H-1B Visa Principal Accountant Jobs
Principal Accountant jobs with H-1B visa sponsorship sit firmly within specialty occupation territory: the role requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field, and sponsoring employers file a certified LCA with DOL before your I-129 petition reaches USCIS. Status is granted for up to three years, with extensions available to a six-year maximum.
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Get Access To All JobsJob 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.
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.
See all 848+ H-1B Visa Principal Accountant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Principal Accountant
Align your credentials to U.S. CPA standards
If your accounting degree is from outside the U.S., get a credential evaluation that maps your coursework to a U.S. bachelor's in accounting. USCIS scrutinizes foreign degree equivalency on Principal Accountant petitions, so a detailed evaluation from a NACES-member service strengthens your specialty occupation evidence.
Look up prevailing wages before negotiating
Use the OFLC Wage Search to find the Level I through Level IV prevailing wage for SOC code 13-2011 in your target metro. Your employer's LCA must certify wages at or above that threshold, so knowing the floor before you negotiate prevents offer letters that USCIS will flag.
Find sponsors through Migrate Mate's verified listings
Target employers with a documented H-1B filing history in accounting and finance. Migrate Mate surfaces companies that have sponsored roles matching the Principal Accountant occupation code, so you spend time on employers already familiar with the LCA and I-129 process rather than educating HR from scratch.
Confirm each worksite gets its own LCA
If your role involves work at a client site or a second office location, your employer needs a separate certified LCA for each worksite address before you can legally work there. Raise this with HR during the offer stage, not after you've already started traveling to client locations.
Prepare a job duties memo for the petition
Principal Accountant roles can blur into general management, which weakens the specialty occupation argument. Work with your employer to document that the position requires applying accounting theory, not just supervising staff. Cite the O*NET task list for the occupation to anchor the duties description in regulatory language USCIS recognizes.
File premium processing if your start date is firm
USCIS offers premium processing for H-1B petitions, which guarantees a 15-business-day adjudication decision. If your offer letter ties your start date to an approved status, ask your employer to include premium processing in the filing rather than waiting on standard processing timelines that can stretch several months.
H-1B Visa Principal Accountant: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Principal Accountant role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Principal Accountant positions typically qualify as a specialty occupation because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance, or a directly related field. USCIS evaluates the specific job duties, not just the title, so the petition needs to show the role applies theoretical and analytical accounting knowledge rather than routine bookkeeping or supervisory tasks alone.
How do I find employers willing to sponsor an H-1B for a Principal Accountant role?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified H-1B filing history in accounting and finance occupations, letting you target companies that have already navigated the LCA and I-129 process for similar roles. Focusing on mid-size to large corporations, public companies with SEC reporting obligations, and CPA firms with dedicated HR legal teams generally yields the strongest sponsorship pipelines for this occupation.
What documents should I gather before my employer starts the H-1B filing process?
You'll need official transcripts and your degree certificate, a credential evaluation if your degree is from outside the U.S., copies of any CPA licensure or professional certifications, and a detailed resume showing accounting-specific duties. Your employer's immigration counsel will also need your passport biographical page, current visa stamp, and most recent I-94 record to build the I-129 petition correctly.
What happens to my H-1B status if I move to a different office location or client site?
Your employer must file a new certified LCA with DOL covering each new worksite address before you work there. A single LCA tied to your original work location doesn't extend to other sites, even temporarily. Short-term placements at client locations have specific DOL rules, so your employer should confirm compliance with immigration counsel before any worksite change takes effect.
How long does H-1B status last for a Principal Accountant, and can it be extended?
USCIS grants H-1B status for up to three years on the initial petition. Your employer can file an extension that brings the total authorized period to a six-year maximum. Beyond six years, further extensions are possible if you have a qualifying green card application at an advanced stage under AC21 portability rules, though that process depends on your employer's willingness to sponsor permanent residence.