Delaware County Controller Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Released: June 30, 2023

Controller Joanne Phillips and staff awarded prestigious recognition for governmental accounting

The Delaware County Controller’s Office has once again been awarded the prestigious “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).

County Controller Joanne Phillips and her staff were recognized for their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.

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 the Delaware County Controller’s Office. Phillips and her staff have earned the GFOA Certificate of Achievement each year since she took office in 2018.

“Each year the requirements to earn the award are made more difficult because new government accounting standards are added,” said County Controller Joanne Phillips. “Our staff has had to prepare well in advance to understand what is needed to provide a complete picture of the County’s financial condition. Moreover, only 15 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties earned the award, and I am proud that Delaware County is in this elite group.”

The GFOA commended the Delaware County Controller’s Office, noting their hope 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.

A copy of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, along with other financial reports and audits, are available on the Controller’s Office website: https://delcopa.gov/controller/reports.html

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.