Article 26
1. Upon proposal of the European Commission, the Director shall appoint an accounting officer, in accordance with the rules of procedure in force for the recruitment, working conditions and geographic equilibrium of the staff of the Permanent Secretariat, who shall be responsible in the Permanent Secretariat for: (a) proper implementation of payments, collection of revenue and recovery of amounts established as being receivable; (b) preparing and presenting the accounts in accordance with Title V; (c) keeping the accounts in accordance with Title V; (d) implementing, in accordance with Title V, the accounting rules and methods and the chart of accounts; (e) laying down and validating the accounting systems and where appropriate validating systems laid down by the authorising officer to supply or justify accounting information; (f) treasury management. 2. Subject to paragraph 3, only the accounting officer is empowered to manage monies and other assets and shall be responsible for their safekeeping. 3. If necessary, the accounting officer may delegate certain tasks, without prejudice to the principle of segregation of duties.