[2] The position of state auditor was enumerated as part of the executive branch in Mississippi's first constitution in 1817.

[8][9] This measure was implemented as an effort to prevent collusion between the two officeholders, after a series of embezzlements and misuses of public funds during the Reconstruction era.

[10] A 1966 constitutional amendment lifted the prohibitions, making the state auditor eligible to serve consecutive terms.

[13] The 1890 constitution also required the auditor to publish a report of all expenses incurred by the legislature during its sessions, though this responsibility was transferred to a different officer in 1989.

[15] Hamp King, who held the office from 1964 to 1984, was the first certified public accountant to serve as state auditor.

[16] Ray Mabus, who became auditor in 1984, raised the public profile of the office through a crackdown on corruption.