For the second year in a row, an international government accounting organization has recognized the City of Villa Rica with its highest award.
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded the city its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to City of Villa Rica for the city’s annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.
The award was officially announced March 15 at the city’s regular council meeting.
It is the second consecutive year that the GFOA presented the award to the city, after judging that the annual report demonstrated a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story, and to motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and the organization considers it a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
The GFOA was founded in 1906 and represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada. The association’s more than 20,000 members are federal, state/provincial, and local finance officials deeply involved in planning, financing, and implementing thousands of governmental operations in each of their jurisdictions. GFOA’s mission is to advance excellence in public finance.
“This award requires excellence in financial reporting all year long,” said Sarah Andrews, Villa Rica’s Chief Financial Officer, and Deputy City Manager. “Our Finance Department works very hard to ensure that our finances are accurate and complete. I am thankful for Jennifer Hallman, Finance Director, and her leadership in those efforts.”
Hallman said it is a “blessing to have such an incredible Finance Team,” consisting of Louise Clark, Assistant Finance Director; Amanda Long, Accountant; and Katie Godfrey, Accounts Payable Clerk.
“Receiving this award is only one example of their hard work and dedication as City employees,” Hallman said. “I am also grateful for the support from the Mayor, Council, City Manager and Deputy City Manager.”
The GFOA established the award in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of financial reporting to show a spirit of transparency to its residents and taxpayers.
