GFOA knows government finance professionals face substantial opportunity costs with their time. Time spent on general purpose external financial reports is time not spent on other forms of decision support and public engagement. With this in mind, GFOA is rethinking financial reporting. This research initiative will examine whether lengthy, technical financial reports published many months in arrears are the most effective way to build trust with constituents and if producing these reports is a good use of the finance officer’s time, particularly if they are not providing accountability to the public. Come to this session to learn more about the research and weigh in on the benefits of traditional financial reporting.

Speakers

David Guo

David Guo

Regents Distinguished Professor of Public Finance, Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas

Jennifer Becker

Jennifer Becker

Financial Services Director, City of Burbank, California

Sharon Edmundson

Sharon Edmundson

Director, Municipal Finance Programs, NC League of Municipalities, Raleigh, North Carolina

Liz Farmer

Liz Farmer

Officer, The Pew Charitable Trusts', Washington, D.C.

Shakeel Yusuf

Shakeel Yusuf

Chief Financial Officer, Prince William Public Schools, Manassas, Virginia