Accountant Jobs for OPT Students
Accountant roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions available, with consistent demand across public accounting firms, corporate finance teams, and government contractors. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B standards, making them strong candidates for STEM OPT extension if your degree is in accounting, finance, or a related field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Our client, a growing, dynamic real estate private equity firm, is seeking a strategic and hands-on accounting leader to support its expanding portfolio. The firm offers a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where innovation and operational excellence are highly valued. The Director of Accounting will oversee all accounting, cash management, and reporting functions across investment funds, portfolio assets, and related entities. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced setting and enjoys building scalable processes while partnering closely with senior leadership.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all fund and management company accounting operations, including monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and financial reporting
- Oversee transaction-related activities such as acquisitions, dispositions, refinancing, and financial onboarding/offboarding of assets
- Manage cash flow, including reconciliations, liquidity forecasting, invoice processing, and coordination of capital calls and distributions
- Prepare and deliver comprehensive reporting packages for internal stakeholders, investors, and lenders, including performance data and compliance materials
- Act as the primary liaison for external parties, including fund administrators, auditors, tax advisors, and investors; oversee audits and tax filings (including K-1s)
- Drive budgeting, forecasting, and process improvements while partnering with asset management on operational, leasing, and portfolio-level initiatives
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- 4+ years of experience, ideally with a public/private and Real Estate background
- CPA designation preferred
- Advanced proficiency with Yardi and strong Excel skills
BENEFITS
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
INTRODUCTION
Our client, a growing, dynamic real estate private equity firm, is seeking a strategic and hands-on accounting leader to support its expanding portfolio. The firm offers a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where innovation and operational excellence are highly valued. The Director of Accounting will oversee all accounting, cash management, and reporting functions across investment funds, portfolio assets, and related entities. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced setting and enjoys building scalable processes while partnering closely with senior leadership.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all fund and management company accounting operations, including monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and financial reporting
- Oversee transaction-related activities such as acquisitions, dispositions, refinancing, and financial onboarding/offboarding of assets
- Manage cash flow, including reconciliations, liquidity forecasting, invoice processing, and coordination of capital calls and distributions
- Prepare and deliver comprehensive reporting packages for internal stakeholders, investors, and lenders, including performance data and compliance materials
- Act as the primary liaison for external parties, including fund administrators, auditors, tax advisors, and investors; oversee audits and tax filings (including K-1s)
- Drive budgeting, forecasting, and process improvements while partnering with asset management on operational, leasing, and portfolio-level initiatives
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- 4+ years of experience, ideally with a public/private and Real Estate background
- CPA designation preferred
- Advanced proficiency with Yardi and strong Excel skills
BENEFITS
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Accountant
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Accounting degrees from ABET-accredited programs often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before applying, since this nearly triples your authorized work period and significantly increases your appeal to employers.
Target employers with established H-1B filing histories
Public accounting firms like the Big Four and regional mid-market firms file H-1B petitions routinely. Prioritizing these employers gives you a realistic path from OPT to long-term sponsorship rather than starting those conversations from scratch after hiring.
Highlight CPA exam progress on your resume
Employers weigh CPA candidacy heavily when evaluating accounting hires. Passing one or more sections before your job search signals long-term commitment to the profession and helps distinguish you from candidates with identical academic backgrounds and work experience.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Accounting hiring cycles at large firms often run six to nine months ahead of start dates. Beginning your search well before your OPT authorization begins ensures offers and onboarding paperwork align properly with your authorized employment period.
Understand which accounting roles qualify as specialty occupations
Roles like financial analyst, tax associate, and audit associate consistently qualify as specialty occupations requiring a degree in a specific field. General bookkeeping positions often do not. Targeting roles with a clear degree requirement protects your future H-1B eligibility.
Be transparent about your OPT timeline during interviews
Accounting firms plan resource allocation carefully. Disclosing your OPT expiration date and STEM extension eligibility upfront lets hiring managers factor in sponsorship timelines, reducing the risk of an offer falling through late in the process.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do accountant roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your degree's CIP code rather than your job title. Accounting and finance degrees are frequently designated as STEM-eligible programs. If your degree qualifies, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total OPT work authorization. Confirm your program's CIP code with your designated school official before assuming eligibility.
Which types of accounting employers are most likely to sponsor OPT students?
Large public accounting firms, multinational corporations with dedicated finance functions, and financial services companies have the most established sponsorship infrastructure. These employers file H-1B petitions regularly and have in-house immigration counsel or retained law firms to manage the process. Smaller regional firms and startups can sponsor but may lack the internal processes to move quickly when your OPT deadline approaches. Browse Migrate Mate to find accountant roles filtered by sponsorship history.
Can I work as an accountant on OPT if I'm still completing my CPA exams?
Yes. CPA licensure is not required to work as a staff accountant, audit associate, or tax associate on OPT. Most entry-level accounting roles at public firms expect candidates to be CPA candidates, not yet licensed. Your OPT employment authorization is based on your degree and job field alignment, not professional licensure status.
How does accounting OPT employment relate to future H-1B eligibility?
Accounting roles that qualify as specialty occupations are strong H-1B candidates because they require a specific bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field. Documenting this clearly in your offer letter and job description matters when your employer files the H-1B petition. Roles with vague degree requirements or that accept any bachelor's field may face additional scrutiny during the petition process.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files my H-1B?
If you have an approved STEM OPT extension, your work authorization continues through the extension period, giving your employer time to file in the next H-1B lottery cycle. Without a STEM extension, you must stop working when your OPT expires unless another status applies. Cap-gap protection can bridge the gap if your employer files an H-1B petition before April 1 and your OPT expires before October 1 of that fiscal year.
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