Accounting Intern Jobs for OPT Students

Accounting Intern roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with a finance or accounting degree. Most positions involve bookkeeping, reconciliations, and financial reporting, which align directly with OPT's requirement that your work relate to your field of study. STEM OPT extensions are not available for this role.

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Overview

Open Jobs1,235+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type80% On-site
Salary Range$37K – $47K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsCLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)

Showing 5 of 1,235+ Accounting Intern jobs

Brookfield Properties
Fund Accounting Intern
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Brookfield Properties
New 13h ago
Fund Accounting Intern
Brookfield Properties
Charleston, South Carolina
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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SEI Investments
Alternative Investments Fund Accounting Intern
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SEI Investments
New 16h ago
Alternative Investments Fund Accounting Intern
SEI Investments
Oaks, Pennsylvania
Finance
Accounting
Business Operations
Customer Service & Support
Hybrid
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Bourns
Finance & Accounting Intern
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Bourns
Added 1d ago
Finance & Accounting Intern
Bourns
Carrollton, Texas
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
$19/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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TransMedics, Inc.
Accounting Intern
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TransMedics, Inc.
Added 1d ago
Accounting Intern
TransMedics, Inc.
Andover, Massachusetts
Finance
Accounting
Administrative & Office Support
Not listed
On-Site
High School

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Whitaker Construction Company
Accounting Intern
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Whitaker Construction Company
Added 1d ago
Accounting Intern
Whitaker Construction Company
Brigham City, Utah
Finance
Accounting
Bookkeeping & AP/AR
Tax
$17 - $21
On-Site
70+ yrs exp.

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Accounting Intern

Lead with your OPT authorization upfront

Include a clear line in your resume header or cover letter stating you have OPT work authorization and your current end date. Accounting teams move fast during busy seasons, and removing ambiguity early keeps your application in contention.

Target firms that regularly hire international students

Regional CPA firms and Big Four affiliates have established processes for onboarding OPT students. Mid-size firms with active campus recruiting programs are often more flexible on authorization status than smaller boutique practices with no prior experience.

Align your degree field to the job description explicitly

OPT requires your work to be directly related to your degree. If your degree is in finance, accounting, or business administration, call that connection out clearly in your cover letter. Vague applications raise questions that cost you the interview.

Apply well before your OPT start date

Many accounting internships run on semester or busy-season cycles. Apply at least six to eight weeks before your OPT authorization begins so onboarding paperwork can be completed without delays tied to your work authorization start date.

Prepare your I-20 and EAD card for onboarding

When you receive an offer, employers will complete Form I-9 and verify your work authorization. Have your EAD card and current I-20 ready. Some HR teams are unfamiliar with OPT, so being organized and calm makes the process smoother.

Highlight software skills relevant to accounting roles

Proficiency in QuickBooks, Excel, or SAP significantly strengthens applications for accounting internships. These technical skills demonstrate immediate value and shift the conversation away from your visa status toward your qualifications and readiness to contribute.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as an Accounting Intern on F-1 OPT?

Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your field of study. If your degree is in accounting, finance, or a related business discipline, an Accounting Intern position satisfies OPT's practical training requirement. Your DSO at your university's international student office can confirm your specific degree qualifies before you accept an offer.

Do Accounting Intern positions qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

No. Accounting and finance are not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, so standard OPT lasts 12 months. If you're approaching the end of that window, your employer would need to sponsor an H-1B or another visa type to continue employment. Plan your job search timeline accordingly and monitor your OPT end date closely.

How do I find Accounting Intern roles that are open to OPT students?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by sponsorship and authorization type. Rather than applying broadly and finding out late in the process that a company won't hire OPT students, Migrate Mate lets you browse accounting internships where employers are already open to your work authorization status.

Will an accounting firm need to do anything special to hire me on OPT?

No petition or government filing is required. Your employer completes Form I-9 and records your EAD card details, the same process used for any employee. There is no sponsorship cost or USCIS involvement for OPT hires. Some HR departments are unfamiliar with EAD cards, so bring your card and your I-20 to your first day to make verification straightforward.

What happens if my Accounting Intern role ends before my OPT expires?

You enter a 60-day unemployment grace period, during which you can search for a new position. OPT rules allow up to 90 cumulative days of unemployment. If you find a new role that relates to your degree field, you can start working without any additional paperwork beyond updating your record with your DSO.

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