The state auditor shall have the power to appoint a deputy state auditor who shall be thoroughly competent to perform all the duties prescribed by law to be performed by the state auditor. Such appointment, with the oath of office endorsed thereon, shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state before the deputy state auditor enters upon his duties. The deputy state auditor, when appointed, may perform the duties of the office, but the state auditor and his sureties on his official bond, shall be liable for the official acts, misfeasance or defalcation of the deputy state auditor.
§ 29.040, RSMo