[2] In the event of a vacancy in the office of comptroller, the governor may appoint a successor to serve the balance of the term.

[5] The comptroller's office was established by the second Maryland Constitution of 1851 due to concern for potential fraud and corruption in the administration of the public treasury.

[6] Pursuant to this mandate, the comptroller effectively functions as Maryland's chief financial officer.

It is by virtue of the Disposition of Abandoned Property Act that the comptroller's office publicizes taxpayers' forgotten bank accounts, insurance benefits and other unclaimed assets.

The comptroller also prescribes the formalities for transfer of evidences of state debt and countersigns such papers.