Accounting Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
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 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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are looking for a detail-oriented Accounting Specialist to join our client in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. In this role, you will manage various financial processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in handling accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other accounting tasks. This position is essential to maintaining the integrity of our client's financial operations and supporting the organization’s overall success.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and process invoices for various revenue sources, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
- Reconcile account statements and transactions to verify financial records and resolve discrepancies.
- Investigate and address account issues by reviewing documentation and initiating necessary actions such as adjustments or stop payments.
- Review and validate purchase requisitions for accuracy, and generate purchase orders for vendor distribution.
- Examine vendor invoices to ensure completeness and accuracy before initiating payments via check, wire transfer, or other approved methods.
- Maintain accurate records of accounts payable and receivable transactions.
- Utilize QuickBooks and other accounting software to manage financial data and create reports.
- Perform data entry tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Collaborate with team members to streamline accounting processes and improve operational efficiency.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven experience in accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
- Proficiency in using QuickBooks and other accounting software.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and financial recordkeeping.
- Familiarity with invoice processing and reconciliation of account statements.
- Ability to investigate and resolve account discrepancies efficiently.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with vendors and team members.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
INTRODUCTION
We are looking for a detail-oriented Accounting Specialist to join our client in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. In this role, you will manage various financial processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in handling accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other accounting tasks. This position is essential to maintaining the integrity of our client's financial operations and supporting the organization’s overall success.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and process invoices for various revenue sources, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
- Reconcile account statements and transactions to verify financial records and resolve discrepancies.
- Investigate and address account issues by reviewing documentation and initiating necessary actions such as adjustments or stop payments.
- Review and validate purchase requisitions for accuracy, and generate purchase orders for vendor distribution.
- Examine vendor invoices to ensure completeness and accuracy before initiating payments via check, wire transfer, or other approved methods.
- Maintain accurate records of accounts payable and receivable transactions.
- Utilize QuickBooks and other accounting software to manage financial data and create reports.
- Perform data entry tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Collaborate with team members to streamline accounting processes and improve operational efficiency.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven experience in accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
- Proficiency in using QuickBooks and other accounting software.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and financial recordkeeping.
- Familiarity with invoice processing and reconciliation of account statements.
- Ability to investigate and resolve account discrepancies efficiently.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with vendors and team members.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
How to Get Visa 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 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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