Strafford News

City of Dover issued the following announcement on January 4.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has again awarded the City of Dover's Finance Department a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the City of Dover's fiscal year 2020 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The GFOA has honored Dover with the award annually since 2004.

To be eligible for the award, an impartial panel must ensure Dover's ACFR meets GFOA's high standards, including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure." The ACFR must also clearly communicate the City of Dover's financial story in a way that could motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The GOFA's Certificate of Achievement 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. Dover was one of the first municipalities in New Hampshire to be recognized for this achievement and is one of only a few statewide to consistently receive the award annually.

Producing the document goes above and beyond the required submittal of annual financial statements to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue and Administration. Finance Director Daniel Lynch said the ACFR allows the layperson to comprehend the City of Dover's overall financial picture.

"You don't need an accounting degree to discern the City's financial position," Lynch said. "The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report provides a narrative to allow anyone to understand the City of Dover's current financial picture and its financial outlook."

The ACFR takes about sixth months to create, and the Finance Department is currently working on the ACFR for FY2021.

The City of Dover is committed to financial transparency, and the ACFR is but one of many financial items published on the City's website for public viewing. The ACFR is posted to the Financial Information page, where monthly financial statements, debit and credit ratings, and purchase order history, among others, are publicly available. The Budget Revealed page includes the annual budget and video links to the City Council budget meetings and workshops.

For more information, contact the Finance Department at 603-516-6030.

Original source can be found here.