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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Job Posting: Senior Accountant, Corporate Accounting
FirstService Residential is simplifying property management. Its hospitality-minded teams serve 9,000 residential communities across the United States and Canada. The organization partners with boards, owners, and developers to enhance the value of every property and the life of every resident.
Our dedication to associate satisfaction and growth is recognized by our Great Place to Work certification, exemplifying our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Our 19,000 associates can count on competitive salaries, top-tier medical, dental, and retirement benefits, career training, and support for continued professional development.
Experience being part of a high-performing team with a fulfilling career in property management with FirstService Residential.
Job Overview:
The Corporate Senior Accountant is responsible for performing daily tasks to prepare accurate and timely monthly financial statements for assigned markets and/or regions, guided by precedent and working within the limits of established policies.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by positions in this job classification. Not all duties assigned to every position are included, nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned every duty.
- Prepare and deliver accurate and timely financial statements and support schedules for assigned departments and/or markets.
- Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
- Prepare and post journal entries to the general ledger.
- Manage regulatory compliance by documenting and monitoring internal controls.
- Review and analyze periodic transaction reports for general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy. Identify, investigate, resolve and/or report on identified discrepancies.
- Research, analyze and explain variances for assigned accounts and departments and/or markets.
- Prepare workbooks as needed for tax, audit and other company reporting requirements.
- Build relationships by providing assistance and guidance to market leaders on their financial statements and identify areas to drive efficiencies.
- Identify and implement process improvements to ensure work is being completed accurately, efficiently and effectively.
Additional Duties
- Practice and adhere to FirstService Residential Global Service Standards.
- Conduct business at all times with the highest standards of personal, professional and ethical conduct.
- Perform or assist with any operations as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules. Notify supervision of unusual equipment or operating problems and the need for additional material and supplies.
- May participate in any variety of meetings and work groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements, policies, and regulatory guidelines.
- Ensure all safety precautions are followed while performing the work.
- Follow all policies and Standard Operating Procedures as instructed by Management.
- Perform any range of special projects, tasks and other related duties as assigned.
Skills and qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited college or university, and three to five years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- CPA certification is preferred and required within 2 years of hire date.
- Strong administrative background.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail oriented, strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
- Must be highly productive, able to balance competing priorities and meet all established productivity measures.
- Must have strong proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office, including but not limited to Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook. High proficiency researching the Internet.
- Ability to work with sensitive or confidential information.
- Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
- Ability to adapt to a fast-changing environment.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently and be self-driven.
- Critical thinking, problem solving, judgement and decision-making abilities.
What We Offer:
- As a full-time associate, you will be eligible for full comprehensive benefits, including your choice of multiple medical plans, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance. You will also be eligible for company-paid life insurance and benefits from our employee assistance program. In addition, you will be eligible for paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) with a company match.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This is not an all-inclusive job description; therefore, management has the right to assign or reassign schedules, duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) Usage: We may utilize an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) in connection with the assessment or evaluation of candidates. The AEDT is designed to assist in objectively evaluating candidate qualifications based on specific job-related characteristics.
Job Qualifications and Characteristics Assessed: The AEDT evaluates candidates based on job qualifications and characteristics pertinent to the role, including skills, experience, and competencies relevant to the position requirements. These qualifications are determined by the unique needs of each role within our company.
Alternative Selection Process or Reasonable Accommodations: Candidates who require an alternative selection process or a “reasonable accommodation,” as defined under applicable disability laws, may make a request through our designated contact channel national_recruiting@fsresidential.com.
Requesting Information About the AEDT - NYC Local Law 144: Candidates who reside in New York City and are subject to NYC Local Law 144 may request information about the AEDT, including details on the type of data collected, the sources of such data, and our data retention policies. To submit a request, please contact us at national_recruiting@fsresidential.com; we will respond in accordance with Local Law 144, within 30 days.
Description
Job Posting: Senior Accountant, Corporate Accounting
FirstService Residential is simplifying property management. Its hospitality-minded teams serve 9,000 residential communities across the United States and Canada. The organization partners with boards, owners, and developers to enhance the value of every property and the life of every resident.
Our dedication to associate satisfaction and growth is recognized by our Great Place to Work certification, exemplifying our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Our 19,000 associates can count on competitive salaries, top-tier medical, dental, and retirement benefits, career training, and support for continued professional development.
Experience being part of a high-performing team with a fulfilling career in property management with FirstService Residential.
Job Overview:
The Corporate Senior Accountant is responsible for performing daily tasks to prepare accurate and timely monthly financial statements for assigned markets and/or regions, guided by precedent and working within the limits of established policies.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by positions in this job classification. Not all duties assigned to every position are included, nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned every duty.
- Prepare and deliver accurate and timely financial statements and support schedules for assigned departments and/or markets.
- Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
- Prepare and post journal entries to the general ledger.
- Manage regulatory compliance by documenting and monitoring internal controls.
- Review and analyze periodic transaction reports for general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy. Identify, investigate, resolve and/or report on identified discrepancies.
- Research, analyze and explain variances for assigned accounts and departments and/or markets.
- Prepare workbooks as needed for tax, audit and other company reporting requirements.
- Build relationships by providing assistance and guidance to market leaders on their financial statements and identify areas to drive efficiencies.
- Identify and implement process improvements to ensure work is being completed accurately, efficiently and effectively.
Additional Duties
- Practice and adhere to FirstService Residential Global Service Standards.
- Conduct business at all times with the highest standards of personal, professional and ethical conduct.
- Perform or assist with any operations as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules. Notify supervision of unusual equipment or operating problems and the need for additional material and supplies.
- May participate in any variety of meetings and work groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements, policies, and regulatory guidelines.
- Ensure all safety precautions are followed while performing the work.
- Follow all policies and Standard Operating Procedures as instructed by Management.
- Perform any range of special projects, tasks and other related duties as assigned.
Skills and qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited college or university, and three to five years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- CPA certification is preferred and required within 2 years of hire date.
- Strong administrative background.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail oriented, strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
- Must be highly productive, able to balance competing priorities and meet all established productivity measures.
- Must have strong proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office, including but not limited to Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook. High proficiency researching the Internet.
- Ability to work with sensitive or confidential information.
- Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
- Ability to adapt to a fast-changing environment.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently and be self-driven.
- Critical thinking, problem solving, judgement and decision-making abilities.
What We Offer:
- As a full-time associate, you will be eligible for full comprehensive benefits, including your choice of multiple medical plans, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance. You will also be eligible for company-paid life insurance and benefits from our employee assistance program. In addition, you will be eligible for paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) with a company match.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This is not an all-inclusive job description; therefore, management has the right to assign or reassign schedules, duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) Usage: We may utilize an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) in connection with the assessment or evaluation of candidates. The AEDT is designed to assist in objectively evaluating candidate qualifications based on specific job-related characteristics.
Job Qualifications and Characteristics Assessed: The AEDT evaluates candidates based on job qualifications and characteristics pertinent to the role, including skills, experience, and competencies relevant to the position requirements. These qualifications are determined by the unique needs of each role within our company.
Alternative Selection Process or Reasonable Accommodations: Candidates who require an alternative selection process or a “reasonable accommodation,” as defined under applicable disability laws, may make a request through our designated contact channel national_recruiting@fsresidential.com.
Requesting Information About the AEDT - NYC Local Law 144: Candidates who reside in New York City and are subject to NYC Local Law 144 may request information about the AEDT, including details on the type of data collected, the sources of such data, and our data retention policies. To submit a request, please contact us at national_recruiting@fsresidential.com; we will respond in accordance with Local Law 144, within 30 days.
See all 2,153+ OPT Accounting Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Accounting Specialist Jobs.
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.