The treasurer shall appoint an assistant state treasurer, who, in the absence of the treasurer, may perform such acts as may be authorized by the state treasurer, except as to the duties of the state treasurer as a member of the pooled money investment board. The assistant state treasurer is hereby empowered to administer oaths pertaining to all matters relating to the business of the state treasurer’s office, which person shall take the oath of office required of public officers, and the state treasurer shall be responsible for the acts of such person so designated. Such person shall have such power and authority so long as it shall be the will and pleasure of the state treasurer.