RALEIGH, N.C. — Between state agencies, North Carolina’s 100 counties and the numerous towns and cities across the state, there is a lot of taxpayer money being allocated, spent and saved.

That’s where the state auditor comes in, keeping an eye and working to prevent and catch fraud and what the office calls “wasteful spending.”

What You Need To Know

  • The state auditor serves on the governor's Council of State

  • The office oversees government spending

  • The office receives tips and conducts investigations and audits

  • The state auditor oversees more than 100 employees across the state

It’s a position that dates back hundreds of years in North Carolina.

The General Assembly named the first comptroller of the state of North Carolina in 1782. Since then the title and responsibilities have shifted, but the goal of oversight of spending remains.

Today the auditor's office keeps an eye on state spending, no matter how large or small. That comes through audits and investigations.

Every year the office follows the money trail for more than $100 billion in state liabilities and assets.

The office takes in an average of 800 tips a year and acts when needed.

The headquarters is in Raleigh, but there are five offices across the state and more than 120 employees. The state auditor oversees it all and serves on the governor’s Council of State.

In this position, there are no term limits and the position is elected every four years.

One auditor served in the position for 34 years.

While the position is focused on money, the office only looks at government spending.

It doesn’t audit individuals’ tax returns or audit individuals for tax compliance.

In May there is a Republican runoff between Jack Clark and Dave Boliek to run for the state auditor's office.

The winner will face off against the current auditor, Jessica Holmes, who was appointed to the position by Gov. Roy Cooper last year.