Forest Preserve Recognized For Financial Reporting Excellence

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 24th consecutive year.

The certificate was awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the District's comprehensive annual financial report.

“This award is an honor and great recognition of the hard work and dedication that our finance department staff members put into their jobs all year long and especially during the annual audit process,” said Matt Pehle, the Forest Preserve District’s chief financial officer. “Although I am new to the Forest Preserve, I used to work as an independent auditor and know the hard work and time that goes into receiving this award."

The award marks the Forest Preserve's financial statements as being of the highest quality and transparency for the users and residents of the District, Pehle added.

“Being able to achieve this for 24 years in a row is a remarkable accomplishment," he said. "In my short time here, I have seen the pride the finance department employees take in their work, and I am excited to be a part of the team as we look forward to going for our 25th in a row with this year’s audit!”

The award was for the fiscal year that ended Dec. 31, 2018.

"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," according to a news release from GFOA.

The release said the Forest Preserve's comprehensive annual financial report met the program's high standards, which included a "spirit of full disclosure" designed to clearly communicate the District's financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the document.

For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.