What Verdica's 656 score means for Steven Kunstle
Steven Kunstle's composite score of 656 out of 850 places him in the "elevated risk" band (580–669). This grade B rating means the provider shows mixed compliance signals: some dimensions are strong, while others warrant closer attention before engagement.
A score in this range suggests the provider operates within regulatory bounds but has characteristics that differentiate them from peers with stronger compliance profiles. The score reflects aggregated data from licensing, disciplinary history, and PCAOB audit outcomes—the primary touchstones regulators and clients use to assess accounting provider reliability.
For a business owner or finance director evaluating Steven Kunstle, the 656 score is a starting point, not a final judgment. It indicates you should conduct additional due diligence beyond this summary—particularly around the weaker sub-score dimensions—before signing an engagement letter. The score does not predict audit quality or tax accuracy; rather, it flags the regulatory and credential environment in which the provider operates.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (340/850): This sub-score is notably low and represents the weakest component of Kunstle's profile. In the accounting industry, this dimension typically reflects state board registration status, active license standing, and credential certifications (CPA, CFA, or specialty designations). A score of 340 suggests either gaps in credential documentation, licensing concerns at the Colorado state board level, or missing professional certifications commonly expected in the field. This is the area most immediately flagging elevated risk.
PCAOB Record (810/850): This is a strong sub-score, indicating that PCAOB audit findings—which examine quality control, audit methodology, and compliance with auditing standards—show relatively few or minor deficiencies. The PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) conducts triennial inspections of larger firms and periodic reviews of smaller practices. A score of 810 means Kunstle's track record on these inspections has been solid, with no major audit quality failures documented in the dataset.
Disciplinary (850/850): This perfect sub-score indicates no formal disciplinary actions, complaints, or sanctions are recorded in the available regulatory databases. This is a positive signal—it suggests no state board complaints, SEC enforcement actions, or PCAOB sanctions have been filed against Kunstle.
The tension between the weak credentials sub-score and the strong PCAOB and disciplinary scores suggests Kunstle may operate with less formal credentialing infrastructure than peers, yet has maintained acceptable audit quality and a clean enforcement history. This pattern warrants direct verification of current licenses and certifications before engagement.
What regulators in CO track for accounting providers
Colorado's state board and the PCAOB maintain separate but complementary oversight regimes for accounting providers.
State Board Registration focuses on initial licensure, continuing education compliance, active renewal status, and any state-level complaints or disciplinary actions. License & Credentials sub-scores are built primarily from this public registration data. Providers must maintain current CPE hours, renew licenses on schedule, and respond to any complaints filed with the board.
PCAOB Audit Findings apply to firms that audit public company financial statements (or subsidiaries thereof). The PCAOB inspects audit methodology, quality controls, partner conduct, and compliance with auditing standards. Deficiencies are documented in inspection reports, and scores reflect the severity and frequency of findings across multiple inspection cycles. Major issues—such as repeated failures to identify material misstatements or inadequate audit documentation—significantly reduce this score.
Together, these regulator sources create accountability for both baseline competency (credentials/license) and active audit performance (PCAOB findings). Disciplinary scores integrate state board complaints, SEC actions, and PCAOB sanctions into a single metric.
Bottom line
Steven Kunstle's 656 score places him in the elevated-risk category, primarily due to weak credential documentation (340/850) that outweighs otherwise solid PCAOB audit findings and a clean disciplinary record. Before engaging, verify current Colorado CPA license status, active credentials, and any recent registration updates directly with the state board. The PCAOB and disciplinary strength suggest acceptable audit competence, but credential gaps require clarification.