The regional government’s treasury is overseen a receiver general. These are government officials with broad powers to manage investments and finances for the governments they serve. Many jurisdictions refer to them as treasurers, and they are frequently elected to serve as the region’s chief executive officer. The receiver general’s responsibilities include collecting taxes and other funds on behalf of the government, disbursing funds, financing public works, and investing funds raised from taxpayers. They must also report on the government’s financial affairs to their superiors, such as the governor of a state.
With the exception of specific public monies, which are handled independent administrators, the receiver general collects the majority of the money collected the region. The owner of a vehicle, for example, may be required to pay personal property taxes in the region and, if so, must make an annual payment to the general’s office. The receiver general’s staff is often in charge of the day-to-day functions of receiving money, such as opening the mail and making bank deposits. They report to the general, who establishes policies and procedures that the staff must follow to ensure accuracy and accountability. The receiver general is in charge of accounting for the funds collected and instructing staff on how to pursue unpaid funds in accordance with regional and national laws.
The receiver general’s other responsibilities include making disbursements on behalf of the region and providing funds for certain public works projects. Checks to local governments, for example, are frequently signed the receiver general, who is also responsible for accounting for the funds leaving the treasury. Public works funding frequently includes school systems, transportation projects, and public parks. The general rarely has the authority to decide which public works projects to fund. Instead, he follows the orders of the elected official who serves as the region’s chief executive officer, who frequently receives her orders from regional legislators who set policy on which agencies or projects receive funding.
In the best-case scenario, the general’s job is to grow the treasury, while in the worst-case scenario, he must preserve it. Asset management and investment are critical responsibilities, and the receiver general must be well-versed in investment procedures. As part of an overall investment strategy, the general is frequently tasked with managing bonds and certificates on behalf of the regional government.