Will County lauded for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 17 consecutive years.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded Will County with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting and it represents a significant accomplishment by Will County and its management.

“I am very proud of our Finance Director Karen Hennessy and her staff for their commitment and diligence in overseeing the day to day financial operations of Will County government,” said County Executive Larry Walsh. “I am proud that each year Will County is able to operate with a balanced budget while providing quality services for our residents.”

Will County submitted its 2017 CAFR which was then judged by an impartial panel based upon the high standards of the program which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure’ and clearly communicating its financial story. This is the 17th year, the county has received this award.

“Will County consistently has maintained a AA+ bond rating which is directly related to our strong financial management and stewardship of county funds,” Walsh said. “This favorable rating helps the county secure competitive bond rates to fund our large scale projects: the public safety complex, the county courthouse, and the new health department. I am proud Will County remains fiscally responsible.”

The county has received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting every year beginning with the statements for fiscal year 2001. Prior to moving the day to day accounting and the financial statement preparation up to the finance department in the County Executive’s office, the Auditor’s office was responsible for those functions and they received the award on behalf of the county. The first year that the financial
statements were prepared in the finance department under the County Executive was for fiscal year 2009.

The Government Finance Officers Association is a professional association that serves the needs of nearly 19,000 appointed and elected officials and other finance practitioners in local, state, and provincial-level government. The association, headquartered in Washington D.C., provides top quality products and services to enhance the skills and performance of those responsible for government finance policy and management.