Assessor's Office receives award in financial excellence

For the second straight year, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the Ascension Parish Assessor’s Office by the Government Finance Officers of the United States and Canada (GOFA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

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.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the (GOFA) Government Finance Officers of the United States and Canada,” said Ascension Parish Assessor Mert Smiley, CLA. “Winning this prestigious award demonstrates our financial transparency which is what the good citizens of Ascension Parish deserve. Your Assessor’s Office will continually move forward with excellence in financial reporting and our commitment to fiscal integrity.”

The CAFR is evaluated by an impartial panel who assist in making sure that the high standards of the program are met. Participating agencies must also demonstrate a constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and groups to read the CAFR.

The GOFA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professions with offices in Chicago and Washington D.C.