The Rockdale County Department of Finance recently received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for the fifth consecutive year.

The CAFR was awarded for the county Department of Finance's comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2012.

"The award acknowledges the fiscally-responsible practices taking place in Rockdale County," Commission Chairman Richard Oden said. "I commend our Finance Department on its ongoing dedication to ensuring the financial integrity of our County."

For the fifth consecutive year, GFOA recognized Rockdale in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The CAFR is judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, including a constructive spirit of disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users to read the CAFR.

"The professional level of expertise in the Finance Department solidifies the County's unwavering commitment to manage taxpayer dollars conservatively and with integrity," Finance Director Roselyn Miller said.