The Speed We Need: Unlocking the Secrets of the Accelerated ACFR

Many local governments struggle to complete their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) on time and without excessive effort. This paper explores how governments can streamline the ACFR process to finish faster and with less strain—helping public finance officers avoid burnout and focus on other priorities. By viewing ACFR production as a process and applying proven efficiency methods like Lean and Six Sigma, local governments can improve both speed and quality. We highlight successful examples from the “Four-Month Club”—governments that complete their ACFR within four months—and share the practical strategies they use, along with insights from others working toward the same goal.

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• Publication date: April 2025
• Authors: Todd Buikema, CPA and Shayne Kavanagh