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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Overview

Open Jobs547+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type76% On-site
Median Salary$43K
Top LocationDallas, TX
Most JobsStandish Management, LLC

Showing 5 of 547+ Accounting Specialist jobs

Aon
Investment Performance Accounting Specialist
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Aon
New 4h ago
Investment Performance Accounting Specialist
Aon
Chicago, Illinois
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
Investment Operations
$40,000/yr - $53,000/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Pilgrim's
Accounting Specialist I
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Pilgrim's
Added 1d ago
Accounting Specialist I
Pilgrim's
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Finance
Accounting
Bookkeeping & AP/AR
Audit
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Associate's
10,000+

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Brown Brothers Harriman
Accounting Specialist
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Brown Brothers Harriman
Added 1d ago
Accounting Specialist
Brown Brothers Harriman
New York, New York
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
$65,000/yr - $75,000/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Western Missouri Medical Center
Accounting Specialist
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Western Missouri Medical Center
Added 4d ago
Accounting Specialist
Western Missouri Medical Center
Warrensburg, Missouri
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Associate's
501-1,000

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INTEGRIS Health
Patient Accounting Specialist
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INTEGRIS Health
Added 1w ago
Patient Accounting Specialist
INTEGRIS Health
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Healthcare Administration
Medical Coding & Billing
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Associate's
10,000+

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See all 547+ Accounting Specialist Jobs

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Tips 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.