What Verdica's 656 score means for Sueann Porter
Sueann Porter's composite score of 656 out of 850 places her in the elevated risk band (580–669). This means her compliance profile shows some strengths alongside meaningful gaps that warrant closer attention before engaging her services.
A score in this range signals that while the provider is not flagged as high-risk across the board, there are areas where her track record or qualifications fall below what regulators and industry standards consider optimal. Readers should interpret this as: proceed with reasonable caution, verify credentials independently, and understand what's driving the lower-than-average rating.
The composite score aggregates three regulatory dimensions. Two of them—PCAOB Record (810) and Disciplinary history (850)—are actually strong. The substantial pull-down comes from the License & Credentials sub-score (340), which sits in the high-risk zone. This suggests the compliance concerns are not rooted in recent violations or disciplinary action, but rather in gaps or weaknesses in professional qualifications or licensing status relative to the services offered. That distinction matters: it's a credentials problem, not a conduct problem.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (340): This sub-score is markedly low and is the primary driver of Porter's elevated overall risk. In the accounting industry, this dimension typically measures whether a provider holds required CPAs, applicable state licenses, relevant certifications (such as Certified Internal Auditor or Certified Fraud Examiner credentials), and whether those credentials are current and in good standing. A score of 340 signals incomplete, expired, or absent credentials relative to the scope of work a provider claims to perform. This doesn't necessarily mean the provider is unqualified—it may indicate a gap in formal certification or a mismatch between stated services and documented credentials.
PCAOB Record (810): This is a strong score, reflecting Porter's Public Company Accounting Oversight Board audit history. The PCAOB inspects and regulates accounting firms that audit public companies. A score of 810 indicates that Porter's firm has either not been subject to significant PCAOB inspection findings, or any findings identified have been addressed acceptably. This suggests her work on public company audits—if applicable—meets baseline quality standards.
Disciplinary (850): This is an excellent score, the highest possible. It indicates that Porter has no substantive disciplinary actions, complaints, or sanctions on record with state accounting boards, professional bodies, or other regulators. This is a positive signal for trustworthiness and compliance with professional standards.
What regulators in TX track for accounting providers
Texas state boards and the PCAOB monitor accounting providers across several dimensions:
Licensing and credentials include CPA licensure status, continuing education compliance, and whether a provider holds specialized certifications necessary for the services advertised. State boards verify these annually and flag lapses.
PCAOB audit findings document deficiencies discovered during inspections of firms that audit public companies. These findings capture audit quality issues, control weaknesses, and professional standards violations. Firms with no findings or only minor findings score higher.
Disciplinary records capture formal complaints, investigations, sanctions, and enforcement actions by state boards. These include violations of professional conduct rules, negligence, fraud, or misrepresentation.
The combination of these three data sources creates a compliance profile. A provider weak in credentials but clean on audits and discipline suggests someone whose experience may outpace formal qualification documentation—a scenario that carries moderate risk depending on the service type.
Bottom line
Sueann Porter is neither a strong nor a high-risk choice; she falls in a middle category requiring due diligence. Before engaging her, verify her current license and credential status directly with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, confirm the scope of her services aligns with her documented qualifications, and ask for references from clients with similar audit or accounting needs.