OPT Accounting Jobs
Accounting is one of the more accessible fields for OPT students because most entry-level roles at public accounting firms require the same bachelor's degree in accounting that qualifies the position for future H-1B visa sponsorship. The Big Four and major regional firms hire large volumes of international graduates and have established programs for supporting the OPT-to-H1B transition.
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Company Description
Veolia's ambition is to be the benchmark company for ecological transformation. With nearly 230,000 employees worldwide, the Group designs and delivers innovative, useful and practical solutions for water, waste and energy management. Through its three complementary businesses, Veolia contributes to developing access to resources, preserving available resources and replenishing them. In 2021, the Veolia group supplied 79 million people with drinking water and 61 million with wastewater, produced nearly 48 million megawatt-hours and recovered 48 million metric tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated sales of 28.508 billion euros in 2021.
Job Description
Position Purpose:
Responsible for assisting in the compilation, review, and analyses of all accounting (including supporting documentation and initial preparation of journals necessary for monthly closing process). Provide support for accounting, financial reporting, and/or contract billing, and other ad hoc requirements. Provides support to the Accounting Clerk with the data verification and monthly billing. Ensures best practices are used and integrity in the accounting processes.
Primary Duties/Responsibilities:
- Assists in the accounting, reporting and contract billing of the Company including but not limited to the preparation and review of various accounting or billing processes, reports and work papers.
- Assist in the accounting, reporting and rate case support of assigned functional financial line items for all Veolia regulated business units including but not limited to the preparation, analysis and review of income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and various other accounting or rate case statements.
- Establish, evaluate, and continually update process, practice, and policy documentation relating to fixed assets, leases, and working capital transactions.
- Assist in the analyses of financial statement results and the preparation of performance actual to actuals variance analysis/explanations on P/L & B/S accounts according to company policy and practices.
- Assist in ensuring the accuracy of financial statements and technical compliance to US GAAP, internal controls, and company policy.
- Support the month end and year end closing activities.
- Perform key account analysis and/or prepare account reconciliations.
- Interact with internal and external auditors on an as-needed basis.
- Collect, build and analyze data sets, and business process data for robotic process automation and validation.
- Apply analytical skills to the development and enhancement of business automations that drive optimization.
- Participate in special projects on an assigned basis.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Qualifications
Education/Experience/Background:
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required or work equivalent if degree is in Business Administration.
- Professional or post graduate degree, a plus.
- Minimum of one year of public accounting experience desirable.
- Corporate and/or multi-subsidiary experience preferred.
- Experience in shared service environment preferred.
- Experience in utility industry, a plus.
- Experience in data visualization and system implementation, a plus.
- Experience with standardization and automation of business processes, a plus.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Have the mindset of process improvements.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Strong quantitative, analytical, systemic and problem solving skills.
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Knowledge of regulated utilities accounting and ASC 980 is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including pivot and look-up table functionalities.
- Knowledge and experience with Power Plan, PeopleSoft, or other ERP software is desirable.
Required Certification/Licenses/Training:
- CPA or CPA candidate a plus.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job:
- The employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
- The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell.
- The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.
Additional Information
Pay Range: $77,000 to $85,500 Per Year.
Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.
Sick leave – 56 hours; Observed Holidays – 11 days; Vacation – Flexible Time Off
Eligible for up to 5% Annual Performance Bonus.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
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Get Access To All JobsAccounting OPT Job Search Tips
Confirm your accounting role aligns with your degree field
OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your major. An accounting degree aligns with accounting, auditing, tax, and financial analysis roles. If you’re considering a role that feels adjacent, check with your DSO before accepting to protect your status.
CPA exam eligibility can strengthen your long-term position
Many U.S. accounting employers value candidates who are eligible to sit for the CPA exam. If your degree qualifies, beginning the exam process during your OPT window signals long-term commitment and makes you a stronger candidate for sponsorship conversations.
Large accounting firms have established OPT hiring processes
The Big Four, Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, as well as many regional firms, regularly hire OPT students and have experienced HR teams who understand the EAD and E-Verify process. These firms are also active H-1B visa sponsors.
E-Verify enrollment matters for STEM OPT, but check if your degree qualifies
Some accounting degrees are classified as STEM (Management Information Systems, for example), while others aren’t. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO since this affects how much time you have to secure long-term sponsorship.
Tax season hiring cycles create real entry points
Many accounting firms hire heavily between October and January for busy season roles starting in January or February. Aligning your OPT start date with this hiring window can significantly improve your chances of landing an accounting role quickly.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship history when evaluating offers
Public accounting firms are generally strong H-1B sponsors, but smaller private firms vary widely. Asking about their history before accepting an offer, rather than after, saves you from difficult conversations later in your OPT window.
Accounting OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an accounting degree qualify for STEM OPT?
Standard accounting degrees are generally not STEM-designated, which means most accounting graduates work on the 12-month standard OPT rather than the 24-month extension. However, accounting programs with a strong data analytics or information systems component may qualify depending on the designated degree program list. Business analytics, financial data science, and accountancy combined with information systems degrees are more likely to carry STEM eligibility.
Do the Big Four accounting firms hire OPT students?
Yes, and the Big Four are among the most consistent hirers of F-1 graduates across their assurance, tax, and advisory practices. They have dedicated immigration teams, established OPT compliance processes, and a strong track record of H-1B sponsorship for successful employees. Recruiting timelines at the Big Four often start during the penultimate year of your degree, so engaging with campus recruiting early is important.
Can I sit for the CPA exam while on OPT?
Yes, working full-time on OPT does not prevent you from sitting for the CPA exam. Most states require 150 credit hours and a degree in accounting for licensure, and many OPT students work toward CPA licensure during their first few years of employment. Having an active CPA candidacy or completing sections of the exam while on OPT demonstrates professional commitment and is viewed positively by accounting employers considering you for long-term sponsorship.
What accounting roles are most likely to lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Roles at public accounting firms in assurance, tax, and advisory have the strongest sponsorship track records because the firms have the infrastructure and volume to support H-1B filings at scale. Corporate accounting roles at large companies in financial reporting, internal audit, and tax are also sponsored, though typically at lower volumes. Starting at a firm with an established sponsorship program is the most reliable strategy.
How should I address my OPT status during accounting interviews?
Be straightforward about your current OPT authorization and your eventual need for sponsorship. Most major accounting firms expect this conversation from international candidates and have answered these questions many times before. Framing it clearly, stating your OPT authorization period and approximate timeline before H-1B would be needed, shows planning and professionalism rather than creating uncertainty.