Certified Public Accountant Jobs for OPT Students
Certified Public Accountant jobs on OPT are available at public accounting firms, corporate finance teams, and government agencies. CPA licensure requirements vary by state, but your F-1 OPT work authorization is fully valid for paid CPA roles. STEM OPT extension may apply if your degree is in accounting or a related field.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Duties
- Preparation of Tax returns for Individuals, all business entities, Gift & Estate tax, and Non-profits Organization Tax Returns.
- Multi-State Tax returns for business.
- Multi-State Tax returns for individuals.
- International Tax Compliances.
- Financial Statement Audits, Reviews, and Compilations.
- Audits of 401k and other Pension Plans.
- Audit representation with IRS and all the States Tax authorities.
- Sales and Payroll Tax compliances.
- Accounting Services.
Requirements
- 4-6 years of experience at a U.S. CPA firm. Preferably experience in Taxation AND Audits of Financials.
- Licensed Certified Public Accountant (Not mandatory).
- Pay commensurate with experience.
About Chugh LLP
We are a full-service Law and CPA firm based in 22 offices in USA and India. We do corporate, tax, immigration, litigation, employment, entertainment, real estate, intellectual property, family law, and mergers & acquisition work.
Job Duties
- Preparation of Tax returns for Individuals, all business entities, Gift & Estate tax, and Non-profits Organization Tax Returns.
- Multi-State Tax returns for business.
- Multi-State Tax returns for individuals.
- International Tax Compliances.
- Financial Statement Audits, Reviews, and Compilations.
- Audits of 401k and other Pension Plans.
- Audit representation with IRS and all the States Tax authorities.
- Sales and Payroll Tax compliances.
- Accounting Services.
Requirements
- 4-6 years of experience at a U.S. CPA firm. Preferably experience in Taxation AND Audits of Financials.
- Licensed Certified Public Accountant (Not mandatory).
- Pay commensurate with experience.
About Chugh LLP
We are a full-service Law and CPA firm based in 22 offices in USA and India. We do corporate, tax, immigration, litigation, employment, entertainment, real estate, intellectual property, family law, and mergers & acquisition work.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Certified Public Accountant
Target firms with established OPT hiring pipelines
The Big Four and large regional accounting firms hire F-1 OPT students regularly and have HR processes in place for work authorization. Smaller firms may be willing but less experienced with the paperwork, so expect more education conversations.
Lead with your CPA exam progress
Passing CPA exam sections before or during OPT signals commitment and reduces employer concern about investing in a candidate who may not stay. Even one section passed strengthens your candidacy significantly when competing against domestic applicants.
Address OPT timing proactively with recruiters
Accounting firms plan hiring in cycles. Being upfront about your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility early in the process prevents late-stage rejections. Recruiters appreciate candidates who understand their own timeline and can explain it clearly.
Focus on public accounting first, then industry transitions
Public accounting firms sponsor H-1B visas at higher rates than most corporate finance teams. Starting in public accounting builds credentials, CPA progress, and sponsor relationships that make transitioning to industry roles on an H-1B far more straightforward.
Emphasize specialized technical skills that are harder to source domestically
International tax, transfer pricing, and forensic accounting are areas where specialized expertise is genuinely scarce. Framing your background around a high-demand niche shifts the conversation from visa overhead to skills the employer actually needs.
Certified Public Accountant jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Certified Public Accountant on F-1 OPT without being licensed?
Yes. OPT authorizes you to work in accounting roles related to your degree even before you hold a CPA license. You can perform accounting work under a licensed CPA's supervision while pursuing licensure. Many employers hire OPT candidates into staff accountant or associate roles with the expectation that licensure follows.
Does my accounting degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your program's CIP code. Some accounting programs, particularly those integrated with data analytics, information systems, or quantitative finance, carry STEM-designated CIP codes that qualify for the 24-month extension. Check with your DSO to confirm. If you completed a dual degree with a STEM field, that degree may also qualify you independently.
How do I find CPA firms that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best place to search for Certified Public Accountant jobs that are open to OPT candidates. Beyond job boards, the Big Four and large regional firms have established OPT hiring processes and are your highest-probability targets. Industry-specific accounting roles in healthcare, financial services, and technology also sponsor at meaningful rates.
Will CPA exam requirements affect my OPT employment options?
Licensure requirements don't restrict your OPT employment, but they do affect career progression and sponsorship decisions. Most states require 150 credit hours for CPA licensure. If your degree program was 120 hours, you may need additional coursework, which can overlap with your OPT period. Employers hiring OPT candidates for CPA-track roles generally expect you to be actively working toward that 150-hour requirement.
What happens to my CPA job if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If your employer files your H-1B petition before your OPT expires and USCIS issues a timely filing receipt, you're covered by a cap-gap extension through September 30 of that year. If the H-1B isn't selected in the lottery, you'll need to stop working. STEM OPT holders have more runway, since the extension pushes your timeline out by two years.
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