Delaware County Controller Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Delaware County Controller’s Office has been awarded a “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), recognizing County Controller Joanne Phillips and her staff for their Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020.

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is considered the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and finance reporting, and attainment of the award represents a significant accomplishment for Delaware County Controller’s Office. Phillips and her staff have earned the GFOA Certificate of Achievement each year since she took office in 2018.

The GFOA commended the Delaware County Controller’s Office in a letter, noting their hopes that Delaware County’s example would encourage other government officials in their efforts to achieve and maintain an appropriate standard of excellence in financial reporting.

“2020 and 2021 were incredibly difficult years and my staff persevered through it. This report was completed during a trying time that required essential workers to continue to serve the public through the pandemic,” said Phillips said. “In 2020, we rebuilt our office to ensure that everyone could work safely and arranged for remote communications and secure technology to share information with the independent auditors who worked off-site. I’m proud to say that my office was staffed every day and available to the public to ensure there was no lapse in service to our residents.”

A copy of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the Certificate of Achievement, and the letter of recognition, along with other financial reports and audits, are available on the Reports web page, free of charge, and are also linked below.

The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement to encourage local governments to go beyond minimum accounting requirements to prepare comprehensive and transparent financial reports each year. These reports are filed with official agencies overseeing municipal finance and are used by many stakeholders—creditors, grantors, developers, rating agencies and business owners—to assess the County’s financial position. In 2021 the County’s bond rating was improved and the Controller’s strong financial reporting helped in that effort.

“As the County’s chief fiscal officer, I want people to have an understanding of Delaware County’s finances. My office is entrusted with overseeing public money and we take our role as watchdog very seriously,” Phillips said.

Annual Report - Year Ended December 31, 2020

Letter of Recognition from GFOA

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting