Submitted Photo Amy Woods, purchasing agent, Crystal Singletary, senior accounts payable technician, Suzanne Beals, senior accounts receivable technician, Brandy Andruschkevich, accounting technician; Lorraine Taylor, accounts receivable technician; Rachel Bowen,  accountant; Stephanie Black, finance director; Crystal McGhin, chief accountant, are part of the award-winning Lowndes County financial team.

VALDOSTA – The certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting has been awarded to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners by Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its annual financial report. 

The certificate of achievement for excellence is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management, county officials said in a statement.

An award of financial reporting achievement has been awarded to the individual(s) or department designated by the government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning certificate of achievement for excellence.

The certificate 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 and motivate potential users and user groups to read the financial reports, county officials said.

“We’re proud of the finance department for their exceptional financial reporting efforts,” Lowndes County Manager Paige Dukes said. “These awards indicate the commitment and transparency of our employees for maintaining the tradition of distinction in properly managing the county’s funds.”

Government Finance Officers Association is a major professional association servicing the needs of nearly 19,000 appointed and elected local, state, and provincial-level government officials and other finance practitioners. It provides top quality publications, training programs, services, and products designed to enhance the skills and performance of those responsible for government finance policy and management. The association is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Washington, D.C.