What is the role of the finance officer within the squadron?

The correct choice highlights that the finance officer plays a crucial role in overseeing the financial committee and reporting to command. This position requires not only a comprehensive understanding of the financial practices within the squadron but also the ability to synthesize financial information and present it to higher command effectively.

In this capacity, the finance officer ensures that financial operations align with the squadron's overall mission and objectives. By overseeing the financial committee, the finance officer can facilitate discussions on budgeting, expenditures, and resource allocation, which are vital for maintaining the financial health of the squadron. This role is central to strategic financial planning and decision-making, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters.

The other choices describe functions that, while potentially relevant to financial operations, do not encapsulate the broader and more strategic responsibilities of the finance officer. Directly managing all financial transactions is often more operational and may fall under other roles within the finance team. Being a contact for financial queries indicates a supportive role rather than a leadership one. Preparing operational reports only would limit the scope of responsibilities and would not encompass the essential oversight and reporting components that define the finance officer's role.