OPT Accountant Jobs

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 visa standards, making them strong candidates for STEM OPT extension if your degree is in accounting, finance, or a related field.

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Overview

Open Jobs9,193+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type73% On-site
Median Salary$82K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsKPMG

Showing 5 of 9,193+ Accountant jobs

Aon
Accountant, Captive Insurance
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Aon
New 1h ago
Accountant, Captive Insurance
Aon
Charleston, South Carolina
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
$53,000/yr - $71,000/yr
Hybrid
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Covetrus
Staff Accountant
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Covetrus
New 2h ago
Staff Accountant
Covetrus
Ohio
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
$53,300/yr - $76,200/yr
Remote (US)
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Brown & Brown Insurance
Premium Payable Accountant
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Brown & Brown Insurance
New 4h ago
Premium Payable Accountant
Brown & Brown Insurance
Daytona Beach, Florida
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
Not listed
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Associate's

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Community Health Care
Senior Accountant
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Community Health Care
New 14h ago
Senior Accountant
Community Health Care
Tacoma, Washington
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
$83,502/yr - $99,792/yr
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Niagara Bottling
Manager of Accounting
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Niagara Bottling
New 14h ago
Manager of Accounting
Niagara Bottling
Diamond Bar, California
Finance
Accounting
Business Analysis
Compliance & Legal
Audit
Tax
$123,641/yr - $176,189/yr
On-Site
6+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Tips for Finding OPT 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 visa 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.

Accountant OPT: Frequently 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.