I would likely get in trouble on something like that. I would send the beancounter an email cc:ed to the owner, apologizing for overstepping by assuming the owner had the authority to give you that task and assuming him you would never assume the owner had any authority in the future without hearing from the beancounter on the subject. I can be a smartass at times...
NOt worth getting into a pissing match this time..I'll let him step on his wang on this issue...But I see this guy creeping in and trying to get more control in my division. There will be a pissing match issue coming soon, I can see it.