OPT Accounting Assistant Jobs
Accounting Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in accounting, finance, or business administration. Most roles qualify as STEM-adjacent under CIP codes tied to financial analysis, giving some graduates access to the 24-month STEM OPT extension when sponsored by an E-Verify employer.
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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.
See all 2,149+ OPT Accounting Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Accounting Assistant
Target E-Verify employers from the start
Only E-Verify employers can sponsor STEM OPT extensions. Filter your Accounting Assistant search to companies already enrolled in E-Verify so you're not disqualified from a 24-month extension later when you need it most.
Lead with your accounting software skills
Employers hiring Accounting Assistants on OPT want to see QuickBooks, SAP, or NetSuite proficiency upfront. Listing these tools prominently signals you can contribute immediately, which offsets sponsorship hesitation for some hiring managers.
Apply before your OPT start date is too close
Employers need time to complete onboarding and I-9 verification. Start applying at least 60 to 90 days before your OPT begin date so you're not starting interviews when employers see your authorization window as too narrow.
Frame your degree field precisely on your resume
STEM OPT eligibility hinges on your CIP code. If your degree is in accounting or finance, make that explicit. Vague references to a business degree can cause employers to underestimate your extension eligibility during the hiring conversation.
Prioritize mid-sized accounting firms and corporate finance teams
Large public accounting firms and corporate finance departments hire Accounting Assistants regularly and often have established OPT sponsorship processes. They're more likely to have HR teams familiar with I-9 compliance and STEM extension paperwork.
Address OPT status directly in your cover letter
Briefly stating your OPT authorization period and STEM extension eligibility removes ambiguity early. Employers who might otherwise screen you out due to sponsorship assumptions can see your full authorized work window before the interview stage.
Accounting Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Accounting Assistant on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes. OPT work authorization is granted by USCIS through your DSO and doesn't require employer sponsorship to begin. Your employer simply completes I-9 verification using your EAD card. Sponsorship only becomes relevant if you later need an H-1B visa or want your employer to support a STEM OPT extension, which requires them to be E-Verify enrolled and file a formal training plan with your DSO.
Does an Accounting Assistant role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your degree is in accounting (CIP 52.0301), finance (CIP 52.0801), or a related quantitative business field, your role may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO confirms eligibility based on your degree, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and submit a formal training plan using Form I-983.
How do I find Accounting Assistant jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings to employers who are actively open to sponsoring or hiring candidates on work authorization. Searching there saves time compared to filtering through general job boards where OPT status often leads to early screening. Look for roles at E-Verify employers if you want to preserve your STEM extension option.
What happens to my OPT if I'm laid off from an Accounting Assistant job?
You enter a 60-day unemployment grace period. During this time you must find a new qualifying position or depart the United States. Accounting is a consistent hiring field, so the 60-day window is workable, but you should begin your search immediately. Unemployment days also accumulate across your OPT period and cannot exceed 90 days total for standard OPT or 150 days for STEM OPT.
Does an Accounting Assistant position count as a qualifying job for OPT purposes?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. If you studied accounting, finance, or business administration, an Accounting Assistant position supporting bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, or financial reporting qualifies. You should document the connection between your duties and your coursework in case your DSO requests verification, which is standard practice during OPT reporting periods.