For the ninth consecutive year, The Children’s Trust has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. As a steward of public funds, The Children’s Trust prides itself in its prudent financial responsibility and accountability and that dedication has once again been reflected in its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), which was awarded the GFOA distinction after a nine-month review.
The distinction, which is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, comes amidst the significant financial challenges posed by the pandemic with most of the audit coordinated remotely. The award means that the independent auditors who reviewed The Trust’s financial report found no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses and had no comments regarding its accuracy or reporting processes. According to Trust Chief Financial Officer William Kirtland, "The standard of financial reporting excellence is exemplified in our ACFR, but it's earned during the day-to-day reinforcement, adherence, and innovative adoption of sound financial and operating practices. Each year we strive to challenge ourselves to utilize systems and practices that demonstrate The Children's Trust as leaders in government and children's services.”
“This honor recognizes both the outstanding stewardship by our Board of Directors and The Children’s Trust staff, and the transparency with which we operate The Trust,” said Mark A. Trowbridge, Treasurer and Finance Chair of The Trust’s Board of Directors. “We do not take for granted our essential role as an organization in identifying the most critical needs in the community and then investing taxpayer dollars that are crucial to the children and families across Miami-Dade County. ‘Trust’ is in our name for a reason and the residents of our greater community can have even stronger faith in us thanks to the GFOA distinction.”
“Although the award has become the standard expectation for The Trust, that in no way diminishes its importance,” said Trust President and CEO James R. Haj. “It is a testament to our entire staff and our Finance Committee’s guidance and is the foremost representation of how The Trust maintains accountability and transparency as a government entity.”