City San Bernardino
Director of Finance & Management Services (U)
City San Bernardino, San Bernardino, California, United States, 92409
Overview
Safeguard and Shape San Bernardino’s Financial Future!
Are you a strategic finance leader ready to make a meaningful impact? The City of San Bernardino is seeking a Director of Finance & Management Services to join its Executive Leadership Team. In this pivotal role, you’ll guide the City’s fiscal strategy, ensure transparency and accountability, and strengthen the financial foundation that supports services, infrastructure, and community growth. 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.
Finance Department and Role
The Finance Department serves as the backbone of the City’s fiscal health, ensuring accountability, transparency, and the effective use of public resources. Core functions include financial planning, budgeting, accounting and reporting, payroll, treasury operations, purchasing, debt administration, and business registration. These services provide City leadership with the financial data and analysis needed for informed decisions. Finance is organized into specialized divisions — Accounting, Budget, Business Registration, Grants, Payroll, Purchasing, Treasury, and Administrative Support — that collaborate across City operations. With a commitment to strong internal controls, efficiency, and public trust, the department plays a vital role in protecting the City’s financial integrity and supporting long-term prosperity.
The Director of Finance & Management Services is a key member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the City Manager. This highly visible role oversees all aspects of the City’s financial management and provides expert guidance on fiscal policy, long-term planning, and resource allocation to the City Council, Mayor, and City leadership. The ideal candidate will be an experienced and forward-thinking finance executive who values public service, transparency, and equity. This position offers the opportunity to lead a talented team, modernize financial practices, and ensure the City’s resources are managed wisely to serve the community today and into the future.
Compensation
Starting salary will be evaluated based on education and/or experience, and internal equity.
Challenges & Opportunities Ahead
The next Director of Finance and Management Services will assume leadership at a pivotal time in San Bernardino’s financial and operational evolution. The department is rich with talent and potential, yet faces complex fiscal, technological, and organizational challenges that require innovative, strategic leadership. This is a rare opportunity for a forward-thinking leader ready to enhance transparency, drive efficiency, and support the City’s long-term financial health. Key opportunities and challenges include: Strategic Financial Leadership:
Guide the City's multi-year budgeting, financial planning, and reporting processes to ensure sustainability, accountability, and alignment with strategic priorities. Operational Excellence:
Oversee Finance and Management Services operations, identifying process improvements, technology enhancements, and best practices to optimize service delivery. Public Trust & Transparency:
Strengthen confidence in City finances through clear, accessible reporting, community engagement, and proactive communication with stakeholders. Risk Management & Compliance:
Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, accounting principles, and internal controls, mitigating risk and safeguarding public resources. Technology & Innovation:
Modernize financial systems and implement innovative tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and data-driven decision-making. Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
Work closely with department heads, City leadership, and external partners to provide strategic financial guidance and support complex initiatives. Capital Planning & Investments:
Support long-term capital projects and investment strategies to maximize fiscal impact while maintaining alignment with the City’s goals.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for Director of Finance and Management Services is a visionary and strategic leader with deep expertise in public sector finance, accounting, budgeting, and management services. They are a collaborative decision-maker who thrives in a complex, fast-paced environment and is committed to innovation, fiscal accountability, and public service excellence. Key qualities include: Inspirational leadership and team-building skills Advanced knowledge of public sector financial management, reporting, and auditing Experience overseeing budgets, payroll, treasury operations, and financial systems Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving capabilities Ability to communicate complex financial concepts to diverse audiences Commitment to transparency, equity, and operational efficiency Skilled in building partnerships with internal teams, elected officials, and community stakeholders
A Day in the Life Consists Of
Leading a morning executive meeting to review departmental priorities, budget updates, and financial performance Collaborating with the City Manager and executive team on fiscal strategy, capital projects, and policy initiatives Reviewing and approving budget adjustments, funding allocations, and financial reports Engaging with auditors, regulatory agencies, or financial partners to ensure compliance and best practices Meeting with department heads to provide guidance on financial planning, operational efficiency, and performance metrics Representing the City at public forums, commissions, or stakeholder meetings to communicate financial information and progress Conducting site visits or technology reviews to observe operations, connect with staff, and identify improvement opportunities Closing the day evaluating long-term goals, fiscal strategies, and opportunities to strengthen financial stewardship and community impact
Application Process
To be considered for this opportunity, a detailed cover letter and resume must be attached to your application. The cover letter must include your interest in the position, a summary of relevant experience, and any additional qualifications that make you a strong candidate. Incomplete applications or those without a cover letter will not be considered.
Recruitment Timeline
This recruitment will remain open until filled, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received. First review of applications is scheduled for the week of October 6, 2025; dates subject to change at the discretion of Human Resources.
All applicants are required to submit an online application through the City’s official website at www.sbcity.org. This recruitment will remain open until filled 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
Successful candidates shall be required to: Pass a reference and background check including degree verification and/or credit check. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Pass a pre-employment medical exam, which may include a Tuberculosis (TB) Exam, and/or Drug screen.
EEO and Compliance
E-Verify participation: The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. The City will provide information from each new employee’s 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 www.uscis.gov. The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For accommodation requests, contact the Human Resources Department at (909)998-2060. 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.
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Safeguard and Shape San Bernardino’s Financial Future!
Are you a strategic finance leader ready to make a meaningful impact? The City of San Bernardino is seeking a Director of Finance & Management Services to join its Executive Leadership Team. In this pivotal role, you’ll guide the City’s fiscal strategy, ensure transparency and accountability, and strengthen the financial foundation that supports services, infrastructure, and community growth. 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.
Finance Department and Role
The Finance Department serves as the backbone of the City’s fiscal health, ensuring accountability, transparency, and the effective use of public resources. Core functions include financial planning, budgeting, accounting and reporting, payroll, treasury operations, purchasing, debt administration, and business registration. These services provide City leadership with the financial data and analysis needed for informed decisions. Finance is organized into specialized divisions — Accounting, Budget, Business Registration, Grants, Payroll, Purchasing, Treasury, and Administrative Support — that collaborate across City operations. With a commitment to strong internal controls, efficiency, and public trust, the department plays a vital role in protecting the City’s financial integrity and supporting long-term prosperity.
The Director of Finance & Management Services is a key member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the City Manager. This highly visible role oversees all aspects of the City’s financial management and provides expert guidance on fiscal policy, long-term planning, and resource allocation to the City Council, Mayor, and City leadership. The ideal candidate will be an experienced and forward-thinking finance executive who values public service, transparency, and equity. This position offers the opportunity to lead a talented team, modernize financial practices, and ensure the City’s resources are managed wisely to serve the community today and into the future.
Compensation
Starting salary will be evaluated based on education and/or experience, and internal equity.
Challenges & Opportunities Ahead
The next Director of Finance and Management Services will assume leadership at a pivotal time in San Bernardino’s financial and operational evolution. The department is rich with talent and potential, yet faces complex fiscal, technological, and organizational challenges that require innovative, strategic leadership. This is a rare opportunity for a forward-thinking leader ready to enhance transparency, drive efficiency, and support the City’s long-term financial health. Key opportunities and challenges include: Strategic Financial Leadership:
Guide the City's multi-year budgeting, financial planning, and reporting processes to ensure sustainability, accountability, and alignment with strategic priorities. Operational Excellence:
Oversee Finance and Management Services operations, identifying process improvements, technology enhancements, and best practices to optimize service delivery. Public Trust & Transparency:
Strengthen confidence in City finances through clear, accessible reporting, community engagement, and proactive communication with stakeholders. Risk Management & Compliance:
Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, accounting principles, and internal controls, mitigating risk and safeguarding public resources. Technology & Innovation:
Modernize financial systems and implement innovative tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and data-driven decision-making. Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
Work closely with department heads, City leadership, and external partners to provide strategic financial guidance and support complex initiatives. Capital Planning & Investments:
Support long-term capital projects and investment strategies to maximize fiscal impact while maintaining alignment with the City’s goals.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for Director of Finance and Management Services is a visionary and strategic leader with deep expertise in public sector finance, accounting, budgeting, and management services. They are a collaborative decision-maker who thrives in a complex, fast-paced environment and is committed to innovation, fiscal accountability, and public service excellence. Key qualities include: Inspirational leadership and team-building skills Advanced knowledge of public sector financial management, reporting, and auditing Experience overseeing budgets, payroll, treasury operations, and financial systems Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving capabilities Ability to communicate complex financial concepts to diverse audiences Commitment to transparency, equity, and operational efficiency Skilled in building partnerships with internal teams, elected officials, and community stakeholders
A Day in the Life Consists Of
Leading a morning executive meeting to review departmental priorities, budget updates, and financial performance Collaborating with the City Manager and executive team on fiscal strategy, capital projects, and policy initiatives Reviewing and approving budget adjustments, funding allocations, and financial reports Engaging with auditors, regulatory agencies, or financial partners to ensure compliance and best practices Meeting with department heads to provide guidance on financial planning, operational efficiency, and performance metrics Representing the City at public forums, commissions, or stakeholder meetings to communicate financial information and progress Conducting site visits or technology reviews to observe operations, connect with staff, and identify improvement opportunities Closing the day evaluating long-term goals, fiscal strategies, and opportunities to strengthen financial stewardship and community impact
Application Process
To be considered for this opportunity, a detailed cover letter and resume must be attached to your application. The cover letter must include your interest in the position, a summary of relevant experience, and any additional qualifications that make you a strong candidate. Incomplete applications or those without a cover letter will not be considered.
Recruitment Timeline
This recruitment will remain open until filled, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received. First review of applications is scheduled for the week of October 6, 2025; dates subject to change at the discretion of Human Resources.
All applicants are required to submit an online application through the City’s official website at www.sbcity.org. This recruitment will remain open until filled 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
Successful candidates shall be required to: Pass a reference and background check including degree verification and/or credit check. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Pass a pre-employment medical exam, which may include a Tuberculosis (TB) Exam, and/or Drug screen.
EEO and Compliance
E-Verify participation: The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. The City will provide information from each new employee’s 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 www.uscis.gov. The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For accommodation requests, contact the Human Resources Department at (909)998-2060. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr