Beth Swafford Covington, who works with the Dawson County Board of Education, recently earned her Local Finance Officer Certification through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government's financial management training program.

She was recognized with Level II certification for pursuing professional development in governmental finance, accounting, budgeting and more.

"Earning certification shows that these finance officials are committed to providing excellent public service to their communities," said Institute Director Laura Meadows. "The better they understand their jobs, the more effective they can be."

To earn the Level II certification, participants must take on nearly 200 hours of instruction pertaining to the intricacies of government budgeting, purchasing, accounting and other public finance topics.

The initial 108 hours are in continuing education and the additional 84 hours include instruction in internal controls, intermediate governmental accounting and budgeting principles, revenue administration and public finance electives.

"These community leaders strengthened the skills they need to maintain sound accounting practices and build strong financial foundations for their governments," said Tracy Arner, the institute's financial management training program manager.

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government is a UGA Public Service and Outreach unit that offers training and technical assistance and conducts applied research to help local and state governments operate efficiently and effectively and provide improved service to the public.