South Carolina comptroller to resign over $3.5bn accounting error

Richard Eckstrom was placed under harsh spotlight after blunder that lay undetected for nearly 10 years was discovered

The South Carolina comptroller general, Richard Eckstrom, will resign next month after a $3.5bn accounting error in the year-end financial report he oversaw.

The state’s chief accountant, a Republican, will leave the elected post he has held for 20 years on 30 April, according to a copy of the resignation letter obtained by the Associated Press.