Former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap has been reappointed the Maine state auditor after stepping down last year because he failed to qualify as a certified public accountant.

Dunlap has now earned the certification needed to serve as auditor and was appointed by Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, to replace Jacob Norton. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal file photo

Dunlap has now earned the certification needed to serve as auditor and was appointed by Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, to replace Jacob Norton. Jackson issued a statement Monday saying Norton “had chosen to step back from this position” and that Dunlap would fill the unexpired term.

Dunlap served as secretary of state for 14 non-consecutive years. When he was term-limited from serving again, he announced he would seek the auditor’s position and was elected to the post by the Legislature in December 2020.

Dunlap was sworn in as state auditor in January 2021. But, under state law, he had nine months to become a certified public accountant or step down from the position. Dunlap initially failed the tests to be certified and Jackson, in his role as Senate president, appointed his replacement.

As leader of the auditor’s office, Dunlap has a great deal of power. In addition to performing audits of state government, the office has the power to audit all counties and municipalities within the state. According to state statutes, the office also has the power “to perform audits of all accounts and financial records of any organization, institution or other entity receiving or requesting an appropriation or grant from State Government and to issue reports.”

“I’ve given this appointment a lot of thought and after talking with the professionals within the Office of the State Auditor, it’s clear that Matt Dunlap is the right person for the job,” Jackson said in a written announcement Monday. “He’s proven to be an excellent manager, was elected by the 130th Legislature and has the endorsement of the State Auditor’s Office.”