COLUMBUS, OHIO — FEBRUARY 20th, 2018. In the spirit of promoting government accountability, AGA’s Cleveland chapter is pleased to announce that March has been declared Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Month in Ohio. Governor John R. Kasich joins governors nationwide who have made March the month they promote this mark of excellence in the government financial management profession.

AGA’s CGFM certification recognizes the unique skills and special knowledge required of today’s government financial managers. It covers governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal controls and budgeting at the federal, state and local levels. It was specifically designed to meet the critical need for an increased emphasis on the professional qualifications and stature of government financial managers.

Quick facts about CGFM:

• More than 9,800 professionals nationwide hold the certification.

• AGA’s Cleveland chapter boasts 47 CGFMs.

• This is the 14th year that states and local governments have declared March as CGFM Month.

• Last year, 61 states and local governments declared March as CGFM Month.

Chair of AGA’s Professional Certification Board, Riley Shaull, who holds the CGFM designation, said, “without question, I believe the knowledge I gained in achieving this designation will continue to help me meet future professional challenges.”

In a column in the Journal of Government Financial Management, he wrote, “To any government financial professional who is even remotely interested in earning a certification, I would recommend CGFM. It’s the very foundation of our profession and promotes efficient and effective government financial management — and it will raise your confidence level significantly.”