The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded Macon-Bibb County a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17). According to GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

“I want to congratulate our finance team and thank our external auditors for the work they do every year to ensure we are holding ourselves to national best practices, and that we remain accountable to the public by publishing these reports,” says Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert.

Macon-Bibb County’s CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story. It was developed by the Macon-Bibb County Finance Department working with a team from Mauldin & Jenkins, Certified Public Accountants and Consultants. In January, Mayor Reichert and the audit team reviewed it with the Commission and let them know they had received an Unqualified (Clean) Opinion for the fourth consecutive year.

In addition to the CAFR, Macon-Bibb County also publishes a Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), which provides an overall snapshot of its revenues and expenses. By receiving the recognition for the CAFR, Macon-Bibb is eligible to submit its PAFR for the award, as well. The PAFR can be viewed by clicking here.

These types of reports are developed as a way to better show people how funds are being managed, and they are part of the Commission’s Effective Government & Governance Focus Area of its Forward Together Strategic Plan.