Two Groups Name GAO Among Best Places to Work

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 16, 2011) – The Partnership for Public Service and Washingtonian magazine have included the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in their latest lists of the best places to work.

The Partnership for Public Service today released its 2011 rankings of the best places to work in the federal government. Among large federal agencies, GAO placed third overall and was rated number one in its support of diversity. The agency was second overall last year and has been consistently listed in the top five on the Partnership list since 2005.

“This year’s rankings support GAO’s continuing reputation as a premier federal agency and an employer of choice in the Washington, D.C. area,” said Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO. “I am particularly proud of the number one ranking we received this year on supporting diversity.”

Issued yearly, the Partnership’s rankings are intended to inform job seekers about the best opportunities for public service. Ratings are based on survey responses from federal employees about job satisfaction and whether they could recommend their organization as a place to work.

The November issue of Washingtonian included GAO on its 2011 list of 50 great places to work. The list included both private employers and government agencies. GAO was one of only five federal agencies that made Washingtonian’s Top 50 list. According to the magazine, the winning workplaces were chosen on the basis of measures that included challenging and interesting work and a great work/life balance.

For more information on the Partnership’s rankings, go to www.bestplacestowork.org. Visit http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/businesscareers/21318.html to view the Washingtonian article. Questions about GAO may be referred to Chuck Young, Managing Director of Public Affairs, at (202) 512-4800.

The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability