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Hindsight or Foresight? Subsequent Events Can Provide Either
Still recovering from GASB 103 and 104? There may be good news: GASB 105 is a lighter lift. Get a head start on the next implementation and give yourself a little breathing room for what comes next.
Urban Legends of Public Finance
Urban legends endure because they sound believable and are repeated by sources we trust, such as friends, family, and television shows. They also stir an emotional response. Public finance has its own urban legends. They sound plausible and are repeated often. They also work on emotions—commonly fear. The urban legends in our new report contain kernels of truth. But they also have consequences, mostly in the form of wasted time and energy.
Full Agenda Announced for GFOA's Best Practices Forum
Join us, virtually, September 28–October 2 and start planning your climb through nine expert-led sessions designed to help you rise above today's public finance challenges. Grounded in GFOA's 200+ best practices, each session delivers practical strategies, real-world case studies, and actionable insights you can apply in your organization. Plus, close out the week with a dedicated leadership session designed to help you lead with confidence and grow your impact.
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
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Accepting Credit Card Payments: What Governments Should Know About Vendor Services, Fees, and Risks
Thu, September 17, 2026
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Secure Your GAAP Update Discount Today
Year-end reporting is approaching, and new accounting standards continue to reshape governmental financial reporting. The 2026 Governmental GAAP Update is the premier online event of the year for public sector accountants, auditors, and finance professionals who need to know what’s changing and what’s next. Join us November 5 or December 10 for practical guidance on GASB 103, 104, and 105, the latest Comprehensive Implementation Guide updates, lessons learned from early implementers, common reporting challenges, audit updates, and more.
CPFO Spotlight
Matt Zook
Matt Zook, finance director for the City of Oregon City, Oregon, pursued the CPFO certification to strengthen his professional knowledge and credentials after more than two decades in government finance. Although his journey began in 2010 and included several pauses for career and life commitments, he ultimately completed the program and found it provided a valuable framework for connecting the details of government finance to the bigger picture. The process sparked new ideas for organizational improvements and renewed his interest in areas such as long-range planning, procurement, internal controls, and policy development. Earning the CPFO has strengthened Matt’s confidence and reinforced his commitment to serving his community, while giving him a broader perspective across the many disciplines of government finance.
Membership
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Join GFOA
Be part of a powerful community of 35,000+ public finance professionals across the U.S. and Canada. GFOA’s inclusive, organization-based membership model makes it easier than ever to connect, learn, and grow—whether you’re representing a government agency or joining as an individual.
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Member Benefits
Membership in GFOA connects you to the tools, knowledge, and network you need to excel in public finance. Explore the valuable benefits below and see how joining our community can help you advance your skills, strengthen your organization, and make a greater impact in your community.
Networking
Connect with Your Small Government Peers
GFOA’s Small Government Forum (SGF) brings together members from small jurisdictions across the United States and Canada to exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges, and build relationships with peers. Join SGF and other GFOA Affinity Groups for networking opportunities, webinars, and online Community forums at no additional cost.
Upcoming Small Government Forum Events
Budgeting for Small Governments, webinar, October 8
Budgeting for Small Governments, virtual networking, October 14
Additional Resources
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Awards
Our award programs recognize excellence in government finance.
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Best Practices
GFOA's best practices identify specific policies and procedures that contribute to improved government management.
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Rethinking Initiatives
We're taking a deep dive into budgeting, revenue, and financial reporting.
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Workforce Resources
Articles, research, and case studies to help governments now and in the future.
Publications & Subscriptions
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2024 GAAFR
The 2024 edition of the GAAFR is your go-to resource for the latest accounting rules and how to implement them.
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GAAFR Plus
Need more in-depth guidance in local government accounting, auditing, and financial reporting? GFOA’s GAAFR Plus offers important resources to help navigate the ever-changing world of public finance. Take advantage of this subscription today!
