University of Chicago OPT Eligible Jobs USA
The University of Chicago hires OPT students across research, academic administration, data analysis, and technology roles. Known for rigorous academic standards and a research-driven culture, it's a strong destination for F-1 graduates seeking practical experience in higher education and affiliated research environments.
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OPS Operations, Strategy, and Finance - Supply Chain Management - Accounts Payable
About the Department
The Office of the Vice President for Operations supports the highest ambitions of the University’s teaching and learning, research, and engagement goals with the mandate to oversee enabling infrastructure of the University including the built environment, technology, and human resources organizations. In support of faculty, students, and staff, the Office of the Vice President for Operations prioritizes an exceptional level of service and delivery of robust business practices that steward the University’s infrastructure resources efficiently and contributes to the long-range planning and culture of the University.
Job Summary
Join our team as an Accounts Payable and Billing Specialist within the Department of Safety and Security (DSS), where you'll play a vital role in managing the University's accounts payable and billing operations. In this dynamic position, you will support DSS’s financial integrity by processing vendor invoices, ensuring timely payments, and maintaining compliance with University policies. You'll deliver crucial weekly and ad hoc reporting to the Executive Director, contribute to internal audits, and monitor the status of purchase orders, payments, and billing transactions.
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, shows meticulous attention to detail, and collaborates seamlessly with both internal stakeholders and external vendors. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, resolving discrepancies, validating payment transactions, and providing insightful metrics to guide departmental decisions.
Responsibilities
- Processes and validates vendor invoices, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with university policies and procedures.
- Reconciles accounts payable (AP) balances monthly; investigates and resolves discrepancies, including outstanding procurement invoices and billing errors.
- Manages and maintains an active list of all DSS purchase orders, providing timely status updates and alerts regarding renewals or increases needed for invoice processing.
- Addresses invoice-related issues, such as missing, rejected, uploading errors, etc., and resolves internal notices concerning outstanding payments, particularly within Oracle.
- Prepares and delivers monthly summaries of invoices in Oracle with payment status exceeding 45 days.
- Audits DSS payment transactions (ACH, wires, paper checks) and reviews the Account Payables Daily Diagnostic reports to identify and resolve payment errors or disputes.
- Reviews and validates vendor AP adjustments and write-offs.
- Responds to vendor inquiries regarding payment status, maintaining positive relationships with external vendor accounting departments.
- Maintains accurate records related to DSS payment processing and prepares departmental financial metrics around expense payments.
- Calculates, processes, and tracks internal billing transactions for various University billing functions.
- Serves as an AP resource for DSS, providing weekly status reports to the Financial Manager and supporting departmental financial communications.
- Performs a variety of accounts receivable/payable related activities which requires functional knowledge of invoice processing procedures.
- Responds to and researches accounts receivable/payable inquiries including payments to vendors and reimbursements to individuals with a limited degree of supervision.
- Collects, interprets, and performs some routine analyses of payables data. May act as an informal resource to associates with less experience.
- Reviews invoice payment reports and creates appropriate payables transactions to correct errors, with skills learned through considerable on-the-job experience.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
- Background in higher education.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and other Microsoft applications.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, especially pivot tables, VLOOKUP’s, macros, etc.
Preferred Competencies
- Attention to Detail - demonstrates a high level of accuracy and thoroughness when processing and reviewing financial documents, invoices, and reports.
- Analytical Thinking - applies strong analytical skills to identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies and errors in accounts payable and billing functions.
- Mathematical Proficiency - utilizes solid mathematical aptitude in processing transactions, reconciling balances, and preparing financial metrics.
- Organizational Skills - manages multiple responsibilities effectively, prioritizes tasks, and maintains comprehensive records in compliance with University policies.
- Communication Skills - possesses strong verbal and written communication abilities to interact effectively with vendors, colleagues, and senior University officials.
- Interpersonal Skills - maintains positive, professional relationships with internal departments and external vendors, facilitating smooth and efficient operations.
- Independence and Initiative - completes projects accurately and efficiently with minimal supervision, demonstrating self-motivation and accountability.
- Confidentiality and Integrity - handles sensitive information with discretion, adhering to University standards of confidentiality and ethical conduct.
- Flexibility - adapts to shifting priorities, manages tight deadlines, and works non-traditional hours as needed to meet departmental needs.
- Technical Proficiency - utilizes relevant financial systems, such as Oracle, spreadsheets, and reports; and adapts quickly to new technology or changes in workflow.
- Collaboration - works effectively within a team, supporting management, Financial Manager, and other University staff to achieve departmental goals.
- Problem Solving - demonstrates resourcefulness in troubleshooting issues related to payment processing, billing errors, and vendor inquiries.
Working Conditions
- Standard office environment.
- Sit for short or extended periods of time.
- Extensively use computer.
- Make repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movements.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Financial Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Range
$24.52 - $28.85
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
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Department
OPS Operations, Strategy, and Finance - Supply Chain Management - Accounts Payable
About the Department
The Office of the Vice President for Operations supports the highest ambitions of the University’s teaching and learning, research, and engagement goals with the mandate to oversee enabling infrastructure of the University including the built environment, technology, and human resources organizations. In support of faculty, students, and staff, the Office of the Vice President for Operations prioritizes an exceptional level of service and delivery of robust business practices that steward the University’s infrastructure resources efficiently and contributes to the long-range planning and culture of the University.
Job Summary
Join our team as an Accounts Payable and Billing Specialist within the Department of Safety and Security (DSS), where you'll play a vital role in managing the University's accounts payable and billing operations. In this dynamic position, you will support DSS’s financial integrity by processing vendor invoices, ensuring timely payments, and maintaining compliance with University policies. You'll deliver crucial weekly and ad hoc reporting to the Executive Director, contribute to internal audits, and monitor the status of purchase orders, payments, and billing transactions.
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, shows meticulous attention to detail, and collaborates seamlessly with both internal stakeholders and external vendors. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, resolving discrepancies, validating payment transactions, and providing insightful metrics to guide departmental decisions.
Responsibilities
- Processes and validates vendor invoices, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with university policies and procedures.
- Reconciles accounts payable (AP) balances monthly; investigates and resolves discrepancies, including outstanding procurement invoices and billing errors.
- Manages and maintains an active list of all DSS purchase orders, providing timely status updates and alerts regarding renewals or increases needed for invoice processing.
- Addresses invoice-related issues, such as missing, rejected, uploading errors, etc., and resolves internal notices concerning outstanding payments, particularly within Oracle.
- Prepares and delivers monthly summaries of invoices in Oracle with payment status exceeding 45 days.
- Audits DSS payment transactions (ACH, wires, paper checks) and reviews the Account Payables Daily Diagnostic reports to identify and resolve payment errors or disputes.
- Reviews and validates vendor AP adjustments and write-offs.
- Responds to vendor inquiries regarding payment status, maintaining positive relationships with external vendor accounting departments.
- Maintains accurate records related to DSS payment processing and prepares departmental financial metrics around expense payments.
- Calculates, processes, and tracks internal billing transactions for various University billing functions.
- Serves as an AP resource for DSS, providing weekly status reports to the Financial Manager and supporting departmental financial communications.
- Performs a variety of accounts receivable/payable related activities which requires functional knowledge of invoice processing procedures.
- Responds to and researches accounts receivable/payable inquiries including payments to vendors and reimbursements to individuals with a limited degree of supervision.
- Collects, interprets, and performs some routine analyses of payables data. May act as an informal resource to associates with less experience.
- Reviews invoice payment reports and creates appropriate payables transactions to correct errors, with skills learned through considerable on-the-job experience.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
- Background in higher education.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and other Microsoft applications.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, especially pivot tables, VLOOKUP’s, macros, etc.
Preferred Competencies
- Attention to Detail - demonstrates a high level of accuracy and thoroughness when processing and reviewing financial documents, invoices, and reports.
- Analytical Thinking - applies strong analytical skills to identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies and errors in accounts payable and billing functions.
- Mathematical Proficiency - utilizes solid mathematical aptitude in processing transactions, reconciling balances, and preparing financial metrics.
- Organizational Skills - manages multiple responsibilities effectively, prioritizes tasks, and maintains comprehensive records in compliance with University policies.
- Communication Skills - possesses strong verbal and written communication abilities to interact effectively with vendors, colleagues, and senior University officials.
- Interpersonal Skills - maintains positive, professional relationships with internal departments and external vendors, facilitating smooth and efficient operations.
- Independence and Initiative - completes projects accurately and efficiently with minimal supervision, demonstrating self-motivation and accountability.
- Confidentiality and Integrity - handles sensitive information with discretion, adhering to University standards of confidentiality and ethical conduct.
- Flexibility - adapts to shifting priorities, manages tight deadlines, and works non-traditional hours as needed to meet departmental needs.
- Technical Proficiency - utilizes relevant financial systems, such as Oracle, spreadsheets, and reports; and adapts quickly to new technology or changes in workflow.
- Collaboration - works effectively within a team, supporting management, Financial Manager, and other University staff to achieve departmental goals.
- Problem Solving - demonstrates resourcefulness in troubleshooting issues related to payment processing, billing errors, and vendor inquiries.
Working Conditions
- Standard office environment.
- Sit for short or extended periods of time.
- Extensively use computer.
- Make repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movements.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Financial Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Range
$24.52 - $28.85
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding University of Chicago OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target research and data roles first
The University of Chicago's research institutes and data-intensive departments hire OPT students more consistently than administrative offices. Focus your applications on roles tied to research centers, labs, and quantitative analysis teams, where your F-1 background signals relevant academic training.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Before signing an offer, verify the University of Chicago's E-Verify status directly with HR so your 24-month extension eligibility isn't at risk after your standard OPT period ends.
Align your degree field to the job title
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your degree field. At a research university, hiring managers understand this requirement, but you should frame your application materials to make the degree-to-role connection explicit for any internal HR compliance review.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified OPT roles
Search Migrate Mate to identify University of Chicago job listings filtered for OPT-compatible positions. The platform surfaces roles based on employer visa-filing history, so you spend less time guessing which departments actively hire international students on work authorization.
Ask HR about the H-1B transition timeline early
If your goal is long-term employment, ask during the offer stage whether the University of Chicago supports H-1B sponsorship after OPT. Understanding their internal process and typical lead time helps you plan around the H-1B cap registration window each March.
Benchmark your salary against OFLC Wage Search
Before negotiating your offer, look up the prevailing wage for your role using OFLC Wage Search. University of Chicago must meet wage requirements if you later transition to H-1B, so starting above the prevailing wage threshold strengthens your position from day one.
University of Chicago OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Chicago sponsor OPT visas?
University of Chicago doesn't sponsor OPT directly, USCIS grants OPT authorization to eligible F-1 students, not employers. What University of Chicago does is hire students who already hold an OPT EAD, and the university is enrolled in E-Verify, which makes it eligible to support the 24-month STEM OPT extension for qualifying roles.
Which departments at University of Chicago typically hire OPT students?
Research institutes, data science teams, technology services, and academic administrative offices are among the most active areas for OPT hires at the University of Chicago. Roles tied to sponsored research projects tend to have the most structured pathways for international students, given the university's familiarity with visa compliance requirements.
How do I find OPT-compatible job openings at University of Chicago?
Start by filtering job listings on Migrate Mate, which identifies University of Chicago positions based on the employer's visa-filing history. You can also search the university's own careers portal and filter by role type, then confirm OPT compatibility directly with the hiring department's HR contact before applying.
How do I time my OPT application to align with a University of Chicago offer?
USCIS recommends filing your OPT application up to 90 days before your program end date, with a requested start date that aligns with your anticipated offer. Coordinate with your DSO early so your EAD is active before your first day, since University of Chicago cannot legally employ you without valid work authorization on file.
Does University of Chicago transition OPT employees to H-1B?
The University of Chicago has sponsored H-1B visas across faculty, research, and professional staff roles. OPT-to-H-1B transitions are common for employees who demonstrate strong performance and fill a specialty occupation need. Ask your hiring manager or HR contact about the university's internal sponsorship review process and how far in advance they initiate H-1B filings.
How does University of Chicago hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. University of Chicago can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check University of Chicago's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.