Pennsylvania Office of the Budget and Comptroller Operations Receive National Awards

Agency Recognized for Governmental Accountability, Transparency, Full Disclosure

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of the Budget Charles B. Zogby today announced the receipt of two awards by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). 

The Office of the Budget received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for our 2013-14 Governor's Executive Budget, while Comptroller Operations was awarded the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). 

This is the 16^th year that the Office of Budget has been recognized. To merit an award, a state's budget document must receive ratings of proficient and/or outstanding on specific mandatory criteria in four areas: the budget as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device.

In addition, this is the 27^th year that Comptroller Operations has been recognized for outstanding, annual financial reporting. To merit this award, Pennsylvania's CAFR must meet both generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and program policy as established by the GFOA's Special Review Executive Committee and the GFOA Executive Board. The rigorous review process by the GFOA's Special Review Committee resulted in a consensus determination that Pennsylvania's CAFR met or exceeded these criteria.     

"This year's awards are a testament to Pennsylvania's commitment to excellence," Zogby said. "These are the highest forms of recognition in the area of governmental budgeting, accounting and financial reporting. Once again, the work of both the Office of the Budget and Comptroller Operations to ensure the commonwealth's commitment to government accountability, transparency and full disclosure is evident."

The GFOA is a professional association serving approximately 17,500 local, state and federal finance agencies and professionals.

For more information, visit www.pa.gov/budget or call 717-787-2542.

Media contact:  Jay Pagni, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor