OPT Audit Specialist Jobs
Audit Specialist roles qualify for OPT work authorization when your degree is in accounting, finance, or a related field. Most positions involve internal controls, financial statement review, and compliance testing, making them strong fits for STEM-adjacent business programs that may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
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Join Our Team at MasterCorp, Inc.!
At MasterCorp, Inc., we provide exceptional service and innovative solutions in the hospitality industry. As a leader in our field, we believe in the power of teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Our dynamic and inclusive workplace fosters growth, creativity, and the opportunity to make an impact. We are looking for passionate and driven individuals to join our team and help us continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Director, Shared Services, Payroll & Billing, the Payroll Tax Audit Specialist supports payroll and finance by helping ensure accurate payroll tax processing, compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and timely filing and reconciliation of payroll tax returns. This role is well-suited for an early-career professional who is detail-oriented and analytical, with a working knowledge of payroll tax concepts. The position also supports payroll tax and related audit activities by preparing documentation, researching variances, and partnering with internal teams and external agencies/vendors to resolve issues.
OUR VALUES
Every Associate must demonstrate our values of:
- INTEGRITY – We never compromise on our word. We act with transparency – we are a trusted partner.
- PRIDE – We are proud of our people, and they are proud to work for MasterCorp.
- QUALITY – We do things the right way and strive to continuously improve.
- DEPENDABILITY – We keep our promises. We are accountable for our actions. We meet or beat our deadlines – you can count on us.
- RESPECT – We value and appreciate every member of our team. We treat each other as we wish to be treated ourselves.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
- Action Oriented – Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Optimizes Work Processes – Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Collaborates – Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Courage – Steps up to address difficult issues and says what needs to be said.
- Situational Adaptability – Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
- Customer Focus – Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer-centric solutions.
- Drives Results – Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assist with the review, preparation, and submission of payroll tax filings and payments across multiple jurisdictions (federal, state, and local) in accordance with established calendars and procedures.
- Support quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting and year-end processes, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation (and corrections as needed).
- Support the reconciliation of payroll tax accounts by identifying discrepancies, researching root causes, and assisting with corrections and adjustments; help support balancing to payroll reports and the general ledger (as applicable).
- Help maintain accurate employee and company tax records, registrations, and documentation, including audit trails and compliance files.
- Assist with responding to agency notices (e.g., federal/state/local tax notices), gathering supporting data, documenting resolutions, and tracking items through closure.
- Support payroll tax audits and other payroll audit activities by reviewing payroll data for accuracy, preparing requested support, and maintaining audit documentation.
- Monitor changes in payroll tax laws and regulations and help implement updates as needed (e.g., rate changes, reciprocity/local requirements, new jurisdiction setup support).
- Partner with payroll team members and cross-functional stakeholders (Finance/Accounting/HR) to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing and tax compliance.
- Support process improvement efforts by maintaining standard work documentation and identifying opportunities to improve accuracy, controls, and cycle times.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- 1–3 years of experience in payroll, payroll tax, accounting, or a related role with exposure to payroll concepts and/or tax principles is preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word (e.g., sorting/filtering, basic formulas, and working with reports).
- Experience working with payroll systems and/or payroll tax filing vendors is preferred.
- Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred; Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) a plus.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work with confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- Rarely – on average 5% of travel on a quarterly basis
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position works in a professional office environment routinely using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, faxes, and filing cabinets.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
FREQUENCY
- Lifting up to 25 pounds
- Rare
- Pushing/Pulling up to 25 pounds
- Rare
- Bending and stooping
- Occasional
- Climbing of stairs/ladders
- Occasional
- Sitting
- Frequent
- Walking
- Frequent
- Standing
- Frequent
- Talking
- Frequent
- Hearing
- Frequent
- Reaching
- Frequent
- Use of hands to finger, handle, grasp or feel
- Frequent
The Payroll Tax Audit Specialist is not limited to the above-mentioned job description and may be requested to do additional tasks as directed by MasterCorp Management.
MasterCorp Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics or protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Physical Requirements:
This position frequently requires standing, walking, pushing, pulling, moving, lifting (up to 25 lbs), bending, reaching, occasional ascending/descending, and repetitive motions. Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Thank you for considering a career with MasterCorp, Inc. We look forward to reviewing your application.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Audit Specialist
Lead with your academic credentials
Audit roles require a degree match to your job duties for OPT authorization. Highlight your accounting or finance coursework prominently on your resume so hiring managers and DSOs can quickly confirm your work authorization is valid for the role.
Target firms with established OPT hiring pipelines
Large public accounting firms and financial institutions hire OPT students regularly and have HR teams familiar with work authorization documentation. These employers are less likely to withdraw an offer due to confusion about OPT eligibility or EAD requirements.
Clarify your OPT end date upfront
Audit hiring cycles are long. Be transparent about your OPT expiration date during early conversations so employers can plan for H-1B visa sponsorship if needed. Surprises late in the process cause withdrawals that earlier disclosure would have prevented entirely.
Pursue CPA exam progress before job searching
Passing one or more CPA exam sections signals long-term commitment to audit as a career. Employers weighing whether to sponsor your H-1B later will view CPA progress as reducing turnover risk, making OPT candidates more competitive against candidates with permanent work authorization.
Check whether your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Degrees in information systems, data analytics, or quantitative finance may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That additional runway gives audit employers twice as much time before needing to file for H-1B sponsorship, which meaningfully increases your chances of an offer.
Prepare your EAD documentation before interviews progress
Have your EAD card, I-20 with OPT authorization, and university DSO contact ready before reaching the offer stage. Audit firms verify employment eligibility carefully during onboarding, and delays in producing documentation can slow start dates or create unnecessary complications.
Audit Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Audit Specialist on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in accounting, finance, business, or a closely related field. The key requirement is that your job duties must be directly related to your area of study. Audit Specialist roles involving financial statement review, internal controls, and compliance testing typically satisfy this requirement for OPT work authorization.
Do Audit Specialist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a degree in a STEM-designated field, such as management information systems, data analytics, or quantitative finance, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. A standard accounting or finance degree typically does not qualify, but confirm your specific degree program with your DSO.
How do I find Audit Specialist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers willing to work with OPT work authorization. Searching there saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company won't proceed with OPT candidates. Large public accounting firms are also consistently strong options.
Will audit employers sponsor my H-1B after my OPT ends?
Many large public accounting firms and corporate audit departments have sponsored H-1B visas for audit professionals, but it is never guaranteed. H-1B sponsorship is an employer decision made case by case. Raising it early in your conversations, demonstrating strong performance, and advancing your CPA credentials all improve the likelihood of a sponsorship commitment.
What documents does an audit employer need to verify my OPT work authorization?
Your employer will need your EAD card showing the valid employment authorization period, your passport, and your I-20 with the OPT authorization page. Audit firms often have structured I-9 verification processes and may also request your DSO contact for confirmation. Having all documents ready before your start date prevents onboarding delays.