• By Todd Luck
• Posted Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Forsyth County Finance receives financial reporting recognition for 39th year

For the 39th year, the Forsyth County Finance department has received a national recognition for excellence in financial reporting.

The department’s independently audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Forsyth County Government has received a national Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting every year since 1984. The Government Finance Officers Association established the recognition in 1945 to encourage state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare annual comprehensive financial reports that reflect a spirit of transparency and full disclosure.

“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,” said Michele Mark Levine, director of GFOA Technical Services.

Forsyth County Chief Financial Officer Terri Goodman was honored during a recent Commissioners Briefing for the recognition.

“Receiving such a prestigious award does not happen without a highly knowledgeable and dedicated Finance team,” said Goodman. “This award represents their commitment to excellence, which they demonstrate each and every day throughout the year. Receiving this award for 39 consecutive years also represents the long-standing importance management places on good financial stewardship and sound financial practices.”

The Finance Department’s focus on sound financial practices helped Forsyth become the first county in North Carolina to receive a AAA credit rating from all three national rating agencies in 1996. The County’s focus on sound financial management has allowed it to maintain those ratings ever since.