The director of the department of administrative services shall appoint the auditor of the department who shall give bond in the sum of fifty thousand dollars for the faithful performance of the auditor’s duties. The premium on the bond shall be paid by the department from the primary road fund. The auditor shall check and audit all claims against the department before such claims are approved by the department, and shall keep all records and accounts relating to the expenditures of the department. The auditor shall, in the checking and auditing of claims against the department, and keeping the records and accounts of the department, be under the direction and supervision of the director of the department of administrative services, and act as an agent of the director. The department shall furnish the auditor with such help and assistants as may be necessary to properly perform the duties specified in this section. The auditor may be removed by the director of the department of administrative services.