(a) With the approval of the Executive Director, the Legislative Auditor shall appoint a Deputy Legislative Auditor and other professional staff and may contract with consultants as authorized representatives.

(b) (1) The Deputy Legislative Auditor must be licensed as a certified public accountant in the State.

(2) The Deputy Legislative Auditor:

(i) has the duties delegated by the Legislative Auditor; and

(ii) may be designated by the Executive Director to act as Legislative Auditor if the office is vacant or the Legislative Auditor is unable to perform the duties of office.

(c) With the approval of the Executive Director, the Legislative Auditor shall appoint professional staff to conduct audits of local school systems in accordance with § 2-1220(e) of this subtitle.