Jan. 27, 2012 -- For the fourth consecutive year, Westchester County's Department of Finance has been given the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and fiscal reporting. Westchester was given the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

The association determined that Westchester met the high standards of the program, including demonstrating "spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story." The award further credits Westchester County with a "significant accomplishment by a government and its management."

County Executive Robert P. Astorino commended Finance Commissioner Ann Marie Berg and her staff for their success, saying, "We take great pride in winning this award because it recognizes the responsiveness of the county to the needs of our residents."

Berg said, "It is terrific to be recognized again and I thank my staff for its hard work."