GFOA of the US & Canada

GFOA of the US & Canada Since 1906, GFOA has provided practical assistance and support to public-sector finance officers to help them better serve their communities.

Stay current with developments and trends in the government finance profession by uniting with 19,000+ members in the United States and Canada whose careers, studies, or interests involve government financial management.

Today, we’re celebrating an incredible milestone: 25,000 members in 2025! Since our founding in 1906, GFOA has been on a...
01/24/2025

Today, we’re celebrating an incredible milestone: 25,000 members in 2025! Since our founding in 1906, GFOA has been on a mission to advance excellence in government finance to build thriving communities across the United States and Canada. Now, with 25,000 members strong, we’ve reached an achievement that reflects the passion, dedication, and impact of public finance professionals everywhere.

This milestone is more than just a number—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose. Our members represent the heart of state and local governments, working tirelessly to strengthen financial accountability, transparency, and innovation to improve the lives of millions in their communities.

We couldn’t have done this without YOU—our members, supporters, and partners—who continue to inspire us every day. Here’s to 25,000 and to the future of public finance as we work together to build even stronger, more resilient, and thriving communities.

Thank you for being part of this journey, and we look forward to growing together as we continue to lead the way in government finance! Not a member? There’s no better time to join! Visit https://www.gfoa.org/ to learn more.

We're in the final days to save. Secure your registration now for GFOA's 119th Annual Conference, June 29–July 2, 2025, ...
01/24/2025

We're in the final days to save. Secure your registration now for GFOA's 119th Annual Conference, June 29–July 2, 2025, in Washington, DC. Don't miss preconference seminars, 70+ sessions, inspiring keynotes, leadership workshops, endless networking and access to hundreds of exhibitors. This is the conference to attend to gain key insights on the trending topics impacting public finance. The first early registration discount deadline is January 31. Learn more at https://www.gfoa.org/conference.

We can't wait to see you this summer at !

Today, we’re excited to recognize Melanie Keeton, a recipient of GFOA's Recognition for Outstanding Public Service. Mela...
01/23/2025

Today, we’re excited to recognize Melanie Keeton, a recipient of GFOA's Recognition for Outstanding Public Service. Melanie, the assistant finance director for the City of San Antonio, Texas, has been a pivotal leader in the city’s financial operations since 2007. Under her guidance, the city eliminated external audit findings, reducing them from 22 in 2008 to zero since 2018. Beyond her technical expertise, Melanie champions professional growth, mentors emerging leaders, and promotes diversity and inclusion within her team. Learn more: https://www.gfoa.org/melanie-keeton

Generative AI is reshaping the public sector, offering unparalleled opportunities alongside significant challenges. Howe...
01/21/2025

Generative AI is reshaping the public sector, offering unparalleled opportunities alongside significant challenges. However, the rapid pace of AI advancements leaves policymakers and administrators grappling with uncertainty and concerns about misuse and liability. During this webinar, March 13, we'll explore the essential components of an effective and sustainable approach to integrating generative AI in local government. Register at https://www.gfoa.org/events/int031325.

Want to connect with thousands of public finance professionals and gain key insights on the trending topics impacting lo...
01/17/2025

Want to connect with thousands of public finance professionals and gain key insights on the trending topics impacting local governments? , June 29–July 2, in Washington, DC, is the place to be. Don’t miss access to:

❗Preconference Seminars
❗70+ Sessions
❗Inspiring Keynotes
❗Endless Networking
❗Leadership Workshops
❗Hundreds of Exhibitors

Register by January 31 to save! Learn more at https://www.gfoa.org/conference.

The public sector operates in a fundamentally different environment than the private sector, requiring distinct accounti...
01/16/2025

The public sector operates in a fundamentally different environment than the private sector, requiring distinct accounting and financial reporting practices. Join our February 7 webinar for an introduction to how generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for governments differ from those for private companies, covering fund accounting, the three fund categories, measurement focuses, bases of accounting, and key government financial statements. Register at https://www.gfoa.org/events/int020725.

Today, we’re celebrating Dawn Jindrich, a recipient of GFOA’s Recognition for Outstanding Public Service. Dawn is financ...
01/15/2025

Today, we’re celebrating Dawn Jindrich, a recipient of GFOA’s Recognition for Outstanding Public Service. Dawn is finance director for Linn County, Iowa. Since becoming the county’s first budget director in 1994, she has achieved remarkable milestones, including earning its first GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and securing a Aaa bond rating. Dawn’s leadership has been instrumental during critical moments, such as the 2008 flood and 2020 derecho, and in overseeing a county-wide ERP conversion as finance director.

Learn more: https://www.gfoa.org/dawn-jindrich

Today, we congratulate Debbie O’Brien for becoming a Certified Public Finance Officer! Debbie is Accountant II for the C...
01/14/2025

Today, we congratulate Debbie O’Brien for becoming a Certified Public Finance Officer! Debbie is Accountant II for the City of Dover, Delaware. She was inspired to pursue the certification to prepare for leadership opportunities within her organization. Along the way, she gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of government finance and views the program as a career-transforming experience. Learn more about Debbie’s CPFO journey at https://www.gfoa.org/cpfo-spotlight-debbie-obrien.

Each year, state and local governments rely heavily on federal grants to fund a multitude of programs and initiatives th...
01/13/2025

Each year, state and local governments rely heavily on federal grants to fund a multitude of programs and initiatives that benefit our communities. As reported by the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO), in 2023, federal grants constituted 25.3 percent of state spending, totaling $1.04 trillion. But with every grant comes a set of compliance obligations that grantees must fulfill. This article will help you navigate and understand the complexities of these compliance requirements and offer insights into efficient management of federal grants. Learn more:
https://www.gfoa.org/materials/gfr1224-grants-compliance

Today, we want to recognize Leah Harris, a recipient of GFOA's Recognition for Outstanding Public Service. Leah is Admin...
01/10/2025

Today, we want to recognize Leah Harris, a recipient of GFOA's Recognition for Outstanding Public Service. Leah is Administrative Officer/Finance Officer for San Miguel Fire & Rescue in California. Leah exemplifies the versatility and dedication of public finance professionals, skillfully managing a broad range of responsibilities, including finance, budget, human resources, workers' compensation, grants, and serving as clerk of the board. Learn more at https://www.gfoa.org/leah-harris.

Do you know anyone who plays budget games? Our new research delves into the tactics or “games" used by participants in t...
01/09/2025

Do you know anyone who plays budget games? Our new research delves into the tactics or “games" used by participants in the budget process to secure more resources. The most common such game is "The Padding Play", where budget requestors inflate their needs. Check out the report to read about this and other games budget officers encounter and how to contain and even defeat these tactics. Learn more: https://www.gfoa.org/materials/budget-games

BONUS: Print out the Budget Games BINGO cards at the end of the report for a friendly competition during budget season.

Looking to connect with peers in government finance? GFOA’s nine affinity groups offer online forums, networking events,...
01/08/2025

Looking to connect with peers in government finance? GFOA’s nine affinity groups offer online forums, networking events, and webinars. Join today at https://www.gfoa.org/gfoa-groups.

Join us in congratulating the following GFOA members who earned the Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation ...
01/07/2025

Join us in congratulating the following GFOA members who earned the Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation in December:

-Erin Crawford, City of Enid, Oklahoma
-Nicole Hegge, Anoka County, Minnesota
-Jene Jess, City of Bondurant, Iowa
-Cynthia C. Miserez, Omaha Public Schools, Nebraska
-Mandi O’Dea, City of Enid, Oklahoma
-William Wallo, Public Housing Agency of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota
-Marco Wang, Placer County Water Agency, California

Also last month, more than 40 members started their CPFO journeys!

Register early and save!   is the place to be to explore solutions, gain practical knowledge, and discuss the pressing i...
01/06/2025

Register early and save! is the place to be to explore solutions, gain practical knowledge, and discuss the pressing issues facing public finance today. We hope you’ll join us June 29–July 2, in Washington, DC for 70+ sessions, dynamic keynotes, leadership workshops, unparalleled networking and access to hundreds of exhibitors. Register by January 31 to save with the first early registration discount deadline! Learn more at https://www.gfoa.org/conference.

Put your leadership skills and knowledge of public finance to work to help members continue to build thriving communitie...
01/03/2025

Put your leadership skills and knowledge of public finance to work to help members continue to build thriving communities by applying to serve on GFOA's Executive Board! Board members serve a three-year term and are expected to participate in all meetings, including three on-site meetings per year, plus GFOA's committee meetings. Applications are due by February 7. Learn more: https://www.gfoa.org/executive-board-application

The application deadline for GFOA's Leadership Academy is two weeks away. Join us March 23-28, 2025, at Arizona State Un...
01/02/2025

The application deadline for GFOA's Leadership Academy is two weeks away. Join us March 23-28, 2025, at Arizona State University to connect, learn, and grow alongside public finance professionals. This immersive experience combines personal growth and leadership strategies designed specifically for the unique challenges of state and local government. Apply by January 15, 2025!

Learn more: https://www.gfoa.org/leadership-academy-phoenix

We wish each of you a Happy New Year and look forward to continuing to work with you to build thriving communities in 20...
01/01/2025

We wish each of you a Happy New Year and look forward to continuing to work with you to build thriving communities in 2025.

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