New Research: Rethinking Materiality in Government Accounting

This report suggests local governments are often overly cautious about what counts as “material,” adding unnecessary cost and complexity to financial reporting. By shifting the focus to decision-useful accuracy rather than exhaustive precision, the profession can streamline reporting, save staff time, and maintain public trust.

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#GFOA2025 Preconference Begins Friday

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at this year’s conference! The action kicks off Friday and Saturday with preconference sessions, followed by the full conference June 29–July 2. With more than 80 dynamic sessions, you’ll dive into the latest trends, breakthrough ideas, and proven best practices in public finance. Learn from top industry experts and thought leaders who will share insights to elevate your work and spark innovation.

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Invest in the Leader You Want to Become

Applications are now open for GFOA's Fall Leadership Academy, November 16–21, at the College of Charleston. This week-long academy offers a unique, immersive experience for senior-level state and local government finance professionals. Throughout the week, participants will engage in sessions designed to strengthen individual leadership skills, build organizational awareness, and explore the values that define public service. Applications are due by September 12.

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#BuiltbyBonds Success Story

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport terminal lobby expansion project is a $608 million project that will renovate 191,000 square feet of existing lobby space and add 175,000 square feet of new space. This expansion is designed to accommodate growing passenger traffic and improve the overall travel experience.

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CPFO Spotlight

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Andrea Rocha

Andrea Rocha is an accountant for the City of Yakima, Washington. She pursued the CPFO designation to expand her public finance knowledge and prepare for a leadership role. The program helped her align her supervisory experience with best practices in finance, ethics, and leadership, enhancing her ability to serve her government and community. Earning the CPFO designation reflects her dedication to public finance and professional growth. She encourages others to pursue the program, as it provides valuable knowledge and strategic thinking skills for navigating evolving financial regulations. 

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Membership

Join GFOA

We are a resource, an educator, a facilitator, and an advocate for our members — more than 25,000 finance professionals across the United States and Canada.

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Member Benefits

Being a member of our community has its perks! By joining, you'll get discounted pricing on awards and training, access to leadership and volunteer opportunities, inclusion in member forums, and much more.

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Networking

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Celebrate Pride Month with GFOA's LGBTQIA+ Caucus

Through networking and education, the LGBTQIA+ Caucus advocates for LGBTQIA+ people within the profession and works to increase the visibility of LGBTQIA+ people within GFOA and the profession as a whole. Don’t miss the LGBTQIA+ Caucus conference session: LGBTQIA+ Forum: Annual Business Meeting and Creating Welcoming Communities, Monday June 30, at GFOA's 119th Annual Conference. The Caucus will share key updates, hold its annual business meeting, and feature a case study from a DC-area government that earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

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Additional Resources

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.

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Publications & Subscriptions

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!

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