Union County's Finance department has been honored for outstanding achievement in financial reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States (GFOA) awarded the County the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for its Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR). Both awards are for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2023. The certificates of achievement are the highest recognitions in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

For the GFOA award, an impartial panel of judges determined that the report meets the program's high standards, including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to communicate Union County's financial story. The judges evaluated the report based on categories including reader appeal, understandability, distribution methods, creativity, and other elements.

The County earned the PAFR award based on judges evaluating the report in the following categories: reader appeal, understandability, distribution methods, creativity and other elements.

The Board of County Commissioners recognized the Finance team at the regular meeting on Sept. 16 for the accomplishments.

"These are significant accomplishments that reflect our transparency in financial reporting and accountability to our residents," said Finance Director Beverly Liles. "We work diligently as a team to deliver an annual comprehensive financial report and popular annual financial report that are informative and paints an accurate picture of the County's finances for the prior fiscal year."

This is the 12th consecutive year that Union County has received the GFOA award and the 10th consecutive year earning the PAFR award.

The Government Finance Officers Association provides best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities it serves.

The Finance department was recognized at a Sept. 16, 2024, Union County Board of Commissioners meeting for earning Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award for Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Pictured from left to right: Beverly Liles, Ebru Cukro, Heather Howey, Kiara McClendon, Trina Horne, Shannon McDonald, Haley Smith, Brady Chaffin, and Chairman J.R. Rowell