- Leadership Academy in Phoenix: Apply
- Becoming a CPFO: Start the Journey
- On-Demand Learning: View New Courses
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.
Learn more
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.
Register
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.
Apply
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.
Learn more
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.
View recipientsUpcoming Events & Deadlines
- View Full Events Calendar
Register for GFOA's 119th Annual Conference
Join us from June 29–July 2, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC! Take advantage of 70+ CPE-accredited sessions, inspiring keynotes, and interactive leadership workshops designed to expand your expertise in government finance. Learn directly from leading experts, researchers, and practitioners, and bring invaluable insights back to your organization and community. Plus, network and connect with peers from across the nation and around the world through numerous social and collaborative events!
Conference Homepage
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.
View CPFO SpotlightsStar your own journeyMembership
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.
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.
Networking
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.
Learn moreView All GFOA Affinity GroupsAdditional Resources
Awards
Our award programs recognize excellence in government finance.
Best Practices
GFOA's best practices identify specific policies and procedures that contribute to improved government management.
Rethinking Initiatives
We're taking a deep dive into budgeting, revenue, and financial reporting.
Workforce Resources
Articles, research, and case studies to help governments now and in the future.
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.
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!