OPT Accounting Manager Jobs
Accounting Manager roles are a strong fit for OPT students with a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Most employers require CPA progress or licensure, which aligns well with the STEM OPT extension if your program qualifies. CPT or OPT authorization must be active before your start date.
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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
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Accounting Manager
Lead with your CPA status
Employers hiring Accounting Managers expect CPA licensure or active candidacy. Mention your exam progress explicitly in your resume and cover letter. It signals long-term commitment and reduces perceived hiring risk for roles that typically require it.
Target companies with established finance teams
Mid-sized and large companies with dedicated accounting departments are far more likely to have HR infrastructure for sponsoring OPT students. Startups rarely have the compliance bandwidth to manage work authorization for senior accounting roles.
Address OPT timing proactively
Accounting Manager searches often run on tight timelines tied to fiscal year planning. Confirm your OPT start date and expiration upfront so hiring managers can plan onboarding without surprises around authorization gaps or EAD card delays.
Highlight STEM OPT eligibility if applicable
If your accounting or finance degree is classified as STEM, you may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension. This matters significantly to employers, as it extends your authorized work window and gives them more runway before H-1B visa sponsorship becomes necessary.
Emphasize close work with HR and legal teams
Accounting Managers regularly coordinate with HR on payroll compliance and with legal on financial reporting obligations. Framing your OPT experience as part of broader cross-functional fluency can shift the conversation away from visa status as a concern.
Research employers who have sponsored before
Companies that have previously filed H-1B petitions for accounting roles are significantly more likely to sponsor OPT students. Use Migrate Mate to find Accounting Manager roles posted by verified OPT-friendly employers actively seeking candidates like you.
Accounting Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Accounting Manager on OPT?
Yes, as long as your OPT is authorized and your job is directly related to your degree field. Accounting Manager roles typically qualify for students with degrees in accounting, finance, or business administration. You must have your EAD card in hand before your start date, and your employer must report your job in the SEVP portal through your DSO.
Does an Accounting Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not your job title. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as accounting information systems or financial mathematics, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. Standard accounting and finance degrees are not always STEM-classified, so verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
Will employers sponsor OPT students for Accounting Manager positions?
Many do, particularly larger companies with established finance and HR teams. Accounting Manager is a senior individual contributor or people-manager role, and employers who have invested in finding the right candidate are often willing to support OPT and eventually H-1B sponsorship. Browse verified OPT-friendly postings on Migrate Mate to focus your search on employers actively open to sponsorship.
What counts as qualifying employment for an Accounting Manager on OPT?
Your role must be directly related to your degree field. For an Accounting Manager, this means the position involves financial reporting, general ledger oversight, audit coordination, or similar accounting functions that your degree prepared you for. General business management with no accounting focus would not qualify. Your DSO and employer should both confirm the connection between your role and your field of study.
How does the 90-day unemployment limit affect Accounting Manager job searches?
OPT students are limited to 90 days of unemployment during their initial OPT period, with an additional 60 days available if you receive a STEM extension. Accounting Manager searches can take longer than entry-level roles due to seniority expectations and interview processes. Start your search early, apply strategically to companies with OPT-friendly hiring patterns, and track your unemployment days carefully with your DSO.