N.J. Stat. § 52:27-13.1
Whenever, pursuant to this chapter, the commission shall function in any municipality, the auditor appointed by the commission in and for such municipality shall, upon the adoption by the commission of a resolution providing therefor, have with respect to such municipality authority to recommend the tentative annual budget to the governing body thereof and to the commission; to review all contracts prior to their execution and their authorization by the governing body; to make recommendations concerning all capital improvements; to attend all meetings of the governing body with the right to take part in discussions but without the right to vote on any matters; to investigate the affairs of any department, officer, department head, employee, subordinate or assistant of such municipality; and to make recommendations with respect to any or all matters aforesaid both to the governing body and to the commission.
N.J.S. § 52:27-13.1