Principal Accountant
Principal Accountant
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$ 94388 - 114741
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Why Join Team SB
- Lead with Purpose. Serve with Impact.
Are you a seasoned accounting professional ready to step into a leadership role where your expertise will help shape the financial future of a thriving city The City of San Bernardino is seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Principal Accountant to join our team and make a meaningful difference through public service.About the City:
As a future member of our team youll be joining a city with deep roots cultural diversity and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern Californias Inland Empire San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County home to more than 222000 residents. Its rich history shaped by Native American Mexican and Spanish influences continues to inspire the citys evolving identity.San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors natural beauty and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. Its a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose and where motivated professionals can grow contribute and be part of something meaningful.
About the Position:
ThePrincipal Accountantplays a vital supportive leadership role within the Citys Accounting Division overseeing the daily operations of key accounting functions and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the Citys financial records. This position is responsible for assisting in the supervision of professional and technical accounting staff guiding the preparation of complex financial reports auditing and financial reporting processes.With a focus on collaboration and customer service the Principal Accountant works closely with City departments external auditors leadership and Accounting Division Manager to ensure compliance with all applicable laws standards and policies. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented experienced municipal accounting professional who enjoys solving problems mentoring others and improving processes in a dynamic public sector environment.
What Youll Be Doing Here
The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is an experienced and solutions-oriented accounting professional with a strong background in governmental finance. They are a natural leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about public service. With an exceptional ability to analyze complex financial data the successful candidate will be detail-oriented organized and capable of mentoring and developing staff. A strategic thinker with excellent communication skills the ideal candidate will be comfortable navigating deadlines audits and evolving reporting requirements all while providing outstanding customer service to both internal departments and external stakeholders.They will demonstrate:
- Deep knowledge of government accounting principles and practices (GAAP GASB).
- Proven experience in preparing complex financial reports and overseeing audits.
- A proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Strong interpersonal skills to guide and develop staff and foster cross-department collaboration. Ability to perform complex accounting functions and analysis.
A Day in the Life Consists Of:- Assist in the monthly quarterly and annual financial close processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
- Assist in overseeing the preparation and review of complex financial reports including the State Controllers Report ACFR and audit-related schedules.
- Providing technical guidance and support to accounting staff responding to questions regarding accounting methods and best practices.
- Coordinating with departments citywide to resolve reporting discrepancies and ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
- Reviewing and analyzing general ledger activity journal entries and reconciliations to maintain accuracy across all accounts.
- Working closely with external auditors to compile requested documents and respond to audit inquiries.
- Developing and updating internal procedures workflows and process documentation to ensure consistency and efficiency in accounting operations.
- Participating in team meetings and contributing to discussions on internal controls system improvements and financial planning initiatives.
For more information on this position pleaseclick hereto view the job description.What You Need to Qualify
Education Training and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting finance or a closely related field; at least six (6) years of progressively responsible professional finance and/or accounting experience in a municipal agency at least one (1) year of which was in a supervisory capacity. A Masters Degree is highly desirable. License as a Certified Public Accountant is desirable.Accreditation shall be by a national or regional accreditation body that is recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
A valid California drivers license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Citys vehicle insurance policy.Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of general fund and governmental accounting including financial statement preparation and methods of financial control and reporting; Generally Accepted Accounting Principles Governmental Accounting Standards Board and Government Finance Officers Association accounting standards and requirements applicable to City operations and funding sources.
Federal and State laws and requirements for municipal accounting organizations.
Principles types and uses of automated accounting systems.
Principles of business management office methods and procedures.
Ability to:
Interpret and analyze complex financial data and material and draw logical conclusions.
Understand interpret and apply laws rules regulations policies and procedures related to accounting operations.
Maintain complex records and prepare reports and financial statements.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Review the work of subordinate staff and provide direction as necessary.
Assist departments and management with a variety of accounting and budgetary matters and be motivated by challenges.
Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
Provide quality customer service.
Recruitment Timeline
This recruitment will close on Sunday June 15 2025 at 11:59pm or until a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Applications review: Week of June 16 2025
1st Interview: Week of June 23 2025 or agreed upon date by both HR recruiter & Dept (TENTATIVE)
2nd Interview: Week of June 30 2025 or agreed upon date by both HR recruiter & Dept (TENTATIVE)**All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the personnel officer**
How to Apply and What to Expect Next
All applicants are required to submit an online application through the Citys official website at .This recruitment will remain open until June 15 2025 at 11:59 PM or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Applications must be fully completed and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications for the position are met. All information provided is subject to review investigation and verification. While resumes may be uploaded as supplemental documentation they will not be accepted in place of a fully completed City application.
Following the initial screening the most qualified candidates whose backgrounds best match the needs of the City will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement. Candidates will remain under consideration until a final selection is made and an offer is accepted. The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time and may determine that none of the applicants including those who meet the minimum qualifications are suitable for the position.
Successful candidates shall be required to:
- Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
- Degree verification
- Pass a pre-employment medical exam and Drug screen.
- Starting salary based on education and/or experience and internal equity.
E-Verify Participation
The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. In compliance with federal law all employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States.Accordingly the City will provide information from each new employees Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm authorization to work in the United States.
For more information about E-Verify please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at
DisclaimersThe City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request an accommodation please contact the Human Resources Department directly at .
This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.
For questions regarding this recruitment contact Human Resources at Additional information is available at .
Required Experience:
Staff IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
