What Verdica's 656 score means for Steven Harris
Steven Harris in Texas holds a composite Verdica score of 656 out of 850, placing him in the elevated-risk band (580–669). This means his practice shows some compliance strengths but also meaningful gaps that warrant closer examination before engagement.
A score of 656 is not a red flag that demands immediate avoidance, nor is it a vote of confidence. It sits in the middle-to-lower portion of the acceptable range, suggesting a mixed profile: solid regulatory standing in some areas, but weaker performance in others. For a business owner or organization considering hiring Steven Harris for accounting or audit work, this score signals the need for additional due diligence—reviewing references, understanding the nature of any compliance concerns, and clarifying service scope and quality expectations before signing an engagement letter.
The score reflects data from PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) audit findings and state board registration records. These sources are the primary regulators that oversee accounting professionals and firms in the United States, so the underlying data is authoritative, though it is not exhaustive. The absence of independent customer reviews in Verdica's index means this assessment rests entirely on regulator-derived metrics.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (340/850): This is the weakest dimension of Steven Harris's profile. A score of 340 suggests either incomplete or problematic credential documentation on file with the Texas state accounting board, or gaps in required certifications, continuing education, or registration status. In the accounting industry, a low credentials score typically indicates that a provider has not maintained current licenses, failed to meet renewal requirements, or is missing documentation of professional qualifications expected for their claimed service level. This is a serious concern and should prompt immediate verification of current licensure status before any engagement.
PCAOB Record (810/850): This is Steven Harris's strongest sub-score. A PCAOB score of 810 reflects a relatively clean audit inspection history. The PCAOB conducts regular inspections of accounting firms and auditors, documenting deficiencies in audit quality, compliance with professional standards, and adherence to internal quality controls. A high score in this dimension means that PCAOB inspections have not uncovered major systemic issues in audit execution or quality assurance. This suggests competent day-to-day practice in areas the PCAOB examines.
Disciplinary (850/850): This is a perfect score, indicating no substantiated disciplinary actions, complaints, or sanctions from the Texas state board or other regulatory bodies. The absence of a disciplinary history is a baseline expectation, and a perfect score here simply confirms that Steven Harris has not been formally cited or penalized by regulators for violations of professional conduct rules or ethics standards.
What regulators in TX track for accounting providers
Texas state boards and the PCAOB monitor accounting providers on several fronts:
- Licensing and credential currency: Ongoing CPA certification, firm registrations, and compliance with education and renewal requirements.
- Audit quality: Compliance with auditing standards, proper testing procedures, adequate documentation, and appropriate conclusions drawn from evidence.
- Internal controls: Whether the firm maintains systems to catch errors, manage conflicts of interest, and ensure consistent quality across engagements.
- Disciplinary violations: Substantiated breaches of professional ethics, independence rules, or fiduciary duties.
A low credentials score often emerges when a provider has lapses in these areas; a low or missing disciplinary score indicates formal action by a regulator. Conversely, strong PCAOB and disciplinary sub-scores signal fewer detected problems during inspections and a clean complaint history.
Bottom line
Steven Harris presents a mixed profile: strong audit inspection results and a clean disciplinary record, but material gaps in credential documentation that lower overall confidence. Before engaging, verify current Texas licensure, understand the nature of credential gaps, and request references. His elevated-risk score warrants the extra step of confirmation.