What Verdica's 656 score means for Stephen Yobst
Stephen Yobst's composite score of 656 out of 850 places him in the "elevated risk" band (580–669). This means his compliance profile shows notable strengths in some areas but enough concerns in others that a prospective client should conduct additional due diligence before engagement.
A score in this range reflects mixed regulatory standing. It's neither a red flag that demands immediate disqualification nor a green light for unexamined trust. The score suggests the provider meets baseline regulatory requirements but has documented weaknesses—or at least fewer demonstrated strengths—compared to providers scoring above 670. For business owners or finance teams evaluating Stephen Yobst, the 656 score is a signal to look closer: review his specific credentials, ask for references, and verify that his service offerings align with your compliance needs.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (340/850): This sub-score is notably low and indicates gaps or concerns in Yobst's professional licensing, certifications, or credential history as tracked by Colorado's state board registration. In the accounting profession, this dimension captures whether an individual holds required CPAs, holds active licenses, meets continuing education requirements, and maintains clean registration status. A score of 340 suggests either missing credentials, lapsed licensing, or other registration-related issues that regulators monitor. This is the primary drag on his overall composite score.
PCAOB Record (810/850): This is Yobst's strongest sub-score and indicates a solid audit quality history according to Public Company Accounting Oversight Board findings. The PCAOB inspects registered firms and auditors annually or triennially, assessing audit documentation, engagement quality, and technical compliance with auditing standards. A score of 810 suggests Yobst's audit work has not triggered significant deficiencies or violations in PCAOB inspections. This is a meaningful positive signal, especially for entities considering public company audit services.
Disciplinary (850/850): A perfect score here means Yobst has no documented disciplinary actions, complaints, or sanctions in the regulatory record. The disciplinary dimension reflects actions by state boards, PCAOB, or the SEC—such as reprimands, license suspensions, fines, or settlements related to misconduct or compliance failures. A clean disciplinary record is table stakes in this profession; Yobst meets that standard.
What regulators in CO track for accounting providers
Colorado's state board registration and the PCAOB maintain separate but complementary oversight systems. The state board verifies that accountants hold valid CPA licenses, maintain the required continuing professional education hours, and remain in good standing. Violations in this space—such as practicing without an active license, failing renewal requirements, or misrepresenting credentials—lower the License & Credentials score.
The PCAOB, a congressionally authorized nonprofit, inspects audit firms and individual auditors for compliance with auditing standards (AICPA and PCAOB standards) and quality control procedures. Inspectors review whether audit evidence was sufficient, whether materiality was correctly applied, and whether financial statements were properly audited. Deficient audits—those lacking adequate testing, documentation, or professional judgment—create PCAOB findings. Firms and auditors with strong PCAOB records demonstrate consistent audit quality; those with repeated findings see lower scores.
The disciplinary record aggregates formal actions: license denials or revocations, consent orders, and sanctions imposed by either the state or PCAOB. Disciplinary action typically follows investigations into alleged misconduct, fraud, or violations of professional standards.
Bottom line
Stephen Yobst presents a mixed profile: strong PCAOB audit history and a clean disciplinary record, but material concerns in his state licensing or credentials standing. Before engaging him, verify the specific nature of the License & Credentials gap, confirm his current active status in Colorado, and request references from recent clients. His elevated-risk score warrants a more thorough vetting than a provider scoring above 700 would require.