Speaking the Same Language
Numbers are abstract concepts, which can make it challenging for local governments to communicate with residents about how the city spends its tax dollars. This article highlights two cities that improved their fiscal fluency by using innovative tools and strategies to help their communities understand and engage with the budgeting process.
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Showcase Excellence in Government Finance
Have you recently implemented new policies or programs that exemplify outstanding financial management? Showcase these programs and your government’s efforts for implementation by applying for GFOA’s Awards for Excellence. This award stresses practical documented work that offers leadership to the profession and promotes improved public finance. Applications are due August 16.
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Apply to Serve on a GFOA Standing Committee
Leading in these unprecedented times is now more important than ever for public finance officers. An excellent opportunity for GFOA members to contribute their experience and knowledge to the entire membership is by serving on a standing committee. GFOA's six standing committees typically meet twice each year and develop best practices, advisories, and policy statements for the approval of the Executive Board and membership. The application deadline is July 26.
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What's in the June issue of Government Finance Review?
This month's magazine highlights rethinking property taxes, sharpening budget strategies, better coordination between finance and procurement, ERP insights, members spotlights and much more.
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Early Registration Discount Deadline for in-person training in Chicago
Fri, July 12, 2024
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#GFOA2025 Call for Topics is Open
Has your government implemented a best practice? Please consider sharing your case study at the GFOA's 119th Annual Conference, June 29-July 2, in Washington, D.C. Almost all GFOA speaking panels include practitioners who can discuss current trends, best practices, and issues at the state or local government level.
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CPFO Spotlight
Ross McCarthy
Ross McCarthy, CPA, CPFO, CFE, is the controller for the City of Alameda, California. Ross' CPFO journey strengthened his understanding of public finance areas in which he doesn't often venture. "On top of that, I was impressed with all the presenters and their vast knowledge of the subject matter discussed. While I am not quite there, the CPFO designation has given me the courage and desire to learn and further explore the many complexities of public finance," he says.
Read more about Ross' CPFO journeyStart your own CPFO journeyMembership
Join GFOA
We are a resource, an educator, a facilitator, and an advocate for our members — more than 24,000 finance professionals across the United States and Canada.
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.
Networking
Endless Networking Opportunities through GFOA's Affinity Groups
One of the benefits GFOA membership offers is the opportunity to engage and share insights in one or more of our nine affinity groups. Some have been around for more than three decades; some are being revitalized; and some are newly launched. Wherever you find yourself in your career journey, we encourage you to join to be inspired, gain support, and learn about the experiences of fellow finance professionals and how they approach their work.
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Awards
Our award programs recognize excellence in government finance.
Best Practices
GFOA's best practices identify specific policies and procedures that contribute to improved government management.
Rethinking Initiatives
We're taking a deep dive into budgeting, revenue, and financial reporting.
Workforce Resources
Articles, research, and case studies to help governments now and in the future.
Publications
2024 GAAFR
The 2024 edition of the GAAFR is your go-to resource for the latest accounting rules and how to implement them.
Informed Decision-Making Through Forecasting
This publication emphasizes that overcoming these obstacles often involves simplifying techniques rather than adopting more complex ones, ensuring accessibility and integration into decision-making processes.