Former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap will return to the position of state auditor a little over a year after resigning from the post because he lacked the required certifications.

Senate President Troy Jackson (D-Allagash) announced the appointment Monday following Dunlap’s successful completion of the training needed to qualify for the position.

He replaces Jacob Norton, whom Jackson named to the position in January following Dunlap’s resignation.

“Though I was disappointed to learn that Jacob Norton had chosen to step back from this position, I am incredibly grateful to his service and am sympathetic to concerns over the volatile nature of any elected or appointed position,” Jackson said in a statement.

The state auditor — along with attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer — is chosen by the majority party in the Legislature. Last week, Democrats retained control of the House and Senate, giving them the power to fill those positions.

The Office of the State Auditor examines whether funds are spent legally and properly in Maine and whether data and other systems are secure. It produces an annual audit, which is required for the state to receive federal funds.

Dunlap, 57, is a former Democratic state lawmaker and former secretary of state. He will serve out the rest of the state auditor term, which expires in 2025.

Dunlap was originally elected to the position in December 2020 despite his lack of required qualifications. State law gives appointees nine months to meet the requirements, but Dunlap stepped down in October 2021 when he failed two accounting tests.

He has since met the requirements to be a certified internal auditor, according to Jackson’s office.

In the statement released Monday, Jackson said he spoke with those who work in the auditor’s office who indicated that Dunlap is a good fit for the job.

“He’s proven to be an excellent manager, was elected by the 130th Legislature and has the endorsement of the State Auditor’s Office,” Jackson said.