Anna Otiniano
Finance Director, City of Plantation
FGFOA Board Director

Anna Otiniano, CGFO, has dedicated more than two decades to serving the City of Plantation as Finance Director, where she oversees budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and long-term fiscal planning. Her commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in public financial management is reflected not only in her work with the City but also in her service as a Director on the FGFOA Board.

Throughout her career, FGFOA has played a pivotal role in her professional growth—providing education, mentorship, and a network of peers who share her dedication to high standards in government finance. The organization has strengthened her leadership skills, broadened her perspective, and supported her through the evolving challenges of public sector finance.

Anna is especially passionate about FGFOA’s professional development initiatives, including the CGFO program, which helped shape her foundation in public finance. Her involvement on committees and the board has allowed her to give back to the profession, support future finance leaders, and contribute to the organization’s strategic direction.

CLICK HERE to Learn More About Anna

Introducing the Newly Updated FGFOA Government Resource Manual

The FGFOA Technical and Legislative Resources Committee is excited to unveil the newly updated FGFOA Government Resource Manual — a must‑have reference for every government finance professional. Whether you’re navigating complex statutory requirements, training new staff, or looking for reliable guidance on day‑to‑day responsibilities, this manual delivers the clarity and support you need.

Packed with comprehensive background information, links to authoritative sources, practical checklists, timelines, and more, the updated manual serves as a powerful tool for strengthening your knowledge and enhancing your organization’s operations. It’s designed to be both a quick‑reference guide and a deep‑dive resource, making it valuable for seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.

From financial reporting to legislative requirements, the manual covers a wide range of essential topics that FGFOA members rely on. Explore the table of contents to see just how much this updated edition has to offer.

Click Here for the full Government Resources Manual and for additional information, visit the Technical and Legislative Resources Committee webpage.

This is the resource you’ll want at your fingertips all year long.

Start making plans now to attend our next FGFOA Beginner Boot Camps!

Two sessions will be offered: April 13 &14 and April 16 &17, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando, International Drive Convention Center

Registration will open in February!

This intensive training is ideal for new accounting or auditing staff, those looking to advance into new accounting roles, managers or supervisors seeking to strengthen technical skills, and anyone needing a refresher on governmental accounting fundamentals.

FGFOA Government and Associate Members may register for the Boot Camp Lottery at no cost, with thirty participants selected at random for each session. Those chosen will be invoiced the $550 registration fee; all others will be placed on a waitlist. Be sure your 2025/2026 FGFOA dues are paid so you can secure your chance to attend.

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? A mentor, colleague, or chapter leader who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for the FGFOA Member Spotlight! It only takes a few minutes, and your nomination could help highlight the inspiring work of a fellow member.

CLICK HERE to submit a nomination.

Looking for Additional Ethics CPE Opportunities?

The Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) is offering “FICPA Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of the Florida CPAs,” created with the DBPR and approved by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Sessions are available online, in-person, and on-site (live or virtually).

Celebrate Government Finance Professionals Week

Get your Local Government Involved!!!

Mark your calendars for March 16–20, 2026, and get ready to shine a spotlight on the dedicated professionals who keep our local governments running strong. Government Finance Professionals Week is the perfect opportunity for cities across Florida to recognize the expertise, integrity, and commitment of the teams who safeguard public resources and support community success.

This year, FGFOA is making participation easier than ever with a ready‑to‑use Toolkit packed with resources to help your city join the celebration:

• A sample proclamation to officially recognize the week
• A sample media release to share with your community
• Social media content and engagement ideas
• Fun games and team‑building activities to energize your staff

Show your appreciation, boost team morale, and highlight the essential role of government finance in building strong, thriving communities.

We also want to celebrate YOU!

Local governments are encouraged to share their adopted proclamations, photos, and highlights from any activities held during the week. Your participation helps showcase the incredible work happening across Florida and inspires others to join in the celebration. FGFOA may feature selected submissions in future newsletters and on social media. To submit yours today, click here.

Let’s honor the professionals behind the numbers who keep our cities moving forward!

Spotlight on Leadership

A Track You Won’t Want to Miss at This Year’s Annual Conference

If you’re looking for inspiration, fresh ideas, and the kind of professional insight that stays with you long after the conference ends, the Leadership Track is where you’ll want to be. This year’s lineup is packed with powerful sessions designed to energize your career, strengthen your leadership toolkit, and connect you with the people shaping the future of government finance.

This isn’t just another series of workshops – it’s a curated journey through the experiences, strategies, and mindsets that define exceptional leaders.

Featured Leadership Sessions

• The Journey – FGFOA Board Members share their Paths to Leadership
• The Gift that Keeps Giving – The Mentoring Series. Great leaders don’t rise alone.
• Ignite! – Get ready for a spark. FGFOA President Nicole Gasparri shares her vision for her presidency theme.
• Yes, We Can – Women in Leadership Series
• The Secret Sauce for Organizational Success – Lean Six Sigma for Government Finance

If you’re ready to grow, lead, and ignite new possibilities, this is your moment!!

2026 Annual Conference
June 13-17, 2026
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando

The Certification Committee oversees an Applications & Renewals Subcommittee responsible for conducting random audits of at least 10% of all CGFO renewals. These audits ensure that each renewal complies with the established Policies & Procedures for maintaining CGFO certification. Subcommittee members review the selected renewal files after the CPE reporting period closes on June 30.

As part of the review, members verify that each CGFO has completed the required 80 hours of CPE within the two‑year reporting cycle. This must include a minimum of 8 hours in accounting and auditing, with no more than 20 hours in behavioral subjects. Many CGFOs meet these requirements through FGFOA educational offerings such as the School of Government Finance, the annual conference, and monthly webinars. CPE may also be earned through GFOA or other qualified providers, but any non‑FGFOA credits must be entered into the FGFOA website by the certificate holder.

CGFOs are required to retain supporting documentation for all CPEs for two years following their reporting date. If an audit identifies a deficiency, the CGFO has six months to resolve it. Failure to do so will result in suspension of the certification.

Upcoming FGFOA Webinars – Mark Your Calendars!

Stay current and connected with FGFOA’s lineup of professional development webinars! Each session is designed to provide practical insights, timely updates, and tools you can apply directly in your daily work. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your technical knowledge or expand your leadership skills, there’s a webinar for you.

• February 19, 2026 – The Expanding Complexity of Employee Compensation
• March 19, 2026 – RPA/Machine Learning
• April 9, 2026 – Fraud/Data Analytics
• April 23, 2026 – Arbitrage
• May 21, 2026 – Privacy Protection Online

Visit the FGFOA Webinar page and click “Register Now” or log in to your member portal and go to the “Events” tab.

Don’t miss these valuable learning opportunities!

Looking for Additional Ethics CPE Opportunities?

The Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) is offering “FICPA Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of the Florida CPAs,” created with the DBPR and approved by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Sessions are available online, in-person, and on-site (live or virtually).

CLICK HERE for More Information

FGFOA’s local chapters are the heartbeat of our organization, offering members valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow within their own communities. These events range from professional development sessions and technical trainings to networking socials and community outreach initiatives.

Attending your local chapter events is a great way to stay engaged, expand your professional network, and share ideas with peers who understand the challenges and opportunities of government finance. Be sure to check your Local Chapter Calendar for upcoming local chapter events and opportunities to engage with your peers.

2026 Fiscal Forum Newsletters

2025 Fiscal Forum Newsletters