CARMEL, IN – The City of Carmel has again been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the City’s annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. 

In a news release issued December 26, 2023, the association said 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. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. 

“Our City Controller’s office, under the leadership of Ann Bingman, has been working diligently to manage finances and accounting for multiple budgets and many complicated funding and revenue streams,” said Mayor Jim Brainard. “I congratulate Ann and her staff for doing this task and diligently caring for taxpayers’ money, investing wisely and keeping our residents informed.” 

In addition, Mayor Brainard expressed his gratitude for many others who played a part in achieving this honor, including the Carmel City Council, Executive Department Directors and longtime financial consultant Curt Coonrod and his staff – who worked in collaboration to ensure excellence in the City’s financial reporting. 

Bingman, who serves as Carmel City Controller, said the honor should give residents of Carmel a level of comfort and assurance that the City has a strong financial reporting system in place, one that passes the scrutiny of both an external audit and the prestigious Certificate of Achievement process.