St. Johns County's Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, Brandon J. Patty, has recently announced a notable achievement for the county's financial reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has bestowed St. Johns County with the Excellence in Financial Reporting Award for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). "Our office is committed to protecting the public’s trust by ensuring St. Johns County maintains a high level of accessibility and transparency with its finances," Clerk Patty said in a statement.
This award, being won for the thirty-second consecutive year, serves as a testament to the continuity and unwavering dedication of the county's financial management strategies. All of this rigor, combined with a spirit of full disclosure, is what the impartial panel recognized to communicate its financial story. Clerk Patty’s office, while working hand-in-glove with County administration, proudly handles taxpayer dollars with an unmatched sense of responsibility.
The GFOA, with its headquarters in Chicago, holds the Certificate of Achievement as the pinnacle of governmental accounting and financial reporting accolades. "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 government and its management," the GFOA stated. The agency promotes best practices, provides professional development, practical research, and recognizes the excellence in finance operations among its 21,000 members and the communities they serve.
Moreover, to lay the groundwork for future accolades, such as the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR) award, the Clerk’s office continues its steadfast efforts. They have to submit the 2023 ACFR to the GFOA, while maintaining the challenge to earn the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting within the same fiscal year, for staying in the good graces of eligibility criteria.
