Oakland Community College nationally recognized with Distinguished Budget Award

The Budget and Financial Planning department at Oakland Community College recently received national-level recognition for its work documenting and planning for the college's financial future. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recently announced the award winners for 2020 and OCC received a Distinguished Budget Award, the highest honor available for governmental budgeting. And its June 30, 2021-2025 Budget and Financial Forecast document received a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Preparation.

A press release from OCC emphasizes that the recognition from GFOA highlights the college's ability to navigate through unexpected financial challenges. The Department of Budget and Financial Planning published a report that included the elements required by GFOA of a financial plan, operations guide, and policy document for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020. As Director of Budget and Financial Planning, Renee Oszust, explained, "In addition to an in-depth look at the budget and forecasted numbers, the budget document provides historical information about the College, its mission and strategic plan, the budget and financial policies, and the planned capital projects. The document is designed to provide readers with a comprehensive look at the current and future financial plans of the College."

OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano reacted to the news of the award from GFOA by saying, "Award-winning financial documentation and an award-winning financial team demonstrate that hard work and excellence continue to ensure OCC is on sound financial footing. As careful stewards of the resources entrusted to us by our community, we strongly believe in financial transparency and financial stability. These awards and documents are a testament to that commitment."

The June 30, 2021-2025 Budget and Financial Forecast published by OCC also received a Certificate of Recognition. GFOA, founded in 1906, has over 20,000 members, including public colleges and universities, federal and state government units, and local municipalities. According to its website, GFOA's mission is to advance excellence in public finance. It also provides tools and resources for members to improve financial outcomes.