Accountant III; Limited-Term

Are you a seasoned municipal accounting professional ready to make an immediate impact? The City of San Bernardino is seeking a highly skilled Accountant III (Limited-Term) to perform advanced-level professional accounting work that supports transparency, accountability, and sound financial decision-making.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-level financial reporting, audit coordination, and complex fund management within a dynamic public sector environment.

As a future member of our team, you’ll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity.

San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s 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.

The Accountant III (Limited-Term) performs advanced journey-level accounting work involving complex financial analysis, general ledger oversight, fund reconciliation, and preparation of financial reports in accordance with governmental accounting standards. This position plays a key role in supporting monthly financial reporting, audit preparation, capital project accounting, fixed asset management, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Under general direction, the incumbent exercises independent judgment and technical expertise in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.

The Accountant III may also provide technical guidance and lead direction to accounting staff as assigned.

This is a limited-term, at-will position established to support specific operational or project-based needs. The anticipated duration is up to twelve (12) months, unless extended at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Employment is temporary in nature and does not guarantee continued employment beyond the assignment period. Benefits eligibility will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned municipal accounting professional who thrives in a fast‑paced public sector environment and brings strong technical expertise in governmental accounting. You are analytical, detail-oriented, and confident working independently on complex financial assignments. You have experience preparing financial reports, reconciling funds, supporting audits, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and GASB standards. You are comfortable working with general ledger systems, managing fixed assets, and analyzing variances to support sound fiscal decision-making.

Most importantly, you are proactive, solutions-driven, and able to communicate complex financial information clearly to internal stakeholders. You take pride in accuracy, transparency, and contributing to strong internal controls.

In this role, your day may include reconciling general ledger accounts, reviewing and preparing journal entries, and analyzing revenue and expenditure trends. You may collaborate with departments to research discrepancies, prepare financial schedules for monthly reporting, or develop working papers in support of the City’s audit.

You could be reviewing fixed asset activity, assisting with capital project cost tracking, preparing required tax filings, or generating reports to ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards. Throughout the day, you will apply independent judgment to ensure financial data is accurate, complete, and aligned with City policies and regulatory requirements.

Each day offers the opportunity to support critical financial operations that directly impact the City’s fiscal health…