firms and inspects their quality control systems, particularly those handling public company work. This sub-score of 810 indicates that PCAOB inspection findings—if any—have not revealed material weaknesses or repeated control failures in Michael Murphy's audit or accounting work. PCAOB scores can decline based on documented quality issues, failure to comply with auditing standards, or deficiencies in engagement documentation and partner supervision.
Disciplinary: 850
This is the highest sub-score and reflects Michael Murphy's disciplinary record from both state and federal sources. A perfect 850 indicates no indexed formal disciplinary actions, complaints upheld by state boards, or regulatory sanctions. In accounting oversight, disciplinary actions might include license suspensions, fines, mandatory retraining orders, or public censures tied to violations of professional conduct rules or tax practice standards. The absence of such actions is a positive signal.
What regulators in CO track for accounting providers
The Colorado State Board of Accountancy maintains a registry of CPAs and firms and monitors compliance with state law and professional standards. They track whether practitioners hold current licenses, complete required continuing professional education hours, and maintain professional liability insurance where mandated. The board investigates complaints and can impose discipline ranging from warnings to license revocation.
The PCAOB, established under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, conducts regular inspections of registered accounting firms. PCAOB reviews examine audit quality, adherence to auditing standards, compliance with PCAOB rules, and the firm's quality control policies. Inspection reports identify deficiencies in areas such as audit planning, evidence gathering, technical accounting conclusions, and internal supervision. Repeated or severe findings can trigger enforcement action.
Both bodies publish findings and maintain public databases. Verdica indexes this data to populate License & Credentials, PCAOB Record, and Disciplinary sub-scores. Scores move downward when inspections reveal control gaps, when boards issue formal complaints or discipline, or when registration lapses occur.
Bottom line
Michael Murphy's 820 score reflects excellent regulatory standing and a clean disciplinary record. This is a strong indicator for anyone evaluating his services, though it should be paired with direct reference checks, verification of his experience in your specific industry, and clear discussion of engagement scope and fees before engagement.