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Start Your Certification Journey
GFOA’s Certified Public Finance Officers (CPFO) program equips public finance professionals with the leadership skills, technical expertise, and ethical foundation needed to serve their governments and communities with excellence. By earning the CPFO designation, you join a distinguished community of professionals committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and the highest level of service in public finance.
Research Rewind: Budget Officer as Decision Architect
Did you know the role of the budget officer goes beyond balancing numbers? GFOA research positions the Budget Officer as a Decision Architect—a leader who helps organizations make better choices by widening the option set, testing assumptions, finding high-value options, and fostering trust in the process. Explore the full research to see how budget officers can reduce bias and noise in decision-making while driving stronger outcomes for their communities.
Applications Open for Leadership Academy in Phoenix
GFOA’s Leadership Academy equips senior public finance professionals with the skills, confidence, and connections to lead in today’s complex world, building stronger leaders for stronger communities. Join us March 22–27, 2026, at Arizona State University in Phoenix for a week of interactive sessions, self-assessments, case studies, and leadership discussions designed to enhance both personal and organizational growth.
FLC Update: One Big Beautiful Bill Act
On July 4, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law. GFOA is continuing to assess the implications of the budget reconciliation bill. While GFOA members’ advocacy efforts – including telling your stories at builtbybonds.com – resulted in the full preservation of tax-exempt municipal bonds, there are several other provisions of note.
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
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Balancing Act: Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout in Public Finance
Wed, October 22, 2025
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7th Annual MiniMuni Conference Begins October 21
Don't miss the premier municipal bond education event for finance professionals who work in debt issuance and management. Scheduled for October 21–23, this virtual conference gives participants the chance to hear from advanced practitioners, leading experts, and regulators on a range of topics that impact municipal issuers today. Whether attendees are new to debt management or decades into their career, there are panels for everyone over the course of three days.
CPFO Spotlight
Celebrating September CPFOs
Join us in congratulating the following members who completed their certification journeys in June and are now Certified Public Finance Officers: Allison Broihier, CPFO, West Bloomfield Township, Michigan; Erica Broome, CPFO, City of Rockhill, South Carolina; Jodi Collins, CPFO, Washington; Wendy Irwin, CPFO, West Slope Water District, Oregon; Rachelle Mathews, CPFO, City of Lawrence, Kansas; Mi Ra Park, CPFO, Transportation Agency for Monterey County, California; Gwen Riddle, CPFO, City of Fairfax, Virginia; Anna Smith, CPFO, City of Clemson, South Carolina; Kristyn June Unrein, Town of Johnstown, Colorado; Christy Weakland, CPFO, City of Midland, Texas; and Neal Younghans, CPFO, City of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Membership
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Join GFOA
Be part of a powerful community of 26,000+ public finance professionals across the U.S. and Canada. GFOA’s inclusive, organization-based membership model makes it easier than ever to connect, learn, and grow—whether you’re representing a government agency or joining as an individual.
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Member Benefits
Membership in GFOA connects you to the tools, knowledge, and network you need to excel in public finance. Explore the valuable benefits below and see how joining our community can help you advance your skills, strengthen your organization, and make a greater impact in your community.
Networking
Spotlight on GFOA's Small Government Forum
GFOA’s Small Government Forum offers members from small jurisdictions a dedicated space to connect, collaborate, and share strategies for success. Since 2015, this Affinity Group has brought together professionals from across the United States and Canada who serve communities with populations of 25,000 or fewer, or organizations with 500 employees or fewer. Membership is free and open to all qualifying GFOA members, providing exclusive networking opportunities, educational webinars tailored to small government challenges, and access to a private online community for peer-to-peer learning and support. Join today to exchange ideas, strengthen your network, and be part of a community built for small government leaders.
Additional Resources
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Awards
Our award programs recognize excellence in government finance.
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Best Practices
GFOA's best practices identify specific policies and procedures that contribute to improved government management.
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Rethinking Initiatives
We're taking a deep dive into budgeting, revenue, and financial reporting.
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Workforce Resources
Articles, research, and case studies to help governments now and in the future.
Publications & Subscriptions
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2024 GAAFR
The 2024 edition of the GAAFR is your go-to resource for the latest accounting rules and how to implement them.
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GAAFR Plus
Need more in-depth guidance in local government accounting, auditing, and financial reporting? GFOA’s GAAFR Plus offers important resources to help navigate the ever-changing world of public finance. Take advantage of this subscription today!