February 12, 2014

Skagit County wins national honors for financial reporting

MOUNT VERNON – For the second consecutive year Skagit County has been honored at the national level for annual financial reporting that “demonstrates a constructive spirit of full disclosure.”

This award, presented to Auditor’s Department Chief Accountant Jana Robbins, was announced by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), a non-profit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals.

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded after examination of Skagit County’s comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for 2012.

“The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting,” said Stephen Gauthier of the GFOA. “Its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.”

“This award reflects impressive accomplishments by Chief Accountant Jana Robbins, Senior Accountant Marie Nelson and our entire accounting team and county staff,” said Auditor Jeanne Youngquist.

Robbins noted that documentation submitted to the GFOA elaborates in far greater detail than in standard financial statements.

“This process challenges us to go above and beyond what’s required,” she said, “with details including local demographics and trend data. It’s gratifying to receive this honor for the second year in a row.”

To view the 2012 financial report, visit www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/AuditorAccounting.