City of Joplin receives award for excellence in financial reporting

(From the City of Joplin)

During the May 15, 2023, City Council meeting, it was announced that the City of Joplin had been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement in Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2021. This is the 32nd consecutive year for the City of Joplin to receive the award.

As stated in the GFOA press release, “The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.”

Following this announcement, Finance Director Leslie Haase introduced Michael Keenan, Senior Manager with Hood & Associates, CPAs, PC to present their report of the independent audit he and his company conducted for the last fiscal year ending October 31, 2022.

The City is required to undergo an annual financial audit that examines financial records, accounts, business transactions, accounting practices, and internal controls to ensure compliance with financial standards and regulations.

Keenan noted that the City of Joplin had a “clean audit with no significant findings”, meaning that the City’s financial statements were in compliance and free of any material misstatements.

As part of an audit, the independent auditor will have access to all the City’s financial records and will verify bank accounts and balances, test internal controls, and confirm that the financial statements are materially true and accurate. 

The purpose of an audit is to provide an assurance that the City’s financial records are accurate. The recently completed audit demonstrates that taxpayer resources are appropriately safeguarded and managed.

Keenan closed his presentation as he referenced the City’s recent award. “We appreciate working for the City of Joplin, Nick (Edwards, City Manager) Leslie and A.J. (Whistler, Assistant Director of Finance), and all of the staff of the City who assisted us with our audit. They were very professional and got us the information we requested in a timely manner and answered our questions when we had them. And again, if you look at having received this award for 32 consecutive years, with 33 more than likely to happen, that really is a good testament to the City’s Finance Department over the last 32 years.”