Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

It's Not Just the Job, It's the Job Culture was number seven on our countdown of the top 10 most-viewed GFR articles of 2024: Having the specific skills for a particular job is important, but even the most qualified job applicant may not pan out if there is a poor “fit” between the position and the workplace. Whether you want to call it job or corporate culture, work environment, or fit, it’s not just what you do for a living, but also where you work that can play a significant role in success. And when someone suffers from a mental health challenge such as depression or an anxiety disorder, the right fit becomes even more important—and potentially costly for the employer if overlooked. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDGqUgnZ #GFOA #localgov #workforce #jobculture

Number eight on our countdown of the top 10 most-viewed GFR articles 2024 is about AI. When he first heard news reports about ChatGPT and its powers to search the internet and create readable text, rhymes, and fanciful tales, Micah Gaudet immediately saw the use for entertaining his eight-year-old son with “corny dad jokes and little bedtime stories.” But within weeks, as deputy manager of the fast-growing City of Maricopa, Arizona, he started imagining ways to use this newly available form of artificial intelligence in his work as deputy city manager and chief public safety officer. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eN6VZSsa #GFOA #localgov #technology #ai #artificialintelligence

Here’s number nine in our countdown of the top 10 most-viewed GFR articles of 2024: GASB Statement No. 102, Certain Risk Disclosures, is the first of the required note disclosure projects to become a final standard. This article provides a brief overview of GASB 102 and some background on the other disclosure-focused projects on GASB’s current technical agenda. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ek87qtpD #GFOA #localgov

Staff shortages, audit firm availability, new reporting requirements, federal funding, and other demands on accounting and financial reporting departments continue to affect how timely governments can issue financial statements and annual comprehensive financial reports (ACFRs). Join us early at #GFOA2025 in Washington, DC, as we address challenges related to issuing timely financial statements. With insights from both preparers and auditors, we'll explore opportunities to improve the internal financial close process, offer tips for working efficiently with the auditors and actuaries, and discuss methods for coordinating component unit financial information. Speakers will cover strategies to stay proactive throughout the year and address inevitable changes in reporting standards, regulatory requirements, and audit standards. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gj2FEAiF #GFOA #localgov #publicfinance

Small government leaders, connect with peers facing similar challenges in GFOA’s Small Government Forum! Free webinars, networking, and a supportive community await. Open to GFOA members in jurisdictions <25K population or <500 employees. Join today, https://lnkd.in/ehXqGHR4 #GFOA #localgov #networking

Through the end of the year, we’re going to be counting down the top 10 most-viewed GFR articles of 2024. Here’s number 10: Tax sales have traditionally played a key role in the administration of government finances. Tax sale statutes empower state, county, and local governments to collect delinquent taxes by placing liens or selling tax deeds for the property of taxpayers who have accumulated unpaid taxes. These statutes are essential for collecting property taxes—what some courts have called the “lifeblood” of local government—and, in turn, for funding of public services. Tax sales also bring in investors that purchase the properties or liens (depending on the state), which often restores dilapidated properties and returns income-producing properties back on the tax rolls. So, while the tax-collection process may be viewed by some as archaic, that process often results in modern reinvestment in the community. Yet, the recent Supreme Court decision of Tyler v. Hennepin County may impact the legality of many statutory schemes across the country. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eXnm_W-a #GFOA #localgov

We’re excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Awards for Excellence in Government Finance. This award recognizes innovative programs that provide creative solutions to common challenges and highlight GFOA best practices in action. This year, we’re celebrating seven winners for their innovation, commitment to excellence in government finance, and outstanding financial management. Congratulations to City of Long Beach, California; Mecklenburg County, North Carolina; Mt. Lebanon Municipality and the Borough Of Dormont, Pennsylvania; NC League of Municipalities; San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, California; City of Sunnyvale, California; and Vernal City, Utah. Learn more about each of the winning entries at https://lnkd.in/dnzxpFVe. #GFOA #localgov #publicfinance #award #bestpractices #innovation

Congratulations to Rex Gaither, a recipient of GFOA’s Recognition for Outstanding Public Service in 2024! As finance director and assistant town manager for Smyrna, Tennessee, Rex has dedicated over 30 years to serving the town, including 14 years as finance director. Under Rex's leadership, Smyrna achieved a AAA credit rating, secured full funding for its legacy pension plan, reduced general debt, strengthened reserves, and revitalized the water/sewer fund. His work has guided the town through major projects, including a new fire station, expanded infrastructure, and Cedar Stone Park. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eFHddQa9 #GFOA #localgov #leadership

We're two weeks away from the deadline to apply for 2025 academic scholarships. Each year, these scholarships support students who aspire to careers in state, provincial, or #localgov finance. We offer 11 scholarships across five categories totaling more than $100,000. Do you know any interested students? We encourage you to share this post and spread the word! The deadline to apply is December 31. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ewtAeJnR

Let’s talk about building an AI ready government. Generative AI evolves too fast for policies to stay relevant, requiring a rethink of how we manage transformative tech. A 3-pillar framework, people, processes, and technology, helps leaders prepare for and deploy AI effectively, ensuring sustainable public sector adoption. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eZ8YtW4x. #GFOA #localgov #technology #AI #artificalintelligence