Released: February 21, 2025
Controller Joanne Phillips and staff awarded prestigious recognition for governmental accounting
The Delaware County Controller’s Office, under the leadership of County Controller Joanne Phillips, has 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) for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and receiving this award represents a significant accomplishment. At this time, Delaware County is just one of only 8 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties to achieve this distinction.
The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement program to encourage local governments to go beyond minimum accounting requirements and prepare comprehensive, transparent financial reports each year. These reports are filed with regulatory agencies overseeing municipal finance and are relied upon by stakeholders—rating agencies, creditors, grantors, investors, developers, and business owners—to assess the County’s financial position and fiscal health.
“Receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement is a tremendous honor and underscores Delaware County’s commitment to transparency and accountability,” said County Controller Joanne Phillips. “This recognition reflects our dedication to safeguarding taxpayer dollars, maintaining the highest standards in financial reporting, and ensuring that residents have a clear and accurate understanding of the County’s fiscal health.”
Phillips and her staff have earned this honor every year since she took office in 2018, continuing Delaware County’s long-standing record of excellence in financial reporting. “This award is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team,” said Phillips. “The requirements of the report grow more stringent and complex each year because the report must reflect the complexity of the finances and programs required of a modern government. The volume of work being done by the County and programs being delivered to residents involves thousands of financial transactions. We work with every County department with a focused goal of producing a financial report that meets the highest industry standards, ensuring accountability and understanding of the County’s financial condition. We appreciate the cooperation and help we get from every County department.”
The GFOA commended the Delaware County Controller’s Office, expressing its hope that Delaware County’s example will inspire other government officials to strive for excellence in financial reporting. The Controller’s Office remains committed to financial integrity, compliance with evolving governmental accounting standards, and providing a clear and comprehensive picture of the County’s financial position.
A copy of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for 2023, along with other financial reports and audits, is available on the Controller’s Office website at DelcoPA.GOV/Controller