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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and organized Junior Accountant to support the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization. This role will assist with accounts payable, accounts receivable, account reconciliations, journal entries, month-end close, and financial reporting. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in accounting principles, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with day-to-day accounting activities and maintain accurate financial records.
- Prepare and post journal entries and supporting documentation.
- Perform account and bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
- Support accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
- Assist with month-end and year-end close activities.
- Maintain the general ledger and ensure transactions are recorded accurately.
- Assist with preparation of financial reports and schedules.
- Review invoices, expense reports, and other financial documentation for accuracy.
- Support the accounting team with audits and other financial requests as needed.
- Maintain organized accounting files and documentation.
- Identify and communicate discrepancies or issues to senior accounting team members.
- Perform ad hoc accounting and financial analysis as requested.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
- 1–3 years of accounting or related experience; internships or relevant academic experience may be considered.
- Basic understanding of GAAP and accounting principles.
- Experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and journal entries.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including functions such as PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and SUMIFS.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with an ERP or accounting system preferred.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience supporting month-end close.
- Experience with account reconciliations and variance analysis.
- Familiarity with accounting software such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, or similar platforms.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with the broader finance and accounting team.
INTRODUCTION
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and organized Junior Accountant to support the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization. This role will assist with accounts payable, accounts receivable, account reconciliations, journal entries, month-end close, and financial reporting. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in accounting principles, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with day-to-day accounting activities and maintain accurate financial records.
- Prepare and post journal entries and supporting documentation.
- Perform account and bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
- Support accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
- Assist with month-end and year-end close activities.
- Maintain the general ledger and ensure transactions are recorded accurately.
- Assist with preparation of financial reports and schedules.
- Review invoices, expense reports, and other financial documentation for accuracy.
- Support the accounting team with audits and other financial requests as needed.
- Maintain organized accounting files and documentation.
- Identify and communicate discrepancies or issues to senior accounting team members.
- Perform ad hoc accounting and financial analysis as requested.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
- 1–3 years of accounting or related experience; internships or relevant academic experience may be considered.
- Basic understanding of GAAP and accounting principles.
- Experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and journal entries.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including functions such as PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and SUMIFS.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with an ERP or accounting system preferred.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience supporting month-end close.
- Experience with account reconciliations and variance analysis.
- Familiarity with accounting software such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, or similar platforms.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with the broader finance and accounting team.
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Get Access To All JobsTips 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.