Town of East Hartford Receives Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting

East Hartford, CT— The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded the Town of East Hartford the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The award especially recognizes East Hartford Finance Director Michael Walsh, for his outstanding work in successfully reporting and overseeing all aspects of the financial functions of the Town.  

The 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.

“Fiscal responsibility is of a significant importance to our community as we strive to provide the best services for our residents,” said Mayor Marcia Leclerc. “I am proud to have someone like Michael Walsh lead our fiscal operations with the utmost integrity.”

As a public entity, the Town of East Hartford undergoes an annual independent audit. The information included in a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, however, goes beyond what is required in the standard financial audit. The Town of East Hartford’s financial report was reviewed and judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which included demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate the Town’s financial story.

“The Government Finance Officers Association is the agency that sets professional standards for budgeting and reporting of municipal financial statements,” said Finance Director Michael Walsh. “Their recognition of East Hartford for excellence in financial reporting is noteworthy because it signifies a level of disclosure and transparency that the community deserves. Appreciation is extended to the Mayor and Town Council for demanding that this level of excellence in our financial reporting to the community be realized.”

Michael Walsh was appointed as the Director of Finance for the Town of East Hartford in 1998 and has served on numerous boards for local and state organizations throughout the years.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association servicing over 20,000 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, IL and Washington, DC.