OPT Bookkeeper Jobs
Bookkeeper jobs on OPT are widely available at small businesses, accounting firms, and corporate finance teams. Most roles require proficiency in QuickBooks or Excel, and a degree in accounting or finance typically satisfies the specialty occupation standard needed to transition to H-1B visa sponsorship later.
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Summary:
The Accountant I is responsible for preparing general ledger month-end journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations relevant to their assigned functional accounting team in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Functional Accounting Teams are as follows:
- Cash Accounting
- Fixed Assets Accounting
- Corporate Accounting
- Payroll Accounting
- Investments and Foundation Accounting
- Prepaid Asset, Deferred Revenue, and Notes Payable Accounting
- Inventory and Supplies Accounting
- Physician Guarantees and Physician Fees Accounting
- Purchased Services and Non-Patient Accounts Receivable Accounting
- Contract Labor and Utilities Accounting
- Joint Venture Accounting
- Intercompany Accounting, Allocations, and Eliminations
- Lease Accounting
- Technical Accounting
- Health Plan Accounting
- Physician Group Accounting
- Grant Accounting
The Accountant I is an entry level job, as such no prior accounting experience is required. The job does require an understanding of United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) obtained in connection with the education requirements for the job. The Accountant I will be assigned lower risk, less complex, areas of the assigned functional team. They will be expected to develop an understanding of the purpose of the journal entries they are recording to the general ledger, evaluate the appropriateness of the entry (including the GL accounts used and the financial statement line item classification), and explain the impact to the financial statements. The Accountant I is responsible for ensuring appropriate and relevant supporting documentation is attached to the journal entry. The Accountant I is responsible for evaluating the source of the information for their journal entries and asking appropriate follow-up questions to ensure documentation is appropriate. The Accountant I is expected to develop an understanding of healthcare specific accounting issues relevant to the assigned functional accounting area. The Accountant I is expected to seek out learning opportunities and be open to constructive feedback to improve overall performance and expand their knowledge of US GAAP.
The Accountant I is responsible for completion of monthly balance sheet account reconciliations related to the assigned functional accounting area. The Accountant I is responsible for assisting the accounting lead and manager with information requests from other teams across the System (both at the corporate office and at our facilities), as needed. The Accountant I is responsible for other projects, as assigned, which may include but are not limited to: research of GL transactions to understand the impact to the GL, process improvement projects, and assistance for the year-end external audit. The job requires excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Responsibilities:
- Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
- Prepare month-end journal entries in accordance with US GAAP, with complete and accurate supporting documentation.
- Prepare month-end balance sheet reconciliations.
- Seek out learning opportunities and be open to constructive feedback to improve overall performance and expand their knowledge of US GAAP.
- Assist accounting lead and manager with information requests from other teams across the System (both at the corporate office and at our facilities) as needed.
Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or equivalent required.
Experience
- No experience required.
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
- Candidates seeking CPA license preferred; some assistance available for those seeking licensing.
Work Schedule:
5 Days - 8 Hours
Work Type:
Full Time
Description
Summary:
The Accountant I is responsible for preparing general ledger month-end journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations relevant to their assigned functional accounting team in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Functional Accounting Teams are as follows:
- Cash Accounting
- Fixed Assets Accounting
- Corporate Accounting
- Payroll Accounting
- Investments and Foundation Accounting
- Prepaid Asset, Deferred Revenue, and Notes Payable Accounting
- Inventory and Supplies Accounting
- Physician Guarantees and Physician Fees Accounting
- Purchased Services and Non-Patient Accounts Receivable Accounting
- Contract Labor and Utilities Accounting
- Joint Venture Accounting
- Intercompany Accounting, Allocations, and Eliminations
- Lease Accounting
- Technical Accounting
- Health Plan Accounting
- Physician Group Accounting
- Grant Accounting
The Accountant I is an entry level job, as such no prior accounting experience is required. The job does require an understanding of United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) obtained in connection with the education requirements for the job. The Accountant I will be assigned lower risk, less complex, areas of the assigned functional team. They will be expected to develop an understanding of the purpose of the journal entries they are recording to the general ledger, evaluate the appropriateness of the entry (including the GL accounts used and the financial statement line item classification), and explain the impact to the financial statements. The Accountant I is responsible for ensuring appropriate and relevant supporting documentation is attached to the journal entry. The Accountant I is responsible for evaluating the source of the information for their journal entries and asking appropriate follow-up questions to ensure documentation is appropriate. The Accountant I is expected to develop an understanding of healthcare specific accounting issues relevant to the assigned functional accounting area. The Accountant I is expected to seek out learning opportunities and be open to constructive feedback to improve overall performance and expand their knowledge of US GAAP.
The Accountant I is responsible for completion of monthly balance sheet account reconciliations related to the assigned functional accounting area. The Accountant I is responsible for assisting the accounting lead and manager with information requests from other teams across the System (both at the corporate office and at our facilities), as needed. The Accountant I is responsible for other projects, as assigned, which may include but are not limited to: research of GL transactions to understand the impact to the GL, process improvement projects, and assistance for the year-end external audit. The job requires excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Responsibilities:
- Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
- Prepare month-end journal entries in accordance with US GAAP, with complete and accurate supporting documentation.
- Prepare month-end balance sheet reconciliations.
- Seek out learning opportunities and be open to constructive feedback to improve overall performance and expand their knowledge of US GAAP.
- Assist accounting lead and manager with information requests from other teams across the System (both at the corporate office and at our facilities) as needed.
Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or equivalent required.
Experience
- No experience required.
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
- Candidates seeking CPA license preferred; some assistance available for those seeking licensing.
Work Schedule:
5 Days - 8 Hours
Work Type:
Full Time
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Bookkeeper
Target accounting firms and finance departments
Small and mid-size accounting firms regularly hire bookkeepers and are experienced with OPT work authorization. Corporate finance departments at larger companies also offer structured roles that are more likely to support future H-1B visa sponsorship.
Highlight your accounting software proficiency
Employers hiring bookkeepers on OPT want to see QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage experience listed prominently on your resume. Certification in QuickBooks Online is a low-cost credential that signals readiness and sets you apart from candidates without it.
Confirm your degree satisfies specialty occupation requirements
A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field strengthens your case for H-1B sponsorship down the line. Bookkeeper roles at firms requiring a specific degree background are far more defensible as specialty occupations than general administrative bookkeeping.
Ask about STEM OPT extension eligibility early
If your degree is in accounting information systems or a STEM-designated field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirming this before accepting an offer gives you significantly more time to secure H-1B sponsorship.
Prioritize employers who have sponsored before
Companies with a history of H-1B filings for accounting roles are far more likely to sponsor again. Reviewing Department of Labor disclosure data for prior LCA filings in bookkeeping or accounting categories helps identify those employers before you apply.
Address your OPT status directly in your cover letter
Briefly state your authorization period and, if applicable, your STEM extension eligibility. Many small business employers are unfamiliar with OPT and a clear, confident one-sentence explanation reduces hesitation without making work authorization the focus of your application.
Bookkeeper OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a bookkeeper on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Bookkeeping is a recognized professional role that falls within accounting and finance, which aligns with degrees in accounting, business, or finance. Your OPT work authorization allows full-time employment in a role directly related to your field of study. Make sure your employer understands that your EAD card is the only document they need to verify your authorization.
Does a bookkeeper role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
It depends on how the role is defined. Bookkeeper positions that require a specific bachelor's degree in accounting or finance can qualify as a specialty occupation under H-1B standards. Roles framed as general clerical bookkeeping without a degree requirement are harder to support. Employers who have previously sponsored accountants or financial analysts are your best targets for H-1B sponsorship as a bookkeeper.
Where can I find bookkeeper jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship willingness and work authorization compatibility. Searching for bookkeeper roles on Migrate Mate lets you focus on employers already open to OPT candidates rather than spending time applying to companies that will screen you out over visa status.
Does my bookkeeping degree qualify me for a STEM OPT extension?
A standard accounting or finance degree is not STEM-designated under the DHS STEM list. However, degrees in accounting information systems, management information systems, or financial mathematics often are. If your degree falls under a STEM CIP code, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension, giving you significantly more runway to secure sponsorship. Check with your DSO to confirm your degree's classification.
What should I do if an employer is unfamiliar with OPT when applying for bookkeeper roles?
Be prepared with a brief explanation: your EAD card grants work authorization for a set period, requires no cost or filing from the employer during OPT, and you can transition to H-1B sponsorship once you have an offer. Many small accounting firms and family-owned businesses hire bookkeepers without knowing OPT exists. A confident, factual explanation often resolves hesitation quickly.