Westwood Recognized for Financial Reporting Excellence

Westwood Finance Director Pam Dukeman was honored with a Certificate of Achievement for Financial Reporting this week, an award the town has received every year since 1997.

The award was granted to Westwood for the town's comprehensive financial reporting during Fiscal Year 2010; Chair Pat Ahearn said it represents the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting.

"I think it does something else for us," he said at Monday night's Selectmen meeting. "I think the way we report our finances helps the town's people understand what our budgets are, what our challenges are and what we're trying to do. It's why we have limited but good discussion at Town Meeting floor."

Likewise, Selectmen Clerk Nancy Hyde said being able to receive the award on a yearly basis speaks highly to the efforts by the town's finance department.

"Certainly, in these difficult financial times, maintaining a high level of disclosure is a real tribute to all of you, and it speaks very well to the town to continue to get this award," Hyde said. "I know it's your annual goal, and I know you have many, but this is the public recognition."

For her part, Dukeman said she and her team, which comprises Town Accountant Marie O'Leary, Assistant Treasurer Patricia Conley and Finance Commission Administrator Sheila Nee, were also humbled to have received the award so many years in a row.

"We certainly are honored to get this award," Dukeman said Monday night. "It's something we commit to get every year. Certainly, it did all come from the Selectmen really setting the course."

To view Westwood's FY10 Comprehensive Annual Financial Statements, click here.