OPT Accounting Intern Jobs
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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Get Access To All JobsBookkeeper
Migis Hotel Group - Portland, ME
Migis Hotel Group, a nimble, creative Maine-based hospitality management services company, is seeking a bookkeeper to join our Corporate Office team. The ideal candidate will have experience using cloud-based accounting software, strong analytical and communication skills, and an interest in supporting multiple client properties as part of a collaborative accounting team.
This role can be completed in a hybrid setting. Bookkeepers work on average two days per week at our office in Portland/Westbrook area.
Compensation: $24 - $27 per hour, depending on experience
Start date: ASAP
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits: Health insurance, PTO, 401k, discounted stays and food & beverage at affiliated properties
Experience: 2+ years’ experience working with bookkeeping/financial record keeping
Education: associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance strongly preferred
Job Summary Description:
Responsible for delivering effective financial controls and accurate, timely financial reporting for assigned client properties while using MHG resources efficiently and supporting the target profitability of each client engagement. This position maintains appropriate internal controls, ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and safeguards client assets.
Summary of Essential Job Functions:
- Manage daily bookkeeping operations for assigned properties using M3 and/or QuickBooks.
- Maintain organized accounting records and ensure all entries in the accounting software are supported by complete and accurate documentation.
- Prepare, record, and verify journal entries, ensuring proper debits and credits in accordance with GAAP.
- Cultivate clear, collaborative, and approachable communication across departments, coordinating regularly with general managers to support personnel at assigned properties.
- Review and verify revenue for accuracy and completeness.
- Perform timely bank and general ledger reconciliations to maintain accurate financial data.
- Review accounts payable entries submitted by property managers for accuracy, proper account coding, and alignment with budgets, accruals, prepaid expenses, and company policies; communicate needed corrections and maintain supporting schedules.
- Prepare and report the weekly accounts payable and cash position for assigned properties.
- Perform balance sheet reconciliations and account analysis, investigating discrepancies and resolving issues efficiently.
- Maintain the month-end close process, including recording accruals, ensuring all revenues and expenses are recorded in the appropriate month, and producing timely and accurate month-end financial reports tied to supporting schedules.
- Compile, calculate, reconcile, and file sales and use tax returns and 1099s accurately and on time, in accordance with applicable state, county, and city requirements.
- Set up and maintain vendor records, verify W-9 information, and maintain current certificates of insurance for vendors.
- Assist the Director of Accounting and business partners with client requests, reporting needs, and other accounting priorities.
Minimum Requirements:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance strongly preferred
- Knowledge of GAAP; familiarity with USALI is a plus
- Experience with M3 Accounting Core and QuickBooks, or similar accounting platforms
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Critical-thinking skills, including the ability to anticipate the potential consequences and implications of actions
- Resourcefulness in finding answers or identifying the appropriate person to provide them
- Flexibility in using different reporting methods to produce consistent, comparable information
- Ability to consistently meet deadlines
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team
DISCLAIMER
The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position. Employees may be asked to perform duties outside their usual responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Bookkeeper
Migis Hotel Group - Portland, ME
Migis Hotel Group, a nimble, creative Maine-based hospitality management services company, is seeking a bookkeeper to join our Corporate Office team. The ideal candidate will have experience using cloud-based accounting software, strong analytical and communication skills, and an interest in supporting multiple client properties as part of a collaborative accounting team.
This role can be completed in a hybrid setting. Bookkeepers work on average two days per week at our office in Portland/Westbrook area.
Compensation: $24 - $27 per hour, depending on experience
Start date: ASAP
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits: Health insurance, PTO, 401k, discounted stays and food & beverage at affiliated properties
Experience: 2+ years’ experience working with bookkeeping/financial record keeping
Education: associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance strongly preferred
Job Summary Description:
Responsible for delivering effective financial controls and accurate, timely financial reporting for assigned client properties while using MHG resources efficiently and supporting the target profitability of each client engagement. This position maintains appropriate internal controls, ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and safeguards client assets.
Summary of Essential Job Functions:
- Manage daily bookkeeping operations for assigned properties using M3 and/or QuickBooks.
- Maintain organized accounting records and ensure all entries in the accounting software are supported by complete and accurate documentation.
- Prepare, record, and verify journal entries, ensuring proper debits and credits in accordance with GAAP.
- Cultivate clear, collaborative, and approachable communication across departments, coordinating regularly with general managers to support personnel at assigned properties.
- Review and verify revenue for accuracy and completeness.
- Perform timely bank and general ledger reconciliations to maintain accurate financial data.
- Review accounts payable entries submitted by property managers for accuracy, proper account coding, and alignment with budgets, accruals, prepaid expenses, and company policies; communicate needed corrections and maintain supporting schedules.
- Prepare and report the weekly accounts payable and cash position for assigned properties.
- Perform balance sheet reconciliations and account analysis, investigating discrepancies and resolving issues efficiently.
- Maintain the month-end close process, including recording accruals, ensuring all revenues and expenses are recorded in the appropriate month, and producing timely and accurate month-end financial reports tied to supporting schedules.
- Compile, calculate, reconcile, and file sales and use tax returns and 1099s accurately and on time, in accordance with applicable state, county, and city requirements.
- Set up and maintain vendor records, verify W-9 information, and maintain current certificates of insurance for vendors.
- Assist the Director of Accounting and business partners with client requests, reporting needs, and other accounting priorities.
Minimum Requirements:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance strongly preferred
- Knowledge of GAAP; familiarity with USALI is a plus
- Experience with M3 Accounting Core and QuickBooks, or similar accounting platforms
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Critical-thinking skills, including the ability to anticipate the potential consequences and implications of actions
- Resourcefulness in finding answers or identifying the appropriate person to provide them
- Flexibility in using different reporting methods to produce consistent, comparable information
- Ability to consistently meet deadlines
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team
DISCLAIMER
The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position. Employees may be asked to perform duties outside their usual responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Accounting Intern OPT: 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 visa 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.