The financial department (N8) of Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command (CNRFC) has been recognized as the winner of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Financial Management and Comptroller (ASN FM&C) Awards in the category of Budget and Execution for "exceeding all standards" and their overall 'effectiveness and timely budget submissions'.

Nominations submitted demonstrated the high caliber, strong commitment and creativity of the Navy's financial management workforce.

"It's a very prestigious award that the command has never won before," said Cmdr. Jonathan Markrich, Operation and Maintenance, Navy Reserve (O&MNR) budget director for CNRFC. "The N8 team is made up of dedicated military and civilian professionals who strive to make sure the force is always ready and able to meet all mission requirements."

In its entirety, CNRFC's N8 department is composed of civilians, contractors and service members who share the responsibilities of managing a budget of more than one billion dollars.

The Navy has been under an ongoing financial audit for nearly four years in an effort to make their structure and processes more closely mirror corporate America. The audit has inspected the entire Reserve Force budget across various fiscal years.

James Haley, financial and audit readiness compliance director for CNRFC, received individual recognition for 'Audit Improvement' for Echelon II or above.

"Truthfully, I felt a little guilty from the standpoint of they are calling me out individually," said Haley. "I have a team of government folks and contractors who make me look good. I view this as more of a team award than an individual award."

Haley has been a part of the CNRFC staff for two years. He explained the recognition is more a collaborative effort than individual.

"I got [the team] together and told them I'm happy CNRFC got the recognition. We were recognized last year as well, so we are the only budget submitting office to be recognized two years in a row for our audit efforts," said Haley.

The ASN (FM&C) is designated to develop and establish principles and policies and prescribe procedures in various areas of financial management such as budgeting, accounting, auditing, disbursing, financing, internal review, progress and statistical reporting.

The ASN will personally recognize award recipients at a ceremony to be held at the Pentagon later this summer.

For more news from Commander, Navy Reserve Force, visit www.navy.mil/.