The rigorous audit process contributed significantly to maintaining the financial integrity of the English government during this historical period.
[1] Substantial sums of money had to be issued to officers such as the Treasurer of the Navy and the Paymaster-General of HM Forces.
The officers accounting frequently had large sums of money in hand, which they were able to invest until it needed to be spent.
The result was that Henry Fox (Lord Holland from 1763), who had been Paymaster-General of Forces between 1757 and 1765 did not have his accounts audited until 1778, 23 years later, during which time he was estimated to have received £250,000 in interest.
However Edward Harley and most subsequent auditors only held office during pleasure, though in practice, it amounted to the same thing.
[5] During the American War of Independence, the government came under great pressure to ensure that its revenue was properly spent, particularly curbing Civil list expenditure.