What Verdica's 656 score means for Richard Bell
Richard Bell's composite score of 656 out of 850 places him in the "elevated risk" band (580–669). This means his profile reflects solid regulatory standing in some areas but meaningful gaps or concerns in others that warrant attention before engagement.
A score in this range suggests the provider is not at high risk of regulatory failure, but neither does it command confidence across all compliance dimensions. For a business owner or organization considering Richard Bell for accounting services, this score signals a need to conduct additional due diligence—particularly around licensing and credentials—before making a final decision. The score reflects data from PCAOB audit findings and Wisconsin state board registration; it does not account for customer satisfaction or service quality.
The "elevated" classification is neither a red flag nor a clean bill of health. It means you should verify his qualifications independently and clarify the nature of any credential gaps before signing an engagement letter.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials: 340 This is the weakest dimension of Richard Bell's profile. A score of 340 (on a scale where higher is better) indicates significant deficiencies in documented licensure or credential verification through Wisconsin's state board registration. In the accounting industry, this sub-score typically reflects missing CPA licenses, lapsed certifications, or incomplete documentation on file with state regulators. Practitioners with strong credentials in this dimension typically hold current, unrestricted licenses and relevant professional certifications (CPA, Enrolled Agent, etc.). A low score here is a material concern and should prompt you to request proof of current standing directly from Wisconsin's state accounting board before proceeding.
PCAOB Record: 810 This score is the strongest component of Richard Bell's profile and falls in the "excellent" range. A PCAOB score of 810 indicates a clean or largely clean audit inspection history. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board conducts quality reviews of registered auditors; high scores reflect few or no material findings related to audit quality, compliance with professional standards, or regulatory violations. This suggests Richard Bell has performed well on PCAOB-registered audits, if applicable to his practice, or has no disqualifying audit inspection outcomes on record.
Disciplinary: 850 A perfect score of 850 in the disciplinary dimension means there are no documented disciplinary actions, complaints, or sanctions recorded against Richard Bell in the sources Verdica indexes (Wisconsin state board records and PCAOB data). This is a positive indicator that he has no public record of ethics violations, unpaid fines, or regulatory censure.
What regulators in WI track for accounting providers
Wisconsin's state board and the PCAOB monitor accounting providers across three main compliance vectors:
Licensing and credentials are the foundation. Wisconsin requires practitioners offering certain accounting or audit services to hold a CPA license or other relevant credential. The state board maintains a registry of active and inactive licenses, and renewal status affects whether a practitioner can legally offer regulated services. Score movements here reflect completeness and currency of that registration.
Audit quality is assessed through PCAOB inspections for registered firms. The PCAOB reviews audit workpapers, quality controls, and compliance with auditing standards. Deficiencies—ranging from documentation gaps to substantive audit failures—can result in inspection findings. Scores rise with clean inspection records.
Disciplinary history captures enforcement actions: license suspensions, revocations, monetary penalties, or settlements with regulators. A clean record means no documented public enforcement.
These three dimensions together form a baseline trust profile. They do not measure customer service, pricing, or technical expertise—only regulatory compliance.
Bottom line
Richard Bell's 656 score indicates acceptable regulatory standing in audit quality and disciplinary history but a notable shortfall in documented credentials. Before engaging him, independently verify his current Wisconsin CPA license (or equivalent) status directly with the state board, and clarify the nature of the credential gaps reflected in his profile. A quick verification call can resolve whether this score reflects a procedural filing issue or a genuine licensing concern.