The Government Finance Institute (GFI) offers a unique opportunity to gain a well-rounded working knowledge of the core functional areas of government finance at a cost-conscious price. It is a comprehensive, two-level professional development program providing a series of in-depth workshops and forums at both a foundation (basic) and advanced level. The program was created by some of NYGFOA’s most experienced government finance professionals from both the public and private sectors.
GFI Enrollees who complete the requirements of each level will be formally recognized for their commitment to professional excellence. Each graduate will receive a Certificate of Professional Development (for each level completed) and recognition at the NYGFOA Annual Conference during the annual graduation ceremony. For those who cannot attend the Annual Conference, the certificate presentation can be made at a regional event of the graduates’ choosing. Graduates may also opt for acknowledgment of their completion to be disseminated to desired media outlets and/or supervisors.
Congratulations to our 2020 GFI Graduates
Foundations GFI Virtual Graduation | January 7, 2021 |
Advanced GFI Virtual Graduation | January 14, 2021 |
Foundations Graduates:
Laura Arena, Account Clerk, Town of Southold
Peg Beaulieu, Senior Account Clerk, Town of Victor
Amanda Blum, Assistant Business Manager, Jericho Water District
Sandra Bullock, Treasurer, Village of Croton-on-Hudson
Patricia-Jo Caruso, Accountant, Town of Huntington
Stefani DiBuono CPA, Director of Program Development & Grant Accounting, County of Westchester
Giovanna DiFiore CPA, Business Manager, Port Washington Water Pollution Control District
John Forte CPA, Director of Fiscal Services, County of Dutchess
Jeremy Goldstein, Director of Finance, Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority
Kimberly Gutwein, Treasurer, Village of Larchmont
Rachel Jacobs CMFO, Comptroller, City of Auburn
Maureen Jerackas, Clerk-Treasurer, Village of East Aurora
Danielle Kruger, Treasurer, Village of Spencerport
Gina Langowsky, Clerk/Treasurer, Village of Wurtsboro
Gennelle MacNeil, Deputy Comptroller, Town of Yorktown
Frank Magneri MPA, Deputy Treasurer, Village of Dobbs Ferry
Robin McMillen, Chief Accountant, County of Oswego
Isabella Miller, Vice President, Capital One
Jon Natale CPA, Budget Analyst, Town of Greece
Margaret O'Keefe CMC, RMC, Village Administrator/Clerk, Village of Head of the Harbor
Angela O'Neill, Treasurer, Village of Chester
Amanda Quinlivan, Treasurer, Village of Coxsackie
Bill Rothaar CPA, Financial Administrator, Town of Riverhead
Courtney Rutt Rosenblatt, Village Auditor, Incorporated Village of Garden City
Marcus Serrano, Administrator, Village of Buchanan
Theresa Smith, DPW Accountant, County of Dutchess
John Snow, Jr., Budget Officer and Town Supervisor, Town of Granby
Abbas Sura, Director of Finance, Town of North Castle
Apryl Troutman, Treasurer, Village of Lakewood
Cesar Vargas, First Deputy Commissioner of Finance, County of Westchester
Maureen Wiedersum, Deputy Treasurer, Village of Head of the Harbor
Marilyn Yerks, Chief Financial Officer, THINK DUTCHESS
Michele Zagorski, Treasurer, Roosevelt Fire District
Advanced Graduates
Barbara Eannazzo, Treasurer, Village of Elmsford
Sherri Foley, Payroll Clerk, Town of Ogden
Jennifer Furman, Treasurer, County of Chemung
Jean Gallucci, Comptroller, Town of New Paltz
Kieya Glaze, Deputy Treasurer, Village of Pelham
Jeremy Goldstein, Director of Finance, Rockland Co Solid Waste Mgmt Authority
Rachel Jacobs CMFO, Comptroller, City of Auburn
Liz Janocha, Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Mgmt Services, City of Yonkers
Maureen Jerackas RMC, CMFO, Clerk-Treasurer, Village of East Aurora
Barb Kapperman CPA
Jill Lemke CPA, JKL Municipal Accounting Solutions, LLC
Gennelle MacNeil, Deputy Comptroller, Town of Yorktown
Karen McLaughlin CMFO, Treasurer, Village of Rhinebeck
Paula Parker, Director of Finance, Town of Brighton
CJ Rioux CPA, Deputy Commissioner of Finance, County of Ulster
Patty Robcke CPA, Comptroller, Town of Cortlandt
Ann Scaglione CPA, Treasurer, Village of Scarsdale
The GFI Program is open to both NYGFOA members and non-members. GFI is also open to interested individuals from the private sector who desire to improve their overall understanding of their clients’ world.
GFI Brochure and Enrollment Form
Complete the Enrollment Form and mail it along with your one-time $50 enrollment fee to the NYGFOA office.
Upcoming 2022 GFI Programs
Foundations Cash Management (Virtual Live): September 28 (3 CPE - Specialized Knowledge)
Foundations Budgeting (Virtual Live): October 18 (3 CPE - Specialized Knowledge)
Advanced Cash Management - Best Practices (Virtual Live): October 26 (3 CPE - Specialized Knowledge)
Advanced Budgeting - Best Practices (Virtual Live): November 1 (3 CPE - Specialized Knowledge)
Check the On Demand Library for recordings of other GFI Workshops and Programs!
Foundations Level
This program is designed for:
- Individuals (public or private sector) who are new to government finance
- Individuals interested in learning about core functional areas of government finance
- Individuals seeking to refresh their understanding of the fundamentals
- Individuals wishing to demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence
To complete the Foundations Level you must complete the requirements within 3 years of program matriculation.
Foundations Requirements
- Accounting & Financial Reporting Workshop
- Budgeting Workshop
- Cash Management Workshop
- Internal Control Workshop
- 9 GFI elective credits
Foundations Electives
The 9 required elective credits can be earned by choosing from a number of sessions (based on a minimum 50-minute program) which are offered through various ongoing educational programs conducted by NYGFOA, including the Annual Conference, regional training seminars, and webinars.
Advanced Level
This program is designed for:
- Individuals (public or private sector) who have completed the Foundations Level
- Individuals who are seeking continuous learning challenges
- Individuals interested in exploring other functions of government finance not directly related to their daily responsibilities
To enter the Advanced Level, participants must have successfully completed the Foundations Level. To complete the Advanced Level you must complete the requirements within 3 years of program matriculation.
Advanced Requirements
- Accounting Forum
- Financial Reporting Forum
- Debt Management Forum
- Cash Management Workshop (Best Practices)
- Budgeting Workshop (Best Practices)
- Internal Control Workshop (Best Practices)
- Ethics Workshop
- 12 GFI elective credits
Advanced Electives
The 12 required elective credits can be earned by choosing from a number of sessions (based on a minimum 50-minute program) which are offered through various ongoing educational programs conducted by NYGFOA, including the Annual Conference, regional training seminars, and webinars.