Accounting Assistant Jobs for OPT Students
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 JobsJob Summary
The HR / Payroll / Accounting Assistant supports the Human Resources and Finance departments by assisting with employee records, payroll processing, benefits administration, and basic accounting tasks. This role helps ensure accurate payroll, compliance with company policies, and efficient day-to-day administrative operations.
Key Responsibilities
Human Resources Support
- Maintain and update employee records, HR databases, and personnel files.
- Assist with onboarding and offboarding processes, including preparing paperwork and coordinating orientation.
- Track employee attendance, leave requests, and time-off balances.
- Assist with benefits administration and employee inquiries.
- Support recruitment activities such as posting job ads, scheduling interviews, and preparing offer letters.
- Ensure HR policies and procedures are followed and documentation is compliant.
Payroll Administration
- Collect and verify employee timekeeping data.
- Assist in preparing and processing payroll accurately and on schedule.
- Maintain payroll records and ensure proper documentation.
- Help manage payroll deductions, benefits contributions, and tax withholdings.
- Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve discrepancies.
Accounting Support
- Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable tasks.
- Process invoices, expense reports, and reimbursements.
- Maintain financial records and update accounting systems.
- Assist with monthly reconciliations and financial reports.
- Support audits and compliance documentation as needed.
Benefits
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- 401K
Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in HR, payroll, or accounting support roles (preferred).
- Familiarity with payroll systems and accounting software.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Office applications.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
Job Summary
The HR / Payroll / Accounting Assistant supports the Human Resources and Finance departments by assisting with employee records, payroll processing, benefits administration, and basic accounting tasks. This role helps ensure accurate payroll, compliance with company policies, and efficient day-to-day administrative operations.
Key Responsibilities
Human Resources Support
- Maintain and update employee records, HR databases, and personnel files.
- Assist with onboarding and offboarding processes, including preparing paperwork and coordinating orientation.
- Track employee attendance, leave requests, and time-off balances.
- Assist with benefits administration and employee inquiries.
- Support recruitment activities such as posting job ads, scheduling interviews, and preparing offer letters.
- Ensure HR policies and procedures are followed and documentation is compliant.
Payroll Administration
- Collect and verify employee timekeeping data.
- Assist in preparing and processing payroll accurately and on schedule.
- Maintain payroll records and ensure proper documentation.
- Help manage payroll deductions, benefits contributions, and tax withholdings.
- Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve discrepancies.
Accounting Support
- Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable tasks.
- Process invoices, expense reports, and reimbursements.
- Maintain financial records and update accounting systems.
- Assist with monthly reconciliations and financial reports.
- Support audits and compliance documentation as needed.
Benefits
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- 401K
Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in HR, payroll, or accounting support roles (preferred).
- Familiarity with payroll systems and accounting software.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Office applications.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
How to Get Visa 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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 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.
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