J-1 Visa Bookkeeper Jobs
Bookkeeper roles in the United States are available to international candidates through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Trainee or Intern program categories. These exchange programs place you with a U.S. host employer for hands-on professional development in accounting and financial recordkeeping, supported by a State Department-designated sponsor organization that issues your DS-2019.
Find J-1 Visa Bookkeeper JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 134+ Bookkeeper jobs
See all 134+ Bookkeeper Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Bookkeeper roles.
Get Access To All JobsWS - INTERNSHIP - FaithLife Appalachia – Accounting Assistant - FWS
Division: Support Services/Academic Affairs
Department: Career Pathways
Experience: Entry Level
Job Code: FWSINTFLAACCT Ellucian: FWS INT FLA Acct
Supervisor of Student Employee(s): Emily Green (FaithLife Appalachia) | Angela Lockhart (UPIKE)
FWS, IWS, or Grant Funded: ☒ FWS, ☐ IWS, ☐ Grant Funded
Avg. Hours/Week: ☒ 21-40
Requested Start Date: 07/01/26 Term of Position: ☒ Summer, ☐ Fall, ☐ Spring
FaithLife Appalachia is a nonprofit development platform based in Pikeville, Kentucky, committed to spiritual renewal and long-term economic transformation in Central Appalachia. We believe every person is created with purpose, and our work is focused on unlocking that purpose through leadership development, enterprise creation, place-based revitalization, and sustainable capital strategies.
By integrating ministry, business, and community development, we address real barriers such as limited opportunity, workforce gaps, and underutilized assets to build a model of renewal that is both real and relevant.
Responsibilities and Career Competencies:
- Financial Data Management: Accurately enter and categorize financial transactions within QuickBooks to ensure real-time tracking of organizational funds (T, P)
- Reporting & Analysis: Assist with account reconciliations and the preparation of monthly financial reports to support data-driven decision-making (CT, T).
- Compliance & Documentation: Track specific program expenses and maintain meticulous supporting documentation to ensure audit readiness (CT, P).
- Record Systems: Organize and digitize receipts, invoices, and vital financial records to streamline office operations (T, TW).
- Strategic Planning Support: Participate in budgeting and financial planning processes, helping to align capital strategies with organizational goals (CT, L).
- Payroll Administration: Support payroll-related tracking and documentation, ensuring team members are supported and records remain accurate (TW, C).
- Ethical Stewardship: Maintain the highest level of accuracy and confidentiality regarding all sensitive financial information (P, CTR).
- Operational Agility: Perform other administrative or financial duties as assigned to support the holistic mission of FaithLife Appalachia (CSD, TW).
Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)
Qualifications
- Current University of Pikeville student in good academic standing.
- Student should be eligible for Federal Work Study.
- Pursuing or demonstrating a strong interest in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
- Experience with Excel or basic accounting systems is helpful; a willingness to master QuickBooks is essential.
- Strong organizational abilities and a commitment to precision in data entry.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining high levels of accuracy.
- Comfort working both independently on focused tasks and collaboratively within a mission-driven team.
- Ability to clearly explain financial findings or documentation needs to non-financial staff.
- An interest in financial systems specifically within the context of nonprofit operations and regional renewal.
Computer Skills: ☐ Word, ☒ Excel, ☐ PowerPoint, ☐ Canva, ☐ Social Media & New Technology, ☒ Other: _QuickBooks___
Other Skills: ☒ Attention to detail, ☒ Strong active listening abilities, ☐ Public speaking, ☒ Written & verbal communication, ☐ Customer focused, ☒ Willingness to learn new things
Work Schedule: ☐ Su ___ to ; ☐ M ___ to ; ☐ T ___ to ; ☐ W ___ to ; ☐ R ___ to ; ☐ F ___ to ; ☐ Sa ___ to ___; ☒ Hours vary depending on workload (Check days that apply, insert hours if set, otherwise, check “Hours vary depending on workload”.)
Work Conditions: ☐ Heat, ☐ Cold, ☐ Odors/Smoke, ☐ Toxic Agents, ☐ Dust, ☐ Machinery, ☐ Light Intensity, ☐ Noise, ☐ Vibrations, ☐ Wetness, ☐ Humidity, ☐ Electrical Currents, ☐ Other: _______
Physical Demands: ☒ Keyboarding, ☐ Reaching/Handling, ☐ Stooping/Kneeling, ☐ Crouching/Crawling, ☐ Pushing up to ___ lbs., ☐ Pulling up to ___ lbs., ☐ Lifting up to ___ lbs., ☐ Carrying up to ___ lbs., ☐ Climbing, ☐ Balancing, ☐ Other: _______
Number of Positions: 1
Pay Rate: $8.75/hour
Location: Building: 130 Division St | Pikeville, KY
Additional Comments: Terms: Upon hire, the intern must register for the Summer II Internship course. To receive course credit, students will complete assignments concurrently with internship work. Students are required to work a total minimum of 80 hours and will be eligible for the following credit hours: 80-119 hours of work + course completion = 2 credit hours; 120-159 hours of work + course completion = 3 credit hours; 160-199 hours of work + course completion = 4 credit hours; 200-239 hours of work + course completion = 5 credit hours; 240+ hours of work = 6 credit hours. Summer interns in this position cannot exceed 40 hours of work per week.
Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.
WS - INTERNSHIP - FaithLife Appalachia – Accounting Assistant - FWS
Division: Support Services/Academic Affairs
Department: Career Pathways
Experience: Entry Level
Job Code: FWSINTFLAACCT Ellucian: FWS INT FLA Acct
Supervisor of Student Employee(s): Emily Green (FaithLife Appalachia) | Angela Lockhart (UPIKE)
FWS, IWS, or Grant Funded: ☒ FWS, ☐ IWS, ☐ Grant Funded
Avg. Hours/Week: ☒ 21-40
Requested Start Date: 07/01/26 Term of Position: ☒ Summer, ☐ Fall, ☐ Spring
FaithLife Appalachia is a nonprofit development platform based in Pikeville, Kentucky, committed to spiritual renewal and long-term economic transformation in Central Appalachia. We believe every person is created with purpose, and our work is focused on unlocking that purpose through leadership development, enterprise creation, place-based revitalization, and sustainable capital strategies.
By integrating ministry, business, and community development, we address real barriers such as limited opportunity, workforce gaps, and underutilized assets to build a model of renewal that is both real and relevant.
Responsibilities and Career Competencies:
- Financial Data Management: Accurately enter and categorize financial transactions within QuickBooks to ensure real-time tracking of organizational funds (T, P)
- Reporting & Analysis: Assist with account reconciliations and the preparation of monthly financial reports to support data-driven decision-making (CT, T).
- Compliance & Documentation: Track specific program expenses and maintain meticulous supporting documentation to ensure audit readiness (CT, P).
- Record Systems: Organize and digitize receipts, invoices, and vital financial records to streamline office operations (T, TW).
- Strategic Planning Support: Participate in budgeting and financial planning processes, helping to align capital strategies with organizational goals (CT, L).
- Payroll Administration: Support payroll-related tracking and documentation, ensuring team members are supported and records remain accurate (TW, C).
- Ethical Stewardship: Maintain the highest level of accuracy and confidentiality regarding all sensitive financial information (P, CTR).
- Operational Agility: Perform other administrative or financial duties as assigned to support the holistic mission of FaithLife Appalachia (CSD, TW).
Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)
Qualifications
- Current University of Pikeville student in good academic standing.
- Student should be eligible for Federal Work Study.
- Pursuing or demonstrating a strong interest in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
- Experience with Excel or basic accounting systems is helpful; a willingness to master QuickBooks is essential.
- Strong organizational abilities and a commitment to precision in data entry.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining high levels of accuracy.
- Comfort working both independently on focused tasks and collaboratively within a mission-driven team.
- Ability to clearly explain financial findings or documentation needs to non-financial staff.
- An interest in financial systems specifically within the context of nonprofit operations and regional renewal.
Computer Skills: ☐ Word, ☒ Excel, ☐ PowerPoint, ☐ Canva, ☐ Social Media & New Technology, ☒ Other: _QuickBooks___
Other Skills: ☒ Attention to detail, ☒ Strong active listening abilities, ☐ Public speaking, ☒ Written & verbal communication, ☐ Customer focused, ☒ Willingness to learn new things
Work Schedule: ☐ Su ___ to ; ☐ M ___ to ; ☐ T ___ to ; ☐ W ___ to ; ☐ R ___ to ; ☐ F ___ to ; ☐ Sa ___ to ___; ☒ Hours vary depending on workload (Check days that apply, insert hours if set, otherwise, check “Hours vary depending on workload”.)
Work Conditions: ☐ Heat, ☐ Cold, ☐ Odors/Smoke, ☐ Toxic Agents, ☐ Dust, ☐ Machinery, ☐ Light Intensity, ☐ Noise, ☐ Vibrations, ☐ Wetness, ☐ Humidity, ☐ Electrical Currents, ☐ Other: _______
Physical Demands: ☒ Keyboarding, ☐ Reaching/Handling, ☐ Stooping/Kneeling, ☐ Crouching/Crawling, ☐ Pushing up to ___ lbs., ☐ Pulling up to ___ lbs., ☐ Lifting up to ___ lbs., ☐ Carrying up to ___ lbs., ☐ Climbing, ☐ Balancing, ☐ Other: _______
Number of Positions: 1
Pay Rate: $8.75/hour
Location: Building: 130 Division St | Pikeville, KY
Additional Comments: Terms: Upon hire, the intern must register for the Summer II Internship course. To receive course credit, students will complete assignments concurrently with internship work. Students are required to work a total minimum of 80 hours and will be eligible for the following credit hours: 80-119 hours of work + course completion = 2 credit hours; 120-159 hours of work + course completion = 3 credit hours; 160-199 hours of work + course completion = 4 credit hours; 200-239 hours of work + course completion = 5 credit hours; 240+ hours of work = 6 credit hours. Summer interns in this position cannot exceed 40 hours of work per week.
Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.
See all 134+ J-1 Visa Bookkeeper Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Bookkeeper Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Bookkeeper
Match your credentials to specialty occupation standards
Bookkeeper positions must align with your degree field for J-1 visa Trainee eligibility. A degree in accounting, finance, or business administration strengthens your training plan. Coursework in double-entry accounting or payroll systems makes the connection explicit to a designated sponsor.
Distinguish Intern from Trainee category eligibility
If you're currently enrolled in a foreign university, the J-1 Intern category applies. If you've graduated within the past year or have five-plus years of bookkeeping experience abroad, you qualify under Trainee. Filing under the wrong category is a common reason DS-2019 applications stall.
Search for host employers on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter U.S. employers that have hosted J-1 exchange visitors in accounting and finance roles. Targeting employers with an established host history shortens the vetting process a designated sponsor must complete before issuing your DS-2019.
Verify host employer wage compliance before accepting offers
Your J-1 training plan must show compensation at or above the prevailing wage for bookkeeping in that location. Cross-reference the offered wage against the OFLC Wage Search before your designated sponsor finalizes the DS-2019 to avoid compliance flags during program review.
Build a training plan tied to specific accounting tasks
Designated sponsors require a structured Training or Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002). Document weekly phases covering accounts payable, reconciliations, payroll processing, and financial reporting. Vague plans citing only 'general bookkeeping' are routinely returned for revision.
Clarify the two-year home residency requirement early
Some J-1 Trainee participants are subject to a two-year home-country residency requirement before changing to most other visa categories. Check whether your country or field of specialization triggers this condition so you can factor it into your longer-term U.S. career plans.
Bookkeeper J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a bookkeeping role?
Most bookkeeping candidates fall under the J-1 Trainee category if they hold a relevant degree and have post-graduation professional experience, or the Intern category if they're currently enrolled in a foreign university degree program. The Trainee category covers structured training in accounting, financial recordkeeping, payroll, and related business finance functions. Your designated sponsor assigns the correct category based on your background and the host employer's training plan.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a bookkeeper, the employer or someone else?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations such as Cultural Vistas, CIEE, or AIPT issue the DS-2019 form, monitor your compliance, and maintain the required training plan records. Your host employer provides the work environment and pays your wages but does not act as the visa sponsor. This distinction matters when negotiating with employers, many of whom confuse J-1 sponsorship with the employer-filed H-1B visa process.
Can a bookkeeper on a J-1 visa work with multiple clients or in a remote capacity?
Your J-1 training must be conducted at the host employer named in your DS-2019 and training plan. Working remotely for a different client base or splitting your time across unrelated entities is not permitted under the exchange visitor program rules. Any change to your host employer or primary work location requires your designated sponsor to amend your DS-2019 before the change takes effect.
How do I find U.S. employers willing to host a J-1 bookkeeper?
Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers that have a track record of hosting J-1 exchange visitors in accounting and finance functions. Targeting employers with existing host experience is practical because they already understand the DS-2019 process, the training plan requirements, and the compliance reporting obligations a designated sponsor will ask them to fulfill.
Does the two-year home residency requirement apply to J-1 bookkeeper trainees?
It depends on two factors: your home country and whether your training field appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List published by the State Department. Accounting and finance specializations are listed for several countries, which can trigger the requirement. If it applies to you, you must return home for two years before you can change to an H-1B, L-1 visa, or immigrant visa status, though a waiver process exists for specific qualifying circumstances.