Suffolk County Receives Top National Finance Honors For 42nd Straight Year

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County has once again earned national recognition for excellence in financial reporting, receiving two prestigious awards from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its 2024 fiscal reporting, county officials said.

The county was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2024. According to officials, this marks the 42nd consecutive year Suffolk has received the distinction.

The award is considered the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

According to the Government Finance Officers Association, the award recognizes governments that meet high standards for transparency and financial communication.

“The 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,” the organization stated.

The GFOA said Suffolk’s report was reviewed by an impartial panel and judged on its ability to clearly communicate the county’s financial condition while demonstrating a “spirit of full disclosure.”

In addition to the financial reporting honor, Suffolk County also received the Award of Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for the 17th consecutive year for its 2024 Popular Annual Financial Report submission.

According to officials, the award recognizes governments that present financial information in a way that is accessible and understandable to the public. Reports are evaluated on reader appeal, understandability, creativity, distribution methods and other factors.

To qualify for the Popular Annual Financial Reporting award, governments must also earn the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the same fiscal year.

“I am grateful to have such a dedicated, extremely knowledgeable and highly professional staff,” Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy Jr. said. “This recognition of their accomplishments is well deserved. It is an honor for the Suffolk County Comptroller’s Office to receive these awards for the 42nd and 17th years in a row.”