OPT Accounting Specialist Jobs
Accounting Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in accounting, finance, or business. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship, and STEM OPT extensions may apply if your degree falls under CIP codes like Management Information Systems or Business Analytics.
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Company Description
Veolia's ambition is to be the benchmark company for ecological transformation. With nearly 230,000 employees worldwide, the Group designs and delivers innovative, useful and practical solutions for water, waste and energy management. Through its three complementary businesses, Veolia contributes to developing access to resources, preserving available resources and replenishing them. In 2021, the Veolia group supplied 79 million people with drinking water and 61 million with wastewater, produced nearly 48 million megawatt-hours and recovered 48 million metric tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated sales of 28.508 billion euros in 2021.
Job Description
Position Purpose:
Responsible for assisting in the compilation, review, and analyses of all accounting (including supporting documentation and initial preparation of journals necessary for monthly closing process). Provide support for accounting, financial reporting, and/or contract billing, and other ad hoc requirements. Provides support to the Accounting Clerk with the data verification and monthly billing. Ensures best practices are used and integrity in the accounting processes.
Primary Duties/Responsibilities:
- Assists in the accounting, reporting and contract billing of the Company including but not limited to the preparation and review of various accounting or billing processes, reports and work papers.
- Assist in the accounting, reporting and rate case support of assigned functional financial line items for all Veolia regulated business units including but not limited to the preparation, analysis and review of income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and various other accounting or rate case statements.
- Establish, evaluate, and continually update process, practice, and policy documentation relating to fixed assets, leases, and working capital transactions.
- Assist in the analyses of financial statement results and the preparation of performance actual to actuals variance analysis/explanations on P/L & B/S accounts according to company policy and practices.
- Assist in ensuring the accuracy of financial statements and technical compliance to US GAAP, internal controls, and company policy.
- Support the month end and year end closing activities.
- Perform key account analysis and/or prepare account reconciliations.
- Interact with internal and external auditors on an as-needed basis.
- Collect, build and analyze data sets, and business process data for robotic process automation and validation.
- Apply analytical skills to the development and enhancement of business automations that drive optimization.
- Participate in special projects on an assigned basis.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Qualifications
Education/Experience/Background:
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required or work equivalent if degree is in Business Administration.
- Professional or post graduate degree, a plus.
- Minimum of one year of public accounting experience desirable.
- Corporate and/or multi-subsidiary experience preferred.
- Experience in shared service environment preferred.
- Experience in utility industry, a plus.
- Experience in data visualization and system implementation, a plus.
- Experience with standardization and automation of business processes, a plus.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Have the mindset of process improvements.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Strong quantitative, analytical, systemic and problem solving skills.
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Knowledge of regulated utilities accounting and ASC 980 is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including pivot and look-up table functionalities.
- Knowledge and experience with Power Plan, PeopleSoft, or other ERP software is desirable.
Required Certification/Licenses/Training:
- CPA or CPA candidate a plus.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job:
- The employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
- The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell.
- The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.
Additional Information
Pay Range: $77,000 to $85,500 Per Year.
Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.
Sick leave – 56 hours; Observed Holidays – 11 days; Vacation – Flexible Time Off
Eligible for up to 5% Annual Performance Bonus.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Accounting Specialist
Target employers with H-1B sponsorship history
Public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, and Fortune 500 companies file H-1B visa petitions regularly. Prioritizing these employers significantly improves your chances of converting OPT employment into long-term sponsored status after your authorization period ends.
Confirm your degree qualifies the role
Accounting Specialist positions typically require a bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field. Verify your degree field matches the job description before applying, since mismatches can complicate future H-1B specialty occupation arguments with USCIS.
Ask about sponsorship before accepting an offer
Raise the H-1B question before your first day, not after. Phrase it professionally: ask whether the company has sponsored visa holders in similar roles. This surfaces dealbreakers early and saves time for both you and the employer.
Get licensed or certified to strengthen your profile
Pursuing your CPA license or becoming a Certified Management Accountant signals serious professional commitment. Credentialed candidates are harder to replace, which makes employers more willing to invest in sponsorship costs when your OPT period approaches its end.
Understand your OPT reporting obligations
F-1 OPT students must report employer changes to their DSO within 10 days. Accounting roles involving contract or temporary assignments can create gaps that violate OPT unemployment rules, so track your employment status carefully throughout your authorization period.
Check whether your role qualifies for STEM OPT extension
If your accounting or finance degree falls under an eligible STEM CIP code, you may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO early, as STEM eligibility is determined by degree classification, not job title.
Accounting Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Accounting Specialist on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is directly related to the role. F-1 OPT requires that your employment be in a job related to your field of study. An accounting or finance degree clearly supports an Accounting Specialist position, but a general business degree may require a stronger case that the role aligns with your academic program.
Do Accounting Specialist jobs typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Most do. Accounting Specialist roles generally meet USCIS specialty occupation criteria because they require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Employers in public accounting, banking, and large corporations are the most likely to sponsor. You can browse OPT-friendly Accounting Specialist roles on Migrate Mate to identify employers with sponsorship history.
Does an accounting degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific CIP code. Standard accounting degrees (CIP 52.0301) are not on the STEM OPT eligible list. However, degrees in Management Information Systems, Business Analytics, or Computational Finance often qualify. Check your I-20 for your exact CIP code and confirm eligibility with your DSO before assuming you have the extra 24 months.
What happens if I change employers during OPT as an Accounting Specialist?
You can change employers during OPT, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days and ensure your new role still qualifies as related to your field of study. OPT also has a 90-day unemployment limit, so gaps between positions count. Start your job search early to avoid running into that ceiling.
Are contract or temp accounting roles allowed on OPT?
Yes, contract and temporary positions are permitted on OPT, but they carry risk. Each gap between contracts counts toward your 90-day unemployment limit. Self-employment is allowed only if you can demonstrate you are actively engaged in a qualifying occupation. If contract work is your path, keep documentation of each engagement and stay in close contact with your DSO.