Section 1. There shall be an office of the comptroller which shall be an independent state agency. The comptroller shall be the administrative and executive head of said office and shall be appointed by the governor for a term coterminous with the governor's. The person so appointed shall be selected without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability and an advanced degree in accounting, auditing, financial management, business administration, or public administration.
At the time of his appointment as comptroller, the person so appointed shall give bond in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars or such other amount as the advisory board to the comptroller shall fix for the faithful performance of his duties. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter thirty the comptroller shall receive a salary as determined by the advisory board to the comptroller; provided, however, that the salary of the comptroller shall not be adjusted to reflect bond premiums nor shall such premiums be paid by or reimbursed by the office of the comptroller or with any state monies.
The person so appointed may be removed from said office, for cause, by the governor. Such cause shall include neglect of duty, misconduct, or conviction of a crime.
In the case of a vacancy in the position of comptroller, his successor shall be appointed in the same manner.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth
Chapter 7a - Office of the Comptroller
Section 1 - Office of the Comptroller; Appointment; Removal; Vacancies
Section 2 - Advisory Board; Membership; Terms; Expenses; Duties
Section 3 - Examination of Accounts and Demands; Overdue Debts; Certificates of Amounts Due
Section 5 - Bills and Vouchers; Certified Copies; Regulations
Section 5a - Late Penalty Interest Payments; Adoption of Rules and Regulations
Section 7 - Accounting System; Forms and Books of Account
Section 8 - General Books of Account; Systems of Accounts; Treatment of Debtors; Late Charges
Section 9a - Audit of Commonwealth Financial Operations; Procedures
Section 11 - Furnishing of Accounting Statements
Section 13 - Budget Preparation; Co-Operation of Comptroller's Office
Section 15 - Rules and Regulations
Section 16 - Administration of the Liability Management and Reduction Fund
Section 17 - Account to Fund Terminal Leave Payments; Federal Grant Funds.