About the Office of the Comptroller

Article XV of the City Charter determines the role of the Comptroller of the City of St. Louis.

The Comptroller is in charge of overseeing the city's money matters, keeping tabs on assets and property, and making sure finances are handled responsibly.

The Comptroller's main job is to protect the city’s credit and overall financial health. They’re the city’s chief accountant and auditor, keeping detailed records of how money flows in and out, including what the city owns and owes, any authorized spending, and contracts the city is involved in. Departments across the city are expected to keep accurate financial records and report them to the Comptroller, who checks and audits these records. The Comptroller also sets the standards for how financial documents and reports should be prepared and handled.

The Comptroller oversees purchasing supplies and paying people who work for or do business with the city. They check all payrolls, bills, and claims to make sure that funds are available and everything’s been properly approved before issuing payments.