What Verdica's 656 score means for Sudie Swader
Sudie Swader's composite score of 656 out of 850 places this Colorado-based accounting provider in the elevated risk band (580–669). This is the middle-range territory: not a red flag, but not a strong endorsement either. The score reflects measurable compliance concerns that warrant attention before engagement, though the provider is not in the highest-risk category.
For a business owner or individual considering this provider, a 656 score suggests you should ask targeted questions about credentials and licensing status before committing. The provider meets basic regulatory thresholds but has not demonstrated the consistent quality markers that would justify a higher confidence rating. There are no independent customer reviews indexed yet, which means you won't find third-party validation of service quality—another reason to do your own due diligence.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials: 340 This is the primary drag on Sudie Swader's overall score. A sub-score of 340 in this dimension is notably low and indicates issues with professional licensing or credential status tracked by Colorado's state board. In the accounting industry, a weak credential score typically reflects unresolved licensing questions, lapses in renewal, or formal limitations on scope of practice. This is the area most worth investigating directly with the provider or with the Colorado state board.
PCAOB Record: 810 The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board score of 810 is strong and is a bright spot in this profile. PCAOB audits large firms and issues findings on audit quality, compliance with standards, and internal control systems. An 810 indicates that any PCAOB inspection history for this provider shows limited or minor findings—a positive signal about audit execution and regulatory cooperation. This suggests competence in high-stakes audit work, at least historically.
Disciplinary: 850 The perfect score in the disciplinary dimension means no substantiated complaints, sanctions, or enforcement actions are recorded in the regulatory databases Verdica monitors. This reflects a clean slate on the enforcement side: no fines, suspensions, or public disciplinary rulings. While this is favorable, it does not offset credential concerns and should be read alongside the weak License & Credentials score.
What regulators in CO track for accounting providers
Colorado's state board registration system verifies that individual accountants and firms hold valid licenses appropriate to their scope of work. Deficiencies here—such as a lapsed CPA license, incomplete renewal, or restrictions on audit authority—directly impact the License & Credentials dimension. These are not minor paperwork issues; they determine whether someone is legally permitted to sign audit reports or perform certain services.
The PCAOB, a federal regulator established under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, conducts triennial or annual inspections of registered audit firms. PCAOB findings assess whether firms comply with auditing standards, maintain adequate quality controls, and report reliably. A firm's PCAOB inspection history becomes part of its public record and influences trust among institutional clients.
Disciplinary tracking aggregates formal actions taken by state boards, the PCAOB, or the SEC. These include cease-and-desist orders, civil penalties, license revocations, and practice restrictions. A clean disciplinary record means no regulator has formally sanctioned the provider for misconduct or violation of professional standards.
Bottom line
Sudie Swader scores in the elevated-risk band due primarily to a weak credential score that warrants direct clarification with the provider and the Colorado state board. The strong PCAOB and perfect disciplinary sub-scores are encouraging but do not fully offset licensing concerns. Before engaging, confirm current license status, scope of authority, and any explanations for credential discrepancies directly.