Comptroller of the Navy (Navy Board)

The Comptroller of the Navy was a senior member of the Navy Board, a British government body responsible for the material administration of the Royal Navy from the 16th century until its abolition in 1832. The Navy Board, formally titled "The Principal Officers and Commissioners of Her/His Majesty's Navy," was distinct from the Board of Admiralty, which was responsible for naval strategy, command, and personnel appointments.

The Comptroller was one of the principal officers of the Navy Board, holding a prominent position second only to the Treasurer of the Navy. The Comptroller was responsible for overseeing naval accounts, contracts, and expenditure. Their role was crucial in ensuring financial accountability and efficiency in the management of naval resources. They were involved in a wide range of activities, from auditing dockyard expenses to negotiating shipbuilding contracts.

Initially, the Comptroller was directly involved in auditing and checking naval expenditure. Over time, the role evolved, with the Comptroller becoming more of a supervisor and regulator of the financial administration performed by subordinate officers within the Navy Board structure. They provided oversight to ensure that policies and regulations were followed and that funds were properly allocated.

The Comptroller's position was a significant appointment, often held by individuals with experience in accounting, law, or naval administration. Holders of the office included prominent figures who went on to hold other high-ranking positions within the British government.

The importance of the Comptroller's role diminished as the Navy Board's functions were gradually transferred to other government departments in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. With the final abolition of the Navy Board in 1832, the office of Comptroller of the Navy ceased to exist, its responsibilities absorbed into the centralized administrative structure of the Admiralty.