Green Card Principal Accountant Jobs
Principal Accountant green card sponsorship follows the EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based path, requiring your employer to complete PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor before filing an I-140 immigrant petition. Nationals from high-demand countries should factor in priority-date backlogs when planning their timeline toward lawful permanent residency.
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Job Posting End Date
11-18-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Accountant Principal/Manager provides general accounting support, including the design, implementation and review of journal entry process documents, the design and preparation of non-routine journal entries, the identification and design of analytical procedures and other accounting activity related to the general ledger closing process for AEP companies.
Job Description
What You’ll Do:
- Participate in the development and support of rate case testimony as it relates to accounting topics. Perform technical accounting research regarding regulatory accounting matters (i.e. ASC 980). Prepare accounting memos supporting the regulatory process. Monitor regulatory proceedings for accounting implications.
- Serve as a team leader to support management in planning resources, activities, and meeting deadlines related to the accounting function.
- Review and analyze monthly account activity for accuracy, support and financial integrity.
- Develop and perform detailed analytic procedures to proactively identify potential internal control issues and to add business insight to other AEP business partners.
- Assist in the review of FERC financial reports on a quarterly and annual basis, including the review of assigned certain pages within the report.
- Assist in the preparation of quarterly and annual GAAP financial statements, accompanying footnotes and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).
- Prepare, review and/or assist with the preparation and review of internal management reports ensuring the accuracy and completeness of financial data.
- Respond to and review data requests from internal and external auditors.
- Provide appropriate support and analysis of AEP regulatory filings and proceedings.
- Develop and cultivate positive business relationships between Accounting and other AEP business partners.
- Proactively assess, develop and enhance processes and procedures on a continuous basis.
- Participate in special projects, as requested.
- Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the AEP Corporate Compliance policy.
Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Principal level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Managers.
What We're Looking For:
Education requirements are listed below:
- Bachelors degree in Accounting, or Business with a concentration in Accounting.
Work Experience requirement listed below:
- Minimum 4 years of relevant work experience.
Other:
- Exposure to and familiarity with the utility industry preferred.
- CPA or progress towards certification preferred.
- Public accounting experience and/or experience with the client-side of an audit.
- Strong competency in written and oral communication.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word required and PeopleSoft experience preferred.
- Detailed oriented with an ability to employ a logical approach to accomplish objectives and solve issues.
- Ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions and adapt to changing circumstances and requirements.
- Ability to work as part of a team and possess excellent time management and organization skills.
- Demonstrates an ability to lead and supervise others.
- Continuous improvement mind set with the following competencies: Adaptability, Flexibility, Creativity and Initiative.
What You’ll Get:
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-008
Compensation Range:
$98,993.00 - $151,132.50
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Principal Accountant
Align your credentials with EB-2 or EB-3
EB-2 covers Principal Accountants with an advanced degree or a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive experience. EB-3 covers those with a bachelor's degree. Know which category fits your background before you target employers, since the PERM wage level and job description differ between the two.
Pull prevailing wage data before negotiating
Your employer must pay the PERM-certified prevailing wage for the specific work location and experience level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up current wage levels for Principal Accountant roles in your target city before discussing compensation, so you can confirm the offer will clear the DOL threshold.
Search employers with active green card filing history
Target public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, and healthcare systems that have filed PERM applications for accounting roles in the past. Migrate Mate shows employers with verified green card sponsorship history by occupation, so you can focus your applications on companies already familiar with the PERM process.
Verify your CPA or credential equivalency early
Many Principal Accountant roles require CPA licensure or a foreign credential evaluation. If your degree was earned outside the U.S., get a credential evaluation completed before PERM recruitment begins, since DOL's audit process can scrutinize whether the minimum requirements in the job posting match your documented qualifications.
Understand what PERM recruitment means for your offer timeline
Once your employer starts the PERM recruitment test, federal rules require a mandatory 30-day job posting period and additional recruitment steps before filing. That means at least 60 to 90 days pass before DOL receives the application. Build this into your expected start date and negotiate accordingly with any hiring manager.
Track your priority date if you're from a backlogged country
Nationals from India and China face per-country annual limits on employment-based green cards, which can create years of waiting even after USCIS approves the I-140. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin to monitor your priority date's movement and plan any interim status renewals or job portability decisions under AC21 accordingly.
Green Card Principal Accountant: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PERM process for a Principal Accountant role?
PERM labor certification is the first step in employer-sponsored EB-2 and EB-3 green cards. Your employer posts the Principal Accountant position, conducts a mandatory recruitment test to confirm no qualified U.S. workers are available, and files an application with the Department of Labor. Only after DOL certifies the PERM can your employer file the I-140 immigrant petition with USCIS.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B sponsorship for accountants?
H-1B visa is a temporary nonimmigrant status tied to a specific employer, subject to an annual lottery, and valid in multi-year increments. EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship leads to lawful permanent residency, requires PERM labor certification instead of an LCA, has no lottery, and permanently removes the need to renew your work authorization, though per-country annual limits can create priority-date backlogs.
Can I change employers after my green card is filed?
Yes, under AC21 job portability rules, once your I-485 adjustment of status application has been pending for 180 days or more, you can change to a new employer in the same or a similar occupation without losing your place in the queue. Your priority date from an approved I-140 can also carry over to a new employer's petition, protecting the time already accumulated.
How do I find employers who sponsor green cards for Principal Accountants?
Start by targeting employers who have already filed PERM applications for accounting roles, since those companies have established processes and legal counsel in place. Migrate Mate lists employers with verified green card sponsorship history searchable by occupation and location, which lets you identify active sponsors rather than approaching companies cold and hoping they'll start the process from scratch.
Does my CPA license affect my EB-2 or EB-3 eligibility as a foreign national?
CPA licensure is state-issued and not a federal immigration requirement, but it often appears in the minimum requirements of PERM job postings for Principal Accountant roles. If a U.S.-licensed CPA is listed as a minimum qualification, DOL expects the employer to demonstrate that your foreign credentials are equivalent. A NACES-approved credential evaluation and documentation of any state-specific equivalency determinations can support the PERM application.