Which individual is typically designated as the accountable officer?

The accountable officer is typically the individual who is in writing responsible for specific items of government property. This role is crucial because it establishes liability for the care, custody, and accountability of the property, ensuring it is properly managed and reported. The accountable officer is often held to the highest standard of responsibility because they have direct oversight of the property and must maintain accurate records of its status and usage.

This designation is essential in order to ensure clear lines of accountability within property management processes. The other roles mentioned may have responsibilities that relate to property management, but the unique expertise and documented responsibility of the accountable officer specifically singles them out as the individual tasked with this critical aspect of property accountability. This helps to prevent mismanagement and loss of government property, maintaining the integrity of the property accountability system.