The City’s Finance Department has been recognized with two prestigious awards, continuing its streak of accolades from its North American peers. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has presented the City with its 38th annual Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and its 36th consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
Mayor Indya Kincannon acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of the Finance Department’s staff. “I can attest firsthand to the dedication and professionalism of the men and women in our Finance Department, but it’s always good to hear validation from tough, independent judges,” she said. “We believe in openness and public responsiveness, and these awards demonstrate that commitment.”
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The Excellence in Financial Reporting certificate is regarded as “the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting,” according to GFOA. An impartial panel of peer professionals reviewed the City’s efforts to clearly communicate its financial state and goals, and to encourage engagement with City residents and business owners. The Finance Department demonstrated transparency and a “constructive spirit of full disclosure.”
The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award acknowledges the City’s effective and open budget presentation, recognizing it as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a means of communication.
Chief Financial Officer Boyce Evans expressed his appreciation for the Finance Department’s consistency. “The criteria for these awards is rigorous and demanding,” he said. “It says a lot about our Finance Department professionals that they make these year-after-year awards look easy. They’re certainly not. Bottom line: Our staff places a high value on making it as easy as possible for every Knoxville stakeholder to understand how his or her tax dollars are being invested.”
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