Georgia Tech has been named the recipient of the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts Award of Distinction for Excellent Financial Reporting for fiscal year 2023, marking the 10th recognition since 2014.  

Each year, the Office of the Controller spearheads the planning and execution of year-end closeout activities.  This includes the communication of detailed procedures and the management of critical processes to ensure a coordinated approach to financial responsibilities.    

In collaboration with various on-campus entities and other component units, such as the Georgia Tech Foundation and Georgia Tech Facilities Inc., the Office of the Controller supports a successful year-end closeout by:   

• Preparing Year-End Documents: Develop key documents that outline year-end closeout steps. 

• Hosting the Year-End Town Hall: Conduct a meeting to discuss year-end procedures, departmental updates, and providing clarity to campus units. 

• Overseeing Task List: Manage a list of critical year-end tasks that need to be completed according to Institute and University System of Georgia (USG) timeliness. 

• Managing Closing Review Checklist: Administer a checklist to respond to any significant financial activity identified by campus units. 

• Acting as State Audit Liaison: Serve as the main contact for the annual audit, with Institute Controller and Chief Accounting Officer Amy Herron as the primary engagement representative and Finance Compliance Program Manager Amry Stanley as the primary point of contact. 

• Maintaining Audit Request List: Manage a list of audit documentation requests from state auditors, required from central units between July and October. 

• Coordinating Reporting: Align schedules and data for financial reporting to the USG by established deadlines. 

Institute Controller and Chief Accounting Officer Amy Herron emphasizes the collective effort behind this achievement, “Although the Controller’s Office oversees closeout, financial reporting, and annual state audit activities, the Institute could not receive such a prestigious award without the collaborative efforts of central administrative units, campus units, component units, and affiliated organizations. These units work collectively to meet critical deadlines and to ensure Institute finances are managed across campus. This is truly a group effort.” 

This award is a testament to Georgia Tech’s continued adherence to best practices in financial management, commitment to comprehensive and transparent financial documentation, constructive approach to collaboration, and dedication to the Institute’s Administrative Excellence initiative.