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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Overview

Open Jobs24+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type88% On-site
Median Salary$108K
Top LocationSan Francisco, CA
Most JobsSwinerton

Showing 5 of 24+ Assistant Controller jobs

XNRGY Climate Systems
Assistant Controller
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XNRGY Climate Systems
Added 1d ago
Assistant Controller
XNRGY Climate Systems
Mesa, Arizona
Finance
Accounting
Business Analysis
Audit
Tax
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Assistant Controller
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Added 5d ago
Assistant Controller
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
Property Management
On-Site
6+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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South Central FS
Assistant Controller
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South Central FS
Added 5d ago
Assistant Controller
South Central FS
Effingham, Illinois
Finance
Accounting
Business Analysis
Procurement & Supply Chain
Audit
Tax
Procurement & Purchasing
$60,000/yr - $80,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Aramark
Assistant Controller
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Aramark
Added 1w ago
Assistant Controller
Aramark
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Finance
Accounting
Audit
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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CliftonLarsonAllen
Assistant Controller
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CliftonLarsonAllen
Added 1w ago
Assistant Controller
CliftonLarsonAllen
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Finance
Accounting
Consulting & Professional Services
Project & Program Management
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Tips 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.