A Vision for Next Generation Financial Reporting

Financial reporting for local governments centers around the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Today’s ACFR is a faithful, PDF reproduction of the voluminous paper reports that have been produced for decades. We believe technology offers a chance to rethink this paradigm and deliver greater value to the audiences of local government financial reporting: the public, elected officials, bond market participants, grantors, and state/federal governments.

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New On-Demand Learning: Background for Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting

The public sector environment is fundamentally different from that in which private sector organizations operate, hence the need for different accounting and financial reporting practices. This on-demand learning course will provide a basic introduction to the conceptual and practical ways in which generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for governments differ from that used by private companies.

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Academic Scholarship Application Deadline is December 31

Each year, these scholarships support students who aspire to careers in state, provincial, or local government finance. We offer 11 scholarships across five categories totaling more than $100,000. If you’re studying government finance, public service, governmental accounting, or public administration, please apply.

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Leadership Opportunity: Apply for GFOA's Executive Board

Put your leadership skills and knowledge of public finance to work to help members continue to build thriving communities. Board members serve a three-year term and are expected to participate in all meetings, including three on-site meetings per year, plus GFOA's committee meetings. Applications are due by February 7.

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Celebrating Outstanding Public Service

We’re proud to honor members, who exemplify dedication to public service and make impactful contributions to their colleagues, organizations, and communities. This year’s honorees often work behind the scenes, providing effective service and leadership in both stable and challenging times.

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CPFO Spotlight

Congratulating November CPFOs

November was a busy month for CPFO candidates. Congratulations to the following individuals who passed their final exams and are now Certified Public Finance Officers: Craig Boonstra, City of Thornton, Colorado; Gerald Bryan, Broward County, Florida; Robert Cornelius, City of Fitchburg, Wisconsin; Luca Gonzales, City of El Cajon, California; Teresa Green, City of Tacoma, Washington; Debbie O’Brien, City of Dover, Delaware; Crystal Reams, City of El Cerrito, California; Nicholas Rhinehart, City of Superior, Wisconsin; Jeff Rogers, Tri-Country Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon; Scott Rust, City of Rifle, Colorado; Jon Satkowiak, Jr., City of Fenton, Michigan.

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Membership

Join GFOA

We are a resource, an educator, a facilitator, and an advocate for our members — more than 24,000 finance professionals across the United States and Canada.

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Member Benefits

Being a member of our community has its perks! By joining, you'll get discounted pricing on awards and training, access to leadership and volunteer opportunities, inclusion in member forums, and much more.

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Networking

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Discover GFOA’s Urban Forum

GFOA's Urban Forum (UF) provides an opportunity for members of large governments to network and exchange information on topics unique to the demands of managing their large and complex entities. Membership in UF is free and open to GFOA members in large jurisdictions.

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Additional Resources

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.

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Publications & Subscriptions

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!

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