The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a governmental entity and its management.  The comprehensive annual financial report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the comprehensive annual financial report.

The Government Finance Officers Association is a non-profit professional association serving approximately 19,000 government finance professionals.