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Trending Research | Materiality as a Process: What Really Counts
Materiality plays a central role in financial reporting, yet it is often treated as a narrow technical judgment rather than an ongoing management discipline. This report shows how to apply materiality as a process. It is designed to help finance officers identify opportunities to reduce low-value effort, assess qualitative and quantitative issues affecting materiality, and implement safeguards that preserve confidence in financial reporting.
Don't Miss the Biggest Public Finance Event of the Year
Are you ready for GFOA’s 120th Annual Conference? Join us June 28–July 1 in Chicago, Illinois, for more than 80 sessions covering everything from foundational best practices to advanced strategies and emerging issues in public finance. Add in unparalleled networking, leadership workshops, and inspiring keynotes, and this is a conference you don’t want to miss.
Nomination Deadline is Friday
GFOA’s Recognition for Outstanding Public Service celebrates individual members whose dedication strengthens their organizations, colleagues, and communities. Public finance professionals play a vital role in effective government, often working behind the scenes to make a lasting impact. Help us spotlight these contributions by submitting a nomination and sharing stories that inspire the profession.
Climb Higher at GFOA's Best Practices Forum
Join us virtually September 28–October 2 for a week of essential insights across all areas of public finance. Featuring nine sessions and up to 18 CPE credits, this program delivers practical strategies, real-world case studies, and interactive exercises to help you strengthen financial management. Explore key best practice topics including accounting, budgeting, debt management, treasury and investments, capital planning, procurement, risk assessment, and leadership.
"No Tax on Overtime" FAQs Published
GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center team has published a new series of FAQs related to implementation of the new, temporary “No Tax on Overtime” deduction and the applicability of Fair Labor Standards Act requirements. Although the IRS has granted government employers with relief from separately reporting FLSA-qualified overtime in 2025, employers will need to begin accounting for deductible overtime in 2026 to meet statutory reporting requirements.
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
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WPFN Networking Event - Ignite Your Momentum: Crafting a Vision that Wins
Tue, April 14, 2026
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WPFN Networking Event - Ignite Your Momentum: Crafting a Vision that Wins
Wed, April 15, 2026
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Apply Now for GFOA’s Summer Leadership Academy in Chicago
GFOA’s Leadership Academy offers public finance professionals a focused, immersive opportunity to grow as leaders. Join us in Chicago, August 23–28 for a week of interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and peer discussion, designed specifically for state and local government finance professionals. The academy is limited to 45 participants. Applications are due June 26.
CPFO Spotlight
Tiffany Wood
Tiffany Wood, senior manager II of outreach and compliance for Fairfax County Public Schools, pursued the CPFO certification to strengthen her financial expertise and broaden her understanding of public finance. After exploring various professional programs, she found that the CPFO’s comprehensive curriculum aligned perfectly with her goals, offering a balance of technical depth and practical application across multiple disciplines. The program challenged her to think beyond her day-to-day responsibilities and expanded her perspective on how financial systems work together to support public service. Tiffany encourages anyone considering the CPFO to take the leap in order to deepen their knowledge and make a meaningful impact in local government finance.
Membership
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Join GFOA
Be part of a powerful community of 26,000+ public finance professionals across the U.S. and Canada. GFOA’s inclusive, organization-based membership model makes it easier than ever to connect, learn, and grow—whether you’re representing a government agency or joining as an individual.
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Member Benefits
Membership in GFOA connects you to the tools, knowledge, and network you need to excel in public finance. Explore the valuable benefits below and see how joining our community can help you advance your skills, strengthen your organization, and make a greater impact in your community.
Networking
Join the Urban Forum
The Urban Forum is one of GFOA’s Affinity Groups—a free member benefit for public finance professionals working in urban governments, including cities, metropolitan counties, and other complex jurisdictions. Connect with peers who understand the realities of urban public finance by exchanging ideas in a dedicated online community, participating in virtual networking events, accessing a member newsletter, and engaging in upcoming educational webinars. There are no volunteer requirements—just opportunities to learn, share, and grow. Join today to start connecting and contributing, and sign up for the Urban Forum networking event on May 7.
Additional Resources
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Awards
Our award programs recognize excellence in government finance.
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Best Practices
GFOA's best practices identify specific policies and procedures that contribute to improved government management.
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Rethinking Initiatives
We're taking a deep dive into budgeting, revenue, and financial reporting.
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Workforce Resources
Articles, research, and case studies to help governments now and in the future.
Publications & Subscriptions
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2024 GAAFR
The 2024 edition of the GAAFR is your go-to resource for the latest accounting rules and how to implement them.
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GAAFR Plus
Need more in-depth guidance in local government accounting, auditing, and financial reporting? GFOA’s GAAFR Plus offers important resources to help navigate the ever-changing world of public finance. Take advantage of this subscription today!