What Verdica's 656 score means for Vilia Harris
Vilia Harris's composite score of 656 out of 850 places this accounting provider in the elevated risk band (580–669). This grade B rating indicates that while the provider meets baseline regulatory requirements, there are meaningful gaps in either credentials, audit quality, or disciplinary history that warrant careful consideration before engagement.
A score in the elevated range is not a red flag that should automatically disqualify a provider, but it does signal that due diligence beyond the score itself is warranted. For a public entity, this means you should verify that Vilia Harris's specific qualifications and audit capabilities align with your organization's complexity and compliance needs. The score reflects underlying regulatory data—primarily PCAOB audit findings and Colorado state board registration—that point to areas where performance lags behind best-in-class providers.
Readers should understand that this composite score aggregates three separate dimensions of regulatory compliance. The variation between those sub-scores (ranging from 340 to 850) tells a more nuanced story than the overall grade alone.
How the sub-scores break down
License & Credentials (340): This sub-score is substantially below the elevated-risk threshold and represents the weakest component of Vilia Harris's profile. In the accounting industry, licensing and credential scores typically reflect active licensure status, current continuing education requirements, and professional certifications (such as CPA licenses). A score of 340 suggests either gaps in professional credentials, expired or inactive licenses, or unresolved registration issues with the Colorado state board. This dimension is foundational—without current credentials, an accountant cannot legally perform certain audit or attest functions.
PCAOB Record (810): This score is in the strong-to-excellent range and indicates that PCAOB audit inspections have not uncovered significant systemic quality failures in Vilia Harris's audit work. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board reviews audit files to assess compliance with standards, documentation practices, and the adequacy of audit evidence. A score of 810 suggests that inspections have been relatively favorable, though not perfect.
Disciplinary (850): This is an excellent score, indicating no material disciplinary history on file with Colorado regulators or federal authorities. Clean disciplinary records mean no substantiated complaints, license suspensions, or enforcement actions in the underlying regulatory databases.
The wide gap between the credential score (340) and the PCAOB and disciplinary scores (810–850) suggests that Vilia Harris may have adequate day-to-day audit performance and a clean history, but carries unresolved barriers to full licensure or credential standing.
What regulators in CO track for accounting providers
Colorado's state board of accountancy and the PCAOB together maintain the regulatory framework that Verdica indexes for this score.
The Colorado state board tracks active CPA licenses, firm registrations, and renewal compliance. Providers must maintain continuing professional education, declare any disciplinary history, and keep registration current. Gaps in renewal or unresolved credential deficiencies lower the License & Credentials score.
The PCAOB, a federal regulator, conducts triennial inspections of accounting firms to assess audit quality. Inspectors review a sample of audit files and evaluate compliance with auditing standards, adequate evidence gathering, and proper documentation. Firms with patterns of deficient audits, weak quality controls, or inadequate partner reviews typically see lower PCAOB scores.
Disciplinary records reflect enforcement actions: cease-and-desist orders, license suspensions, fines, or settlements with regulators. Even a single material enforcement action can substantially lower this score; an empty record indicates no such history.
Bottom line
Vilia Harris presents a mixed profile: strong audit quality and a clean disciplinary record are offset by credential or licensing gaps that require clarification. Before engaging this provider, confirm that any licensing issues are resolved and that their current credentials meet your entity's audit scope. If those factors check out, the strong PCAOB and disciplinary scores support moving forward with appropriate contract terms and oversight.