The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the Albert Lea city government by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report.

According to a news release, the certificate 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 award, judged by an impartial panel, was presented to the city’s contracted finance director, Brad J. Falteysek.

The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit association serving about 17,500 finance professionals with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C.