HCWA Receives Award for Financial Reporting Excellence for 16th Straight Year

Government Finance Officers Association honors Authority with Certificate of Achievement (McDonough, GA – August 17, 2026) For the 16th consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has recognized the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) with its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

The HCWA Finance Department celebrates its 16th consecutive GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Pictured (left to right) are Diane Thomas, Brenda MacDonald, Cassie Inman, Whitney Matthews, Cynthia Parr, Tramaine LaMotte, and Dave Peterson, HCWA Chief Financial Officer.

This international award recognizes the HCWA and its Finance Department for transparency, full disclosure, and excellent work reflected in the publishing of the Authority’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2025, and issued to the public within 175 days after the end of the last fiscal year. The Authority’s ACFR is available on the HCWA website at https://www.hcwa.com/about_us/financials.php. 

According to the awarding officials at GFOA, 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 or authority and its management team.

GFOA officials also noted the Authority’s ACFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the Certificate Program, which include demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate the HCWA’s financial story and to motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The GFOA established the Certificate Program in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments and agencies to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare annual comprehensive financial reports reflecting the spirit of transparency and full disclosure, while recognizing individual governmental entities who succeed in achieving that goal.

“(This Award) represents far more than compliance with accounting standards – it demonstrates an organization’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and financial stewardship,” said Doug Moses, CPA, Partner with Mauldin & Jenkins, who audits the Authority’s financial statements annually. “Earning this recognition requires significant effort and collaboration, and it provides governing boards, citizens, bondholders, and other stakeholders with confidence that the organization’s financial reporting meets the highest standards of clarity and excellence. Organizations that consistently achieve this distinction demonstrate a culture dedicated to strong financial management and public trust.”

Accompanying the HCWA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement (AFRA) for the HCWA Finance Department, as these employees are primarily responsible for the Certificate of Achievement.

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to financial stewardship, transparency, and accountability, and it honors the exceptional work of our Finance Department to ensure responsible management of the resources entrusted to us,” said Tony Carnell, HCWA General Manager.

The GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 25,000 members, such as the HCWA, and the communities they serve.