OPT Accounting Analyst Jobs
Accounting Analyst roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in accounting, finance, or business. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations, making H-1B visa sponsorship a realistic next step. STEM OPT extension is available if your degree falls under CIP codes like Management Information Systems or Business Analytics.
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Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.
Sr Accounting Analyst
Position Summary
Perform general accounting processes to ensure accurate and timely accounting close cycles and the development of subsequent internal and external financial statements and reports, including entries, analysis and reconciliation of accounting ledgers and other accounts and preparation of inter-company billings, property valuations, required regulatory reporting forms and tax filings.
Essential Responsibilities
- Participate in and support accurate month-end, quarter-end and year-end accounting close cycles and development of subsequent internal and external financial statements, required regulatory reporting forms and tax filings. May assume a lead role, responsible for the accurate and timely analysis and reporting of various business cycles.
- Collect and analyze a variety of complex financial data in order to perform some or all of the following accounting processes: reconcile assigned accounts, analyze financial data and prepare complex accounting ledger entries, prepare reports, settle inter-company receivables and payables, and prepare property valuations. Select methods and techniques to analyze financial data to identify adverse trends and recommend solutions to mitigate financial impact.
- Participate in or lead special projects as assigned. Projects may include, but are not limited to testing system upgrades or enhancements, rate case support, conducting financial analysis and developing ad hoc reports and process improvement initiatives.
- Provide timely and accurate assistance and consultation to clients within supported business area, including, but not limited to interpretation of account codes or financial reports, providing project status reports, and work order resolution. Prepare presentations, statistical reports, schedules and other information on operating results for management and outside parties. Consult with co-workers, clients and management on technical accounting or system-related matters.
- Stay current with new or proposed local, state, federal rules and regulations and internal and external financial reporting requirements. Uses broad understanding of accounting and GAAP practices to resolve a wide range of complex issues in creative ways.
- May provide work direction and training to other analysts.
- May be responsible for approval of some invoices as required.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related business degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- CPA or CMA certification preferred and may be required for some positions.
- Minimum four years general financial accounting and reporting experience, with an emphasis on complex accounting issues, processes and multiple company accounting.
- Intermediate to advanced skills with Microsoft Office applications.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply GAAP.
- Demonstrated knowledge of business and legal principles, analytical and communication skills.
- Knowledge of and experience working with SAP highly desirable.
Preferred Requirements
- Demonstrated experience working with PowerBI, and other various automation tools
- DataBricks experience and/or knowledge in a Finance/Accounting role.
- Experience with Process Improvement automation
- Experience working with Lean methodologies and concepts.
As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $73,700.00 to $104,633.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 06/07/26
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Accounting Analyst
Target employers with a history of H-1B filings
Public accounting firms, Fortune 500 finance teams, and large healthcare systems consistently sponsor H-1B visas for accounting roles. Prioritizing these employers gives you a clearer path from OPT to long-term work authorization after your OPT period ends.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
If your degree is in Management Information Systems, Business Analytics, or a STEM-designated accounting program, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization before needing H-1B sponsorship.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Most employers want accounting analysts available within four to six weeks of an offer. Apply three to four months before your OPT begins so your start date aligns with employer timelines and avoids unnecessary gaps in authorization status.
Highlight CPA progress and technical certifications
Employers sponsoring H-1B visas for accounting analysts need to demonstrate a specialty occupation. CPA exam progress, Excel modeling skills, and ERP system experience like SAP or Oracle all strengthen both your application and the sponsorship case.
Be upfront about your OPT timeline during interviews
Disclosing your OPT status early avoids late-stage surprises for hiring managers. Frame it clearly: you have authorization now, you can extend if STEM-eligible, and you plan to pursue H-1B sponsorship through the employer before your OPT expires.
Focus on firms in audit, tax, and financial services
These sectors hire accounting analysts at scale and have established immigration workflows. Smaller general businesses may lack the HR infrastructure to process sponsorship efficiently, making large accounting-focused employers a more reliable path to long-term authorization.
Accounting Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Accounting Analyst jobs qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Accounting Analyst roles typically qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field. USCIS has consistently approved H-1B petitions for this title when the job duties involve financial analysis, reporting, or audit work tied to a specific academic discipline.
Can I work as an Accounting Analyst on F-1 OPT without a STEM extension?
Yes, standard F-1 OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization after graduation, which is enough to start and build experience in an accounting analyst role. If your degree is STEM-designated, you can apply for a 24-month extension, giving you up to three years total before needing employer-sponsored status.
What should I look for in an employer to maximize my chances of H-1B sponsorship?
Look for employers who have filed H-1B petitions before, particularly in accounting or finance roles. Large public accounting firms, financial institutions, and multinational corporations have established immigration processes and legal teams. Migrate Mate filters job listings to surface employers who actively sponsor visas, making it easier to focus your search on realistic opportunities.
Does my accounting degree from a foreign university qualify me for OPT in an Accounting Analyst role?
OPT eligibility is based on your U.S. degree, not your foreign credential. As long as you completed a full-time degree program at a SEVP-approved U.S. institution and your F-1 status is in good standing, you can apply for OPT regardless of where you earned prior qualifications. Your foreign degree may still be relevant when employers evaluate your background.
Is a CPA license required to work as an Accounting Analyst on OPT?
No, a CPA license is not required for most Accounting Analyst positions, especially at the entry or mid-level. However, being actively enrolled in the CPA exam process significantly strengthens your candidacy and the employer's H-1B petition by reinforcing that the role meets specialty occupation standards. Many employers will support your CPA progress as part of onboarding.