Canton Finance Department Earns Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 20th Consecutive Year

The Town of Canton received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association on Sept. 14. (Photo Courtesy Town of Canton)

CANTON — Interim Town Administrator Jennifer Kemalian and Finance Director Allyson Podgurski are pleased to announce that the Town of Canton was recently honored for the 20th consecutive year for excellence and transparency in municipal financial reporting.

The Canton Finance Department earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2025. GFOA is a professional association representing more than 28,000 public finance professionals across the United States and Canada.

This marks the 20th consecutive year that the Finance Department has received the distinction.

GFOA awarded the certificate to the Town of Canton based on its annual comprehensive financial report.

“The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive ‘spirit of full disclosure’ to clearly communicate its financial story,” said GFOA, in an announcement shared with the town.

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is considered the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. GFOA established the program in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments in preparing accurate, comprehensive financial reports that promote transparency and full disclosure, while recognizing governments that meet those standards.

“We are very proud of the hard work and professionalism of our Finance Department staff, who helped us meet such high standards for the 20th year in a row. This is a milestone, and it sets the bar for years to come,” said Finance Director Podgurski. “The Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report that was reviewed by GFOA and led to this recognition is now available for everyone to review on the Finance Department web page.”

“I’d like to congratulate our Finance staff for all of their hard work that went into receiving this honor for the 20th year in a row,” said Interim Town Administrator Kemalian. “This prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting recognizes the diligence, accuracy and transparency of our Finance Department team. Thank you to GFOA for recognizing their hard work.”

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