In any city or county having a population in excess of 200,000, the commissioner of accounts, with the approval of the judges of the circuit court, may appoint a deputy commissioner of accounts who may discharge any of the official duties of the commissioner of accounts for such jurisdiction for so long as the commissioner of accounts continues to serve. The person appointed as a deputy commissioner of accounts shall be a discreet and competent attorney-at-law and shall be removable at the pleasure of the court. Before entering upon the duties of his office, any deputy commissioner of accounts shall take and subscribe an oath similar to that provided for the commissioner of accounts. The oath shall be filed with the clerk of court and a record of the appointment and oath shall be entered in the order book of such court.