What Verdica's 656 score means for Stephen Schwartz
Stephen Schwartz's composite score of 656 out of 850 places him in the "elevated risk" band (580–669). This means his profile shows compliance concerns that merit attention before engagement, but does not reflect the highest-risk category.
A score in this range suggests mixed performance across the dimensions Verdica measures. The composite reflects both strengths and weaknesses: his PCAOB record is strong, but his license and credentials profile and disciplinary history pull the overall rating down. For a business owner or organization considering Stephen Schwartz as an accounting provider, this score indicates you should conduct additional due diligence beyond Verdica's assessment—particularly around credentials and any disciplinary matters on record—before making a final decision. This is not a green light, but it is also not an automatic disqualification.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials: 340 / 850
This sub-score is significantly below the composite average and falls into the high-risk zone. In accounting, this dimension typically reflects whether a provider holds active, unrestricted licenses (CPA, enrolled agent, or other relevant credentials in Washington State); maintains continuing education requirements; and has no licensing suspensions or restrictions. A score of 340 suggests material gaps or concerns in this area—either missing credentials, lapsed licenses, or restrictions on practice. This is the most concerning element of Stephen Schwartz's profile and warrants direct verification of current license status with the Washington State Board of Accountancy.
PCAOB Record: 810 / 850
This sub-score is strong and sits comfortably in the "strong" band (740–799). The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board maintains records of audit quality and compliance for firms that audit public companies. A score of 810 indicates his firm or practice has performed well on PCAOB inspections and quality reviews. This suggests minimal audit deficiencies or violations in PCAOB oversight. This is a positive signal.
Disciplinary: 850 / 850
A perfect score here indicates no recorded disciplinary actions in Verdica's indexed sources. This means there are no logged complaints, sanctions, or enforcement actions on file with relevant regulatory bodies tracking Washington State accounting providers. A clean disciplinary record is foundational to operating in this profession.
What regulators in WA track for accounting providers
Washington State and the PCAOB monitor accounting providers through two primary channels:
State Board Registration and Licensing:
The Washington State Board of Accountancy issues and maintains CPA licenses and other accounting credentials. They track active licenses, restrictions, disciplinary actions, and continuing professional education compliance. A provider must hold a current, unrestricted license to legally offer accounting services to the public. The board investigates complaints and can suspend or revoke licenses for violations of the Accountancy Act or professional standards.
PCAOB Audit Quality:
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board conducts regular inspections of accounting firms that audit public companies, assessing the quality of audit work, compliance with auditing standards, and internal quality controls. Findings are documented and can result in remediation requirements or, in serious cases, restrictions on a firm's ability to audit public companies.
Both streams feed into Verdica's scoring model. A low credentials score often indicates licensing issues; a low PCAOB score reflects audit deficiency findings; a low disciplinary score reflects complaints or enforcement history.
Bottom line
Stephen Schwartz's elevated-risk rating reflects a strong PCAOB audit record but meaningful concerns in licensing or credentials. Before engaging him for accounting services, verify his current Washington State license status directly with the Board of Accountancy and confirm that any credential gaps do not affect your specific needs. The disciplinary record is clean, which is necessary but not sufficient on its own.