OPT Assistant Controller Jobs
Assistant Controller roles qualify for F-1 OPT because they require a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Most positions involve financial reporting, month-end close, and GAAP compliance, which aligns directly with CPA-track coursework. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies, gives you time to demonstrate the technical skills controllers rely on.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
BOWA is looking for an Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller to join our finance team, reporting to the President & CFO. The first 4–6 months are hands-on — learning our close process, billing cycle, and Sage 300 CRE — before growing into people-leadership over the full accounting function (GL, AP, AR, Billing, and Payroll).
BOWA recently became an ESOP company; this role gains exposure to ESOP mechanics, though deep expertise isn't required on day one. Whether a licensed CPA or working toward one, you'll get real ownership and a clear path to Assistant Controller / Controller.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own Month-End Close & Financial Reporting
- Manage Client Billing & Revenue Cycle
- Strengthening Accounting Systems & Processes
- Build Toward Team Leadership
- Serve as Principal Accounting Contact for Division Leaders
- Support ESOP & CFO-Level Financial Needs
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Own Month-End Close & Financial Reporting:
- Lead month-end close end-to-end (journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, close checklist) to deadline each month; maintain the GL and chart of accounts in Sage 300 CRE.
- Prepare and review financial statements prior to CFO review, and proactively resolve reconciliation variances.
Manage Client Billing & Revenue Cycle:
- Own client billing accuracy and timeliness, partnering with project teams to confirm alignment with contract terms and job status.
- Monitor AR aging to keep DSO on target and streamline the billing cycle as the business scales.
Strengthening Accounting Systems & Processes:
- Become the team's go-to expert on Sage 300 CRE, documenting key workflows (close checklist, billing steps, payroll inputs).
- Support payroll review (commission, bonus, salary, 401(k)) and recommend automation that reduces manual work.
Build Toward Team Leadership:
- Spend the first 4–6 months learning BOWA's processes and culture before taking on direct reports.
- Once ramped, manage the Finance Department — setting expectations, developing the team, and serving as a thought partner and backup to the President & CFO.
Serve as Principal Accounting Contact for Division Leaders:
- Act as the primary contact for division leaders on job costing, budget-to-actual, and financial reporting — building trust so accounting is viewed as a partner, not just a back-office function.
Support ESOP & CFO-Level Financial Needs:
- Assist with ESOP-related accounting mechanics (e.g., debt service flows between BOWA and the ESOP Trust) under the CFO's direction.
- Prepare ad hoc analysis for the CFO and support requests from auditors, lenders, or the ESOP Trustee's advisors.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Growing into direct supervision of the Finance team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting and 3–6+ years of progressive accounting experience; construction or project-based industry experience preferred.
- CPA license a plus but not required — candidates pursuing licensure encouraged to apply.
- Experience with Sage 300 CRE (or similar project accounting software) ideal but not required — ramp-up time provided.
- Strong Excel skills and comfort with (or interest in) AI-assisted tools (e.g., Claude, Claude Cowork, ChatGPT).
- Detail-oriented, strong communicator, discreet with sensitive information, and a genuine fit with BOWA's ownership-minded ESOP culture.
INTRODUCTION
BOWA is looking for an Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller to join our finance team, reporting to the President & CFO. The first 4–6 months are hands-on — learning our close process, billing cycle, and Sage 300 CRE — before growing into people-leadership over the full accounting function (GL, AP, AR, Billing, and Payroll).
BOWA recently became an ESOP company; this role gains exposure to ESOP mechanics, though deep expertise isn't required on day one. Whether a licensed CPA or working toward one, you'll get real ownership and a clear path to Assistant Controller / Controller.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own Month-End Close & Financial Reporting
- Manage Client Billing & Revenue Cycle
- Strengthening Accounting Systems & Processes
- Build Toward Team Leadership
- Serve as Principal Accounting Contact for Division Leaders
- Support ESOP & CFO-Level Financial Needs
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Own Month-End Close & Financial Reporting:
- Lead month-end close end-to-end (journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, close checklist) to deadline each month; maintain the GL and chart of accounts in Sage 300 CRE.
- Prepare and review financial statements prior to CFO review, and proactively resolve reconciliation variances.
Manage Client Billing & Revenue Cycle:
- Own client billing accuracy and timeliness, partnering with project teams to confirm alignment with contract terms and job status.
- Monitor AR aging to keep DSO on target and streamline the billing cycle as the business scales.
Strengthening Accounting Systems & Processes:
- Become the team's go-to expert on Sage 300 CRE, documenting key workflows (close checklist, billing steps, payroll inputs).
- Support payroll review (commission, bonus, salary, 401(k)) and recommend automation that reduces manual work.
Build Toward Team Leadership:
- Spend the first 4–6 months learning BOWA's processes and culture before taking on direct reports.
- Once ramped, manage the Finance Department — setting expectations, developing the team, and serving as a thought partner and backup to the President & CFO.
Serve as Principal Accounting Contact for Division Leaders:
- Act as the primary contact for division leaders on job costing, budget-to-actual, and financial reporting — building trust so accounting is viewed as a partner, not just a back-office function.
Support ESOP & CFO-Level Financial Needs:
- Assist with ESOP-related accounting mechanics (e.g., debt service flows between BOWA and the ESOP Trust) under the CFO's direction.
- Prepare ad hoc analysis for the CFO and support requests from auditors, lenders, or the ESOP Trustee's advisors.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Growing into direct supervision of the Finance team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting and 3–6+ years of progressive accounting experience; construction or project-based industry experience preferred.
- CPA license a plus but not required — candidates pursuing licensure encouraged to apply.
- Experience with Sage 300 CRE (or similar project accounting software) ideal but not required — ramp-up time provided.
- Strong Excel skills and comfort with (or interest in) AI-assisted tools (e.g., Claude, Claude Cowork, ChatGPT).
- Detail-oriented, strong communicator, discreet with sensitive information, and a genuine fit with BOWA's ownership-minded ESOP culture.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Assistant Controller
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Accounting, finance, and management information systems degrees often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before applying, since an extra year significantly improves your H-1B lottery odds.
Target mid-sized companies with dedicated accounting teams
Companies with 200 to 2,000 employees often have Assistant Controller roles without the bureaucratic hiring barriers of Fortune 500 firms. They need the headcount and are more willing to sponsor once they see your value during OPT.
Highlight technical accounting skills in your resume
Employers hiring Assistant Controllers want ERP proficiency, GAAP knowledge, and close-cycle experience. Lead with these specifics rather than soft skills. Concrete technical competencies reduce perceived risk for employers unfamiliar with OPT sponsorship.
Bring up OPT authorization early and confidently
Frame your work authorization as straightforward: you have an EAD, no employer petition is needed now, and H-1B sponsorship is a future conversation. Hesitation signals uncertainty; a clear, direct explanation removes the most common barrier employers cite.
Pursue CPA exam progress before your OPT expires
Passing at least two CPA exam sections while on OPT signals long-term commitment and makes you significantly harder to replace. Controllers actively look for candidates on a CPA track, which also strengthens the case for H-1B sponsorship later.
Focus applications on industries with high visa sponsorship rates
Technology, healthcare, and manufacturing companies sponsor accounting professionals at higher rates than retail or hospitality. These sectors have established immigration infrastructure and are accustomed to sponsoring finance roles through the H-1B process.
Assistant Controller OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Assistant Controller role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Assistant Controller positions typically require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field, which satisfies the OPT requirement that your job be directly related to your degree. You'll work under your EAD without any employer filing requirement during your OPT period. If your degree qualifies as STEM, you may also be eligible for a 24-month extension.
Does the Assistant Controller role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a degree in accounting information systems, finance, or another STEM-designated field under the DHS STEM CIP code list, you likely qualify for the 24-month extension. A standard accounting degree from many programs does not qualify. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO to confirm eligibility before your 12-month OPT expires.
How do I find Assistant Controller jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for roles where employers are open to sponsoring international candidates. Searching through general job boards makes it difficult to identify which postings are OPT-friendly, especially for accounting roles where employers may not disclose immigration preferences upfront. Migrate Mate removes that guesswork so you can focus your applications where they're most likely to lead somewhere.
Will employers sponsor H-1B visas for Assistant Controllers after OPT ends?
Many do, particularly in industries like technology, financial services, and healthcare where accounting talent is consistently in demand. The Assistant Controller role qualifies as a specialty occupation under H-1B standards because it requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Your odds improve significantly if you've progressed toward your CPA, demonstrated strong performance, and initiated the sponsorship conversation well before your OPT expires.
What should I do if my OPT is expiring before I find an Assistant Controller role?
If you're within your 60-day grace period, you still have time to secure employment and maintain status. If you're eligible for a STEM OPT extension, apply before your current EAD expires and request a cap-gap period if needed. If neither applies, options include applying for a change of status, enrolling in a new program, or exploring whether a current or prospective employer can file an H-1B. Consult your DSO and an immigration attorney immediately.