Chester County recognized for excellence in financial reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) recently presented a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Chester County Controller’s Office for its 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

Attainment of the GFOA Certificate of Achievement “represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management,” notes the GFOA. It is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and finance reporting.

“Chester County strives to achieve exceptional customer service, transparency, accountability and innovation,” County Controller Margaret Reif said. “Our CAFR document was judged by an independent panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a clear communication of our financial story.”

The 2017 CAFR said the report “reflects the commitment of the Chester County Commissioners leadership to effective government and the responsible management and administration of financial operations. This commitment is reflected by the reaffirmation of Chester County as an Aaa/AAA rated county by each of the three national credit rating agencies – a distinction realized by only 46 counties across the nation.”

This is the 37th consecutive year that Chester County has earned the GFOA Certificate of Achievement. It is one of less than 60 counties out of more than 3,000 nationwide that has been recognized for 37 years or more.

“This award is a validation of the professionalism and dedication of the staff in the Controller’s Office, and I thank them for their services to county residents,” Reif said.