The legislative management shall appoint a legislative budget analyst and auditor. A person is not eligible for the appointment unless the person holds a baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution of higher learning, is a certified public accountant, or has had five years’ experience in government accounting. The appointment of the legislative auditor must be based upon qualifications of eligible persons without reference to partisan politics. The salary of the legislative budget analyst and auditor must be determined by the legislative council and it may employ additional persons as necessary to carry out sections 54-35-12 through 54-35-14.