Important Dates

July 30, 2024
- Preparer Training | 9-11 a.m. ET
- FY2023 Preparer Training Recording
- FY2023 Preparer Training Handouts
Nov. 15, 2024
- Auditor's report must have this date
- Agency applications due
December 3, 2024
- Reviewer’s Training | 9-11 a.m. ET
- FY 2023 CEAR Reviewer Training Recording
December 9, 2024
- Reviewer applications due
- Reviewer Submission Form
Dec. 15, 2024
- FY 24 CEAR Program agency packet and filing fees due
Dec. 31, 2024
- SPFI (optional)
December 2024
- Digital reviews begin
- Agency packets mailed to reviewers
March/April 2025
- Reviewer Team Meetings
- Harold I. Steinberg Excellence in Accountability Report Award nominations due
Date coming soon!
- CEAR Awards Ceremony, Washington D.C.

FY2024 CEAR Guidelines July 2024 Draft
(MS-Word)

FY2024 CEAR Guidelines July 2024 Draft
(PDF)

Agencies & Preparers

Program Eligibility

All federal agencies are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to reporting excellence by participating in the CEAR program, regardless of statutory requirements to produce a PAR or AFR. The FY2024 CEAR Draft Program Guidelines are coming soon.

FY 24 Preparer Training Application & Fees

Program Benefits

PARs and AFRs may be the most important communications vehicle federal agencies have to present information on spending and program management and performance.

Participation in the CEAR program leads to:

Improved reports: AFRs and PARs demonstrate how agency leaders integrate financial and performance management information. Unlike annual "performance budgets," these reports are free from advocacy.
Valuable training in report preparation: Each participating agency may register their team members AGA's free two-hour training to learn strategies and best practices for comprehensive, informative agency reporting.
Technical development: Any federal agency can appoint senior-level staff to serve as a program reviewer. Serving as a reviewer offers an opportunity for in-depth analysis of other agencies' PARs/AFRs and Summaries of Performance and Financial Information (SPFI) and an opportunity to gain insights to improve their own agency reports.

Recipients of the Certificate of Excellence in Accountability Reporting gain:

Professional and public recognition: Agencies awarded the CEAR certificate will be recognized by their peers at an awards ceremony and dinner. Agencies can publicly recognize the individuals who prepare the reports and acknowledge their dedication and hard work. AGA also promotes the exceptional accomplishment within the federal government community through press releases and may recognize these agencies in communications, such as Topics, the Journal of Government Financial Management and the AGA website.
Validation of accountability: The U.S. Congress, Office of Management and Budget, Department of the Treasury, and Government Accountability Office recognize CEAR as evidence of a complete presentation of an agency's programmatic and financial affairs.
Prestigious national award: During an award ceremony each May, AGA presents the prestigious CEAR award to agency representatives. Agencies may also receive special awards acknowledging specific components of their reports.