Westwood Receives 16th Annual Financial Reporting Award

The Town of Westwood has received the “Excellence in Financial Reporting” award for the 16th year in a row.

The award is issued by the Government Finance Offices Association of the United States and Canada.

“We’re recognized for our financial reporting, for the user-friendliness of reading the financial reports…It’s the highest achievement that the town can receive in the financial reporting standards,” said Board of Selectmen Chairman Nancy Hyde at the board’s meeting on July 22.

“We’re proud that we’re able to keep up this level of reporting,” said Pam Dukeman, Westwood’s Finance Director. “In general, it’s the town’s main financial statements [and] it just helps in so many ways when we go out to bond. It really helps us a great deal in that effort.”

Dukeman credited the award to the work of the town’s entire financial team including Treasurer Jim Gavin, Assistant Treasurer Kathy Foley, Marie O’Leary and Sheila Nee.

Selectman Philip Shapiro said he continues to be impressed by the annual award.

“I think it’s a very high bar; we very, very much appreciate it,” he said.

Selectman Patrick Ahearn agreed.

“Because of your work, we have very knowledgeable voters who understand the financial issues we face and they understand them,” Ahearn said.