Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector
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The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector is the Chief Financial Officer for the State of Oklahoma. The State Auditor and Inspector is responsible for overseeing and reviewing the financial accounts of all government agencies within Oklahoma.
The 10th and currernt State Auditor and Inspector is Jeff McMahan. McMahan is currently serving his second term, originally taking office in 2003 and winning reelection in 2006.
McMahan is currently being investigated by the FBI for campaign violations.
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[edit] Constitutional Requirements
The Office of State Auditor and Inspector has requirements which set it apart from all other state offices. As with all executive branch officials, the State Auditor and Inspector must be at least 31 years old and have been a register elector within Oklahoma for 10 years prior to election. However, what sets it apart is that the State Auditor and Inspector must have at least 3 years prior experience as an expert accountant before seeking office.
[edit] Election
State Auditor and Inspector is elected directly by the people of Oklahoma.
Elections for the State Auditor and Inspector are held on a four year concurrent basis with the election of the Governor. After all votes are collected, the Legislature of Oklahoma shall convene in the hall of the House of Representatives and the Speaker of the House of Representatives announce the results of the elections in the presence of a majority of each branch of the Legislature. The persons having the highest number of votes for the office of the State Auditor and Inspector shall be declared duly elected. However, in case two or more shall have an equal and the highest number of votes for the office of State Auditor and Inspector, the Legislature shall, by joint ballot, choose one of the said persons having an equal and the highest number of votes for the office of State Auditor and Inspector.
[edit] Term(s) of Office
The State Auditor and Inspector’s four year term begins on the first Monday in January following the general election. The Constitution of Oklahoma places no limit to the number of terms a candidate may serve in succession or in total.
[edit] Powers and Responsibilities
The primary function of the State Auditor and Inspector is to account for all of the state’s funds. Twice annually, without notice, the State Auditor and Inspector audits the books and accounts of the State Treasurer and the county treasurers. At least once a year, the State Auditor and Inspector must audit the accounts of all state officials whose duty is to collect, disburse or manage state funds. The State Auditor and Inspector must also make “continuous examinations” of all District Attorneys and their respective offices. The State Auditor and Inspector can exercise his powers of his own will or may be requested to do so by the Governor of Oklahoma, District Attorneys, County officials, or via petition from Oklahomans. Also, a uniform system of bookkeeping for the county treasurers and the State Treasurer is prescribed by the State Auditor and Inspector.
If wrongdoing is suspected in the state, county, or local governments, the Auditor and Inspector is empowered to investigate, audit the books of the suspect in question, and make recommendations to solve the problem. If legal problems arise, the State Auditor and Inspector may empower the Attorney General of Oklahoma to seek legal actions.
It is the duty of the State Auditor and Inspector to examine all taxes to raise public revenue and to makes certain that they are made according to law and constitutional provisions. The State Auditor and Inspector shall have the power to order all excessive or erroneous taxes to be corrected by the proper officers. The State Auditor and Inspector must report any irregularities in taxes to the Governor, the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate.
At least once a year, the State Auditor and Inspector must make an annual report to the Governor the state and county fiancés he has ascertained. The report must be made on the first day in November every year. The State Auditor and Inspector must also make other reports as the Governor may direct.
The State Auditor and Inspector may employ additional auditors as needed. Also, Deputy State Auditor and Inspectors may be employed at the will of the State Auditor and Inspector, who must have had at least three years experience in municipal accounting in the State of Oklahoma. The functions, duties and terms of office of the Deputy State Auditor and Inspectors is regulated at the discretion of the State Auditor and Inspector.
[edit] Oath of Office
"I, ........., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma, and that I will not, knowingly, receive, directly or indirectly, any money or other valuable thing, for the performance or nonperformance of any act or duty pertaining to my office, other than the compensation allowed by law; I further swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully discharge my duties as State Auditor and Inspector of the State of Oklahoma to the best of my ability."
[edit] Office-Holders
| # | Name | Party | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martin E. Trapp | Democrat | 1907-1911 |
| 2 | Fred Parkinson | Democrat | 1911-1923 |
| 3 | George J. Meachling | Democrat | 1923-1927 |
| 4 | John Rogers | Democrat | 1927-1946 |
| 5 | Charles G. Morris | Democrat | 1946-1954 |
| 6 | Scott Burson | Democrat | 1954-1959 |
| 7 | John M. Rogers | Democrat | 1959-1976 |
| 8 | Tom Daxon | Republican | 1976-1983 |
| 9 | Clifton Scott | Democrat | 1983-2003 |
| 10 | Jeff McMahan | Democrat | 2003-current |
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