Harris County Department of Education has earned the “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. The CAFR covers HCDE’s fiscal year ending Aug. 3, 2019.

The GFOA 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, according to the association.

The CAFR is judged by an impartial panel to determine if the organization demonstrates a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to communities through its financial story and motivates users to read the CAFR.

HCDE also earned the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement this fall from GFOA for excellence in financial reporting. The certificate is presented to government agencies whose annual financial reports are judged to adhere to program standards. It represents the highest award in government financial reporting.

The Chicago-based association is a nonprofit which advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 21,000 members and communities it serves.

“Our HCDE Business Services Division is proud to gain these achievement of excellence awards which represent the bedrock for financial reporting and accountability,” HCDE Assistant Superintendent of Finance Dr. Jesus Amezcua said.