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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Overview

Open Jobs526+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type79% On-site
Median Salary$46K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsBDO

Showing 5 of 526+ Accounting Intern jobs

Spacebound
Accounting Intern
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Spacebound
Added 1w ago
Accounting Intern
Spacebound
Lagrange, Ohio
Finance
Accounting
Not listed
On-Site
Associate's

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Crane Worldwide Logistics
Accounting Intern
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Crane Worldwide Logistics
Added 1w ago
Accounting Intern
Crane Worldwide Logistics
Houston, Texas
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Nidec Motor Corporation
Accounting Intern
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Nidec Motor Corporation
Added 1w ago
Accounting Intern
Nidec Motor Corporation
Lexington, Tennessee
Finance
Accounting
Tax
Not listed
On-Site
Associate's

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Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Accounting Intern
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Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Added 1w ago
Accounting Intern
Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.
San Carlos, California
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Bookkeeping & AP/AR
Not listed
On-Site
Associate's

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Taulia
Tax & Accounting Intern
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Taulia
Added 2w ago
Tax & Accounting Intern
Taulia
San Francisco, California
Finance
Accounting
Tax
$25/hr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
501-1,000

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Tips 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.