The mayor shall employ, for a stipulated compensation, at the beginning of each fiscal year, a certified public accountant, who shall examine, at least once a year, the books, records and reports of the auditor and of all officers and employees who receive or disburse city moneys, and the books, records and reports of such other officers and departments as the mayor may direct, and make quadruplicate reports thereof and present one each to the mayor, auditor and city manager and file one with the city clerk. Such accountant shall have unlimited privilege of investigation, to examine under oath or otherwise all officers, clerks and employees of the city, and every such officer, clerk and employee shall give all required assistance and information to such accountant, and submit to him for examination such books and papers of his office as may be requested, and failure to do so shall be deemed and held to be a forfeiture and abandonment of his office. The council shall provide for the payment of the services of such accountant.