Assistant Controller Jobs for OPT Students
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
The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in overseeing the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This role plays a key part in ensuring accurate financial statements, compliance with regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement of accounting processes. This role is intended to serve as a strong operational right hand to the Controller, providing depth, continuity, and hands-on support in a public company environment with significant system and reporting complexity.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in managing the day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets
- Support the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in a public company reporting environment
- Assist in preparing and reviewing financial statements and supporting schedules
- Assist with the development, documentation, and maintenance of internal controls and accounting policies
- Coordinate with external auditors and assist with audit preparation and responses
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and financial reporting requirements
- Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
- Proactively identify and implement process improvements across close, AP, AR, payroll, and reporting to improve efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls
- Assist with annual tax filings
- Assist with payroll processing through ADP
- Assist with preparing monthly cash, capitalization, and balance sheet account analysis schedules
- Assist with reviewing monthly expenses and verifying that payables comply with company policy
- Assist with processing monthly financial statements and management reports
- Assist with internal audits and SOX compliance activities, including documentation, testing, and remediation support
- Assist with booking and reviewing monthly journal entries; review journal entries prepared by accounting staff
- Assist with performing monthly analysis of delinquent and outstanding accounts receivable
- Assist with departmental and auditor requests as directed by the Controller or CFO
SAP / Systems Focus
- Serve as a key SAP finance user supporting day-to-day accounting operations, reconciliations, reporting, and close activities
- Support ongoing optimization, enhancements, and effective use of the company’s SAP accounting environment (SAP S/4 HANA preferred)
Coverage & Continuity
- Serve as a backup to the Controller and other accounting functions to ensure continuity of accounting operations during absences, peak reporting periods, and transition planning
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- 4–7 years of progressive accounting experience
- Strong experience with SAP-based accounting systems required; experience with SAP S/4 HANA strongly preferred
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office tools
- Prior experience in a public company and/or public accounting environment preferred
BENEFITS
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.
© 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
The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in overseeing the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This role plays a key part in ensuring accurate financial statements, compliance with regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement of accounting processes. This role is intended to serve as a strong operational right hand to the Controller, providing depth, continuity, and hands-on support in a public company environment with significant system and reporting complexity.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in managing the day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets
- Support the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in a public company reporting environment
- Assist in preparing and reviewing financial statements and supporting schedules
- Assist with the development, documentation, and maintenance of internal controls and accounting policies
- Coordinate with external auditors and assist with audit preparation and responses
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and financial reporting requirements
- Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
- Proactively identify and implement process improvements across close, AP, AR, payroll, and reporting to improve efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls
- Assist with annual tax filings
- Assist with payroll processing through ADP
- Assist with preparing monthly cash, capitalization, and balance sheet account analysis schedules
- Assist with reviewing monthly expenses and verifying that payables comply with company policy
- Assist with processing monthly financial statements and management reports
- Assist with internal audits and SOX compliance activities, including documentation, testing, and remediation support
- Assist with booking and reviewing monthly journal entries; review journal entries prepared by accounting staff
- Assist with performing monthly analysis of delinquent and outstanding accounts receivable
- Assist with departmental and auditor requests as directed by the Controller or CFO
SAP / Systems Focus
- Serve as a key SAP finance user supporting day-to-day accounting operations, reconciliations, reporting, and close activities
- Support ongoing optimization, enhancements, and effective use of the company’s SAP accounting environment (SAP S/4 HANA preferred)
Coverage & Continuity
- Serve as a backup to the Controller and other accounting functions to ensure continuity of accounting operations during absences, peak reporting periods, and transition planning
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- 4–7 years of progressive accounting experience
- Strong experience with SAP-based accounting systems required; experience with SAP S/4 HANA strongly preferred
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office tools
- Prior experience in a public company and/or public accounting environment preferred
BENEFITS
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.
© 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 in Assistant Controller
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.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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