For 15th year, District receives highest award for financial excellence and transparency

For the 15th year, the district’s Office of Financial Services has been recognized for financial excellence and transparency by the Government Finance Officers Association.

PALATKA, Fla., Nov. 22, 2019 — For the 15^th consecutive year, the St. Johns River Water Management District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its fiscal year 2017-2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This is the highest honor given by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada.

“This award recognizes the district’s accounting team for holding themselves to the highest standards of financial responsibility and transparency,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “This is our 15^th consecutive year to receive this recognition — that speaks volumes about our staff’s commitment to accountability to taxpayers and our governing board, as well as our dedication to excellence and integrity.”

According to GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The 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 share financial information.

The GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is the only national awards program in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Headquartered in Chicago, Ill., GFOA is a major professional organization serving the needs of nearly 19,000 appointed and elected local, state and provincial level government officials and other finance practitioners.