OPT Accounting Associate Jobs
Accounting Associate jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in accounting, finance, or business. Most roles qualify as STEM-adjacent through CIP codes tied to financial analysis, and many employers in public accounting and corporate finance have established OPT sponsorship workflows. Your 12-month OPT window is enough to demonstrate value and build toward H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Summary:
The Accountant I is responsible for preparing general ledger month-end journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations relevant to their assigned functional accounting team in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Functional Accounting Teams are as follows:
- Cash Accounting
- Fixed Assets Accounting
- Corporate Accounting
- Payroll Accounting
- Investments and Foundation Accounting
- Prepaid Asset, Deferred Revenue, and Notes Payable Accounting
- Inventory and Supplies Accounting
- Physician Guarantees and Physician Fees Accounting
- Purchased Services and Non-Patient Accounts Receivable Accounting
- Contract Labor and Utilities Accounting
- Joint Venture Accounting
- Intercompany Accounting, Allocations, and Eliminations
- Lease Accounting
- Technical Accounting
- Health Plan Accounting
- Physician Group Accounting
- Grant Accounting
The Accountant I is an entry level job, as such no prior accounting experience is required. The job does require an understanding of United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) obtained in connection with the education requirements for the job. The Accountant I will be assigned lower risk, less complex, areas of the assigned functional team. They will be expected to develop an understanding of the purpose of the journal entries they are recording to the general ledger, evaluate the appropriateness of the entry (including the GL accounts used and the financial statement line item classification), and explain the impact to the financial statements. The Accountant I is responsible for ensuring appropriate and relevant supporting documentation is attached to the journal entry. The Accountant I is responsible for evaluating the source of the information for their journal entries and asking appropriate follow-up questions to ensure documentation is appropriate. The Accountant I is expected to develop an understanding of healthcare specific accounting issues relevant to the assigned functional accounting area. The Accountant I is expected to seek out learning opportunities and be open to constructive feedback to improve overall performance and expand their knowledge of US GAAP.
The Accountant I is responsible for completion of monthly balance sheet account reconciliations related to the assigned functional accounting area. The Accountant I is responsible for assisting the accounting lead and manager with information requests from other teams across the System (both at the corporate office and at our facilities), as needed. The Accountant I is responsible for other projects, as assigned, which may include but are not limited to: research of GL transactions to understand the impact to the GL, process improvement projects, and assistance for the year-end external audit. The job requires excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Responsibilities:
- Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
- Prepare month-end journal entries in accordance with US GAAP, with complete and accurate supporting documentation.
- Prepare month-end balance sheet reconciliations.
- Seek out learning opportunities and be open to constructive feedback to improve overall performance and expand their knowledge of US GAAP.
- Assist accounting lead and manager with information requests from other teams across the System (both at the corporate office and at our facilities) as needed.
Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or equivalent required.
Experience
- No experience required.
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
- Candidates seeking CPA license preferred; some assistance available for those seeking licensing.
Work Schedule:
5 Days - 8 Hours
Work Type:
Full Time
Description
Summary:
The Accountant I is responsible for preparing general ledger month-end journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations relevant to their assigned functional accounting team in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Functional Accounting Teams are as follows:
- Cash Accounting
- Fixed Assets Accounting
- Corporate Accounting
- Payroll Accounting
- Investments and Foundation Accounting
- Prepaid Asset, Deferred Revenue, and Notes Payable Accounting
- Inventory and Supplies Accounting
- Physician Guarantees and Physician Fees Accounting
- Purchased Services and Non-Patient Accounts Receivable Accounting
- Contract Labor and Utilities Accounting
- Joint Venture Accounting
- Intercompany Accounting, Allocations, and Eliminations
- Lease Accounting
- Technical Accounting
- Health Plan Accounting
- Physician Group Accounting
- Grant Accounting
The Accountant I is an entry level job, as such no prior accounting experience is required. The job does require an understanding of United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) obtained in connection with the education requirements for the job. The Accountant I will be assigned lower risk, less complex, areas of the assigned functional team. They will be expected to develop an understanding of the purpose of the journal entries they are recording to the general ledger, evaluate the appropriateness of the entry (including the GL accounts used and the financial statement line item classification), and explain the impact to the financial statements. The Accountant I is responsible for ensuring appropriate and relevant supporting documentation is attached to the journal entry. The Accountant I is responsible for evaluating the source of the information for their journal entries and asking appropriate follow-up questions to ensure documentation is appropriate. The Accountant I is expected to develop an understanding of healthcare specific accounting issues relevant to the assigned functional accounting area. The Accountant I is expected to seek out learning opportunities and be open to constructive feedback to improve overall performance and expand their knowledge of US GAAP.
The Accountant I is responsible for completion of monthly balance sheet account reconciliations related to the assigned functional accounting area. The Accountant I is responsible for assisting the accounting lead and manager with information requests from other teams across the System (both at the corporate office and at our facilities), as needed. The Accountant I is responsible for other projects, as assigned, which may include but are not limited to: research of GL transactions to understand the impact to the GL, process improvement projects, and assistance for the year-end external audit. The job requires excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Responsibilities:
- Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
- Prepare month-end journal entries in accordance with US GAAP, with complete and accurate supporting documentation.
- Prepare month-end balance sheet reconciliations.
- Seek out learning opportunities and be open to constructive feedback to improve overall performance and expand their knowledge of US GAAP.
- Assist accounting lead and manager with information requests from other teams across the System (both at the corporate office and at our facilities) as needed.
Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or equivalent required.
Experience
- No experience required.
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
- Candidates seeking CPA license preferred; some assistance available for those seeking licensing.
Work Schedule:
5 Days - 8 Hours
Work Type:
Full Time
See all 2,079+ OPT Accounting Associate Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Accounting Associate
Target firms with H-1B sponsorship history
Public accounting firms like the Big Four and regional CPA firms file H-1B visa petitions regularly. Prioritizing employers with documented sponsorship history dramatically improves your odds of transitioning from OPT to long-term work authorization after your authorized period ends.
Clarify your OPT authorization upfront
When applying, be specific: you have a valid EAD card authorizing employment in accounting roles. Avoid vague phrases like 'need sponsorship.' Most accounting employers understand OPT and appreciate candidates who communicate their authorization status clearly and confidently from the first interaction.
Pursue your CPA exam during OPT
Sitting for the CPA exam while on OPT signals long-term commitment to the profession. Many employers actively sponsor CPA candidates for H-1B because licensed accountants are harder to replace. Check your state board's eligibility rules, as requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Apply early if you have STEM OPT extension eligibility
If your degree falls under an eligible STEM CIP code, such as financial mathematics or financial analytics, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm eligibility with your DSO before accepting an offer, since this significantly extends your authorized work period.
Highlight software proficiency in applications
Accounting employers value candidates fluent in QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics. OPT students who demonstrate technical accounting software skills reduce employer onboarding concerns and strengthen the case that sponsoring your H-1B is a worthwhile long-term investment for the firm.
Network within professional accounting associations
Organizations like the AICPA and state CPA societies host events where international students connect with hiring managers. Many firms that sponsor H-1B visas recruit actively through these networks, making membership a practical strategy during your OPT job search in accounting.
Accounting Associate OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Accounting Associate role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title. Accounting degrees classified under CIP 52.0301 (Accounting) are not STEM-designated, but degrees in financial mathematics, data analytics, or management information systems often are. If your program is STEM-designated, you can apply for a 24-month extension through your DSO, giving you up to three years of OPT work authorization total.
Will accounting employers sponsor me for an H-1B after my OPT ends?
Many do, particularly Big Four firms, regional CPA firms, and large corporate finance teams that hire internationally trained staff regularly. Accounting roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Your best leverage is performing well during OPT, pursuing your CPA license, and having the H-1B conversation with your manager well before your EAD expiration date.
What documents do I need to show an accounting employer when starting work on OPT?
You'll need your valid EAD card, your current F-1 visa stamp, and your I-20 with an OPT authorization endorsement from your DSO. Employers complete Form I-9 and record your EAD details, including the expiration date. Make sure your employer's HR team notes the expiration so they initiate any H-1B or extension process well in advance of your authorization ending.
Can I work for a public accounting firm as a 1099 contractor on OPT?
No. OPT requires that your employment be in a legitimate employer-employee relationship relevant to your degree. Self-employment and independent contracting on a 1099 basis are not permitted under standard OPT authorization. If you're considering freelance bookkeeping or consulting work, speak with your DSO first, since unauthorized self-employment can jeopardize your F-1 status.
Where can I find Accounting Associate jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists accounting roles specifically filtered for F-1 OPT and visa sponsorship candidates, so you're not sifting through postings from employers who won't work with international students. Browsing Migrate Mate saves time by surfacing roles where employers have already indicated openness to OPT work authorization, which is a meaningful filter when your job search timeline is tied to your EAD expiration.