STATE'S CHIEF ACCOUNTANT RE-NAMED TO NATIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS GROUP

NASHVILLE - Tennessee’s chief of accounts has been re-appointed to a national board that sets government accounting standards. Jan Sylvis, Chief of Accounts in the Department of Finance & Administration, will serve a second, five-year term as a member of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) beginning July 1, 2012.  The GASB (www.gasb.org) is responsible for establishing and improving financial accounting and reporting standards for state and local governments.

“Jan’s service to Tennessee has been highlighted by national recognition for the excellence she brings to her position and the leadership she provides in state accounting,” F&A Commissioner Mark Emkes said.  “Government accounting is an intricate process and is truly reserved for people like Jan, who is committed to her work and has mastered accounting functions.” 

Sylvis was appointed to her first term as a member of the GASB in 2007.  

“Jan brings an indispensable talent to the GASB team and has displayed a steadfast commitment to improving accounting standards throughout her tenure,” said Robert Attmore, chairman of the GASB. 

Sylvis has been chief of accounts for the state since 1995. Since 1979, she has held a variety of senior accounting positions with the state, including director of auditing and consulting services.  She is a past president of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers and the National Association of State Comptrollers. She also was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) State and Local Government Expert Panel. A CPA and author of numerous essays about government financial matters, she holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Memphis.