(STILLWATER, OK) – The City of Stillwater has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for the 43rd consecutive year.
The City has earned this honor every year since 1981, based on the quality of its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The current award recognizes the report for Fiscal Year 2024, which ended June 30, 2024.
Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Christy Cluck said the award reflects a consistent, department-wide focus on quality.
“Each year, our team works diligently to present financial information in a way that builds trust and confidence,” Cluck said. “This recognition confirms our commitment to accuracy and transparency.”
The GFOA Certificate of Achievement program was established in 1945 to encourage state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles when preparing financial reports. The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate “the spirit of transparency and full disclosure” by producing clear, accessible reports.
According to GFOA, the award is not an evaluation of a government’s financial health but of how effectively financial information is communicated to users of the report. Entries are judged by an impartial panel of GFOA staff and finance professionals from other states.
City Manager Brady Moore said the recognition also benefits the community directly.
“When residents know how their tax dollars are being used, they can have confidence in the City’s ability to manage resources responsibly,” Moore said. “This award isn’t just about good accounting; it’s about providing accountability and strengthening the trust between the City and the people we serve.”
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the field of governmental accounting and financial reporting.
“Our Finance team has set a strong standard for excellence,” Cluck added. “I’m proud of their drive to improve year after year and their role in supporting the community through sound financial management.”
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