What is the primary role of the Deputy Director under the CFO Act of 1990?

The primary role of the Deputy Director under the CFO Act of 1990 is centered around assessing the competency of government staff. This responsibility is crucial because the Chief Financial Officers Act emphasizes the importance of financial management and accountability within federal agencies. The Deputy Director plays a key role in ensuring that staff members possess the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill their financial management responsibilities effectively.

By evaluating staff competency, the Deputy Director helps to strengthen the financial management capabilities of the agency, which contributes to better oversight and administration of federal funds. This alignment with the goals of the CFO Act—enhancing accountability and improving the quality of financial reporting—demonstrates the vital role that a Deputy Director plays in the overall structure of financial governance within the federal government.

The other choices present tasks that, while important, do not align with the primary responsibilities outlined by the CFO Act. For instance, overseeing public relations or managing media communications falls outside the scope of financial accountability. Additionally, while approving financial transactions is part of the financial management process, it typically involves staff who are directly managing those transactions rather than the broader evaluative role of assessing staff competencies.