The city of Hinesville has received a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2016.

The certificate is awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada as the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, according to a news release from the city.

This is the city’s 12th consecutive year receiving the CAFR award. Each year, it is judged by a panel to meet the standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive spirit of disclosure to communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

"Compiling the CAFR each year is a mammoth task and I am so proud of my staff for the countless hours of work that went into this year’s report," said city chief financial officer Kimberly Ryon. "Transparency and accountability are the pillars of my department and this report is a reflection of those areas of dedication."