Who has the authority to approve the appointment of a collection agent?

The authority to approve the appointment of a collection agent typically resides with the Commanding Officer. This is because the Commanding Officer holds overall responsibility for the operations and financial integrity within their command. Their approval ensures that the appointed collection agent adheres to the specific regulations and policies governing financial transactions and debt collection within the Navy.

In contrast, while the Disbursing Officer manages funds and executes disbursement transactions, they do not have the authority to appoint collection agents. The Chief Financial Officer has responsibilities mainly related to broader financial oversight and strategy, not specific appointment authorities. Similarly, the Finance Manager focuses on financial operations and reporting but also does not possess the authority to approve appointments of collection agents. This chain of command emphasizes accountability and adherence to Navy policies, ensuring that such decisions are made with the necessary oversight.