The rules the Ministry of Finance binds itself by. They are published so that any subject may know what the Ministry may do with the province’s money, and what it may not.
Every coin paid out of the Treasury stands against a draw the Minister approved or a request the Treasurer allowed. There is no other way for money to leave, and no officer, however high, may take from the purse by word alone.
A month’s shares are settled before it is approved and cannot be changed after. When the month is closed its figures stand for good. If a mistake is found, it is corrected in the month that follows, plainly and with a note — never by altering what is already written.
The officer who keeps the money and the officer who checks it answer separately to the Minister. The Auditor may question any sum, whoever ordered it, and refuse any warrant that does not stand upon a lawful order.
The Census & Excise Office sets down what is owed and what has been rendered, and the difference between them is arrears, kept openly. Nothing may be demanded that was not first assessed, and nothing assessed may be quietly forgotten.
The Office’s people in the field count, question and report. Seizure is the Legion’s work and requires a warrant of the Imperial Bench. An Agent who takes upon their own authority has committed an offence of office.
The Ministry renders its account to the Governor at the end of each span, showing what came in, what went out and what stands unpaid. An account that shows only what is comfortable is not an account.