OPT Controller Jobs
Controller roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in accounting, finance, or a related field. Most positions require CPA progress or licensure, which counts toward STEM OPT extensions at qualifying employers. Hiring timelines often align well with the 12-month OPT window.
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Get Access To All JobsCompensation Type: Yearly
Kessler Hotels:
Kessler Hospitality’s portfolio of artistically inspired boutique hotels features unique design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance, and intuitive service. With properties throughout Colorado, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, each hotel’s exquisite art, music, and cultural influences are intentionally approachable. Designed to inspire and create unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are immersed in refined Bohemian luxury, whether at a cutting-edge downtown icon, a premier luxury lodge, Savannah’s entertainment destination, or an elite ski lodge. As the founding member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Kessler Hospitality has long championed bold, original hotels, each carefully created with distinctive style and the Individualist traveler in mind.
Location:
The AAA Four Diamond JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is located in the heart of historic Savannah on the Savannah riverfront, with countless activities a short walk away. Explore the downtown Savannah shopping district, eat at one of the hotel's many restaurants, reconnect with friends at our riverside Savannah bars, or embark on one of the city's various walking tours.
Once a power plant, Plant Riverside District represents the beauty of progress. Our three unique buildings are enriched in history, from chic architecture in the Power Plant to romantic styling in the Three Muses and contemporary maritime details in the Atlantic. Complete your experience with a relaxing visit to the hotel spa before you enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the entertainment district.
Overview:
The Controller is responsible for providing consistent leadership in the financial area of the hotel by supplying management with guidance and training. He/she is also responsible for focusing on the profitability of the business, maintaining accurate and timely financial reporting, ensuring acceptable levels on internal control, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, and safeguarding owners/investors assets.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
- Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
- Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
- Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
- Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
- Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
- Participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.
- Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotels Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing nametags.
- Comply with Highgate Hotels Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
- Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
- Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
- Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
- Perform other duties as requested by management.
- Effectively manage and communicate cash flow related issues. This includes the accurate and timely preparation of cash flow statements, management of receivables, payables, cash balances, control mechanisms and timely deposits of all funds.
- Monitor hotel revenues and expenses and ensure the accurate recording in accordance with Highgate Hotels’s established guidelines. Investigate and critique variances to budget or to prior year and offer practical improvement methodologies to management.
- Monitor the capital planning process by assisting management with the calculation of return on capital improvements, gathering support and monitoring the bid process, and ensuring proper upkeep of the property by evaluating scope of work and specifications.
- Ensure hotels’ compliance on all regulatory licenses and permits, leases, contracts, legal agreements, and the proper execution of all operational taxes. Provide assistance to management in enforcing compliance on all these items.
- Analyze financial data and operations in order to assist and advise management in maintaining the hotels’ financial objectives.
- Ensure that all balance sheet accounts, including bank reconciliation’s are reconciled on a timely basis.
- Establish and continually audit all internal financial controls including purchasing, cash handling, disbursements, inventories, hotel assets, master keys, payroll, and employee records.
- Embrace a continuous growth environment by actively assisting in recruiting, reviewing, recommending and maintaining an inventory of Directors of Financial Services, Assistant Directors of Financial Services, Assistant Directors of Financial Services Trainees, Accounting Managers, Controllers, Assistant Controllers and other managers for the organization.
- Continually focus on training and development programs for the Accounting associates to cultivate the “brightest” and “best” talent within the industry.
- Ensure implementation and completion of all Accounting Key Competencies, both management and hourly.
- Hire, train, supervise and develop staff, including coaching, counseling and discipline.
- Maintain compliance with Highgate Hotels’ standards and regulations to ensure safe and efficient operation of the hotel.
- Ensure the proper utilization, maintenance and periodic upgrades of all equipment.
- Directs or prepares all financial reports in accordance with Highgate Hotels’s requirements meeting various due dates and deadlines, i.e.,
- Conduct and/or attend and contribute to periodic meetings to maintain favorable working relationships among employees and promote maximum morale, productivity, and efficiency.
- Monitor hotels’ compliance in meeting required report deadlines and due dates and react accordingly.
- Monitor the accurate production of the hotel daily operating report.
Qualifications
- A minimum of 6 years of related progressive experience in hotel Accounting or related field; or a 4-year college degree with an Accounting/ Finance concentration and a minimum of 2 years of related progressive experience; or a 2-year college degree and a minimum of 4 years of related progressive experience.
- Must be proficient in Windows, Company approved spreadsheets and word processing and in the operation of all hotel-specific systems.
Compensation Type: Yearly
Kessler Hotels:
Kessler Hospitality’s portfolio of artistically inspired boutique hotels features unique design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance, and intuitive service. With properties throughout Colorado, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, each hotel’s exquisite art, music, and cultural influences are intentionally approachable. Designed to inspire and create unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are immersed in refined Bohemian luxury, whether at a cutting-edge downtown icon, a premier luxury lodge, Savannah’s entertainment destination, or an elite ski lodge. As the founding member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Kessler Hospitality has long championed bold, original hotels, each carefully created with distinctive style and the Individualist traveler in mind.
Location:
The AAA Four Diamond JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is located in the heart of historic Savannah on the Savannah riverfront, with countless activities a short walk away. Explore the downtown Savannah shopping district, eat at one of the hotel's many restaurants, reconnect with friends at our riverside Savannah bars, or embark on one of the city's various walking tours.
Once a power plant, Plant Riverside District represents the beauty of progress. Our three unique buildings are enriched in history, from chic architecture in the Power Plant to romantic styling in the Three Muses and contemporary maritime details in the Atlantic. Complete your experience with a relaxing visit to the hotel spa before you enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the entertainment district.
Overview:
The Controller is responsible for providing consistent leadership in the financial area of the hotel by supplying management with guidance and training. He/she is also responsible for focusing on the profitability of the business, maintaining accurate and timely financial reporting, ensuring acceptable levels on internal control, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, and safeguarding owners/investors assets.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
- Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
- Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
- Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
- Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
- Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
- Participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.
- Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotels Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing nametags.
- Comply with Highgate Hotels Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
- Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
- Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
- Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
- Perform other duties as requested by management.
- Effectively manage and communicate cash flow related issues. This includes the accurate and timely preparation of cash flow statements, management of receivables, payables, cash balances, control mechanisms and timely deposits of all funds.
- Monitor hotel revenues and expenses and ensure the accurate recording in accordance with Highgate Hotels’s established guidelines. Investigate and critique variances to budget or to prior year and offer practical improvement methodologies to management.
- Monitor the capital planning process by assisting management with the calculation of return on capital improvements, gathering support and monitoring the bid process, and ensuring proper upkeep of the property by evaluating scope of work and specifications.
- Ensure hotels’ compliance on all regulatory licenses and permits, leases, contracts, legal agreements, and the proper execution of all operational taxes. Provide assistance to management in enforcing compliance on all these items.
- Analyze financial data and operations in order to assist and advise management in maintaining the hotels’ financial objectives.
- Ensure that all balance sheet accounts, including bank reconciliation’s are reconciled on a timely basis.
- Establish and continually audit all internal financial controls including purchasing, cash handling, disbursements, inventories, hotel assets, master keys, payroll, and employee records.
- Embrace a continuous growth environment by actively assisting in recruiting, reviewing, recommending and maintaining an inventory of Directors of Financial Services, Assistant Directors of Financial Services, Assistant Directors of Financial Services Trainees, Accounting Managers, Controllers, Assistant Controllers and other managers for the organization.
- Continually focus on training and development programs for the Accounting associates to cultivate the “brightest” and “best” talent within the industry.
- Ensure implementation and completion of all Accounting Key Competencies, both management and hourly.
- Hire, train, supervise and develop staff, including coaching, counseling and discipline.
- Maintain compliance with Highgate Hotels’ standards and regulations to ensure safe and efficient operation of the hotel.
- Ensure the proper utilization, maintenance and periodic upgrades of all equipment.
- Directs or prepares all financial reports in accordance with Highgate Hotels’s requirements meeting various due dates and deadlines, i.e.,
- Conduct and/or attend and contribute to periodic meetings to maintain favorable working relationships among employees and promote maximum morale, productivity, and efficiency.
- Monitor hotels’ compliance in meeting required report deadlines and due dates and react accordingly.
- Monitor the accurate production of the hotel daily operating report.
Qualifications
- A minimum of 6 years of related progressive experience in hotel Accounting or related field; or a 4-year college degree with an Accounting/ Finance concentration and a minimum of 2 years of related progressive experience; or a 2-year college degree and a minimum of 4 years of related progressive experience.
- Must be proficient in Windows, Company approved spreadsheets and word processing and in the operation of all hotel-specific systems.
See all 142+ OPT Controller Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Controller
Target companies with established accounting teams
Larger organizations with dedicated finance departments are more familiar with OPT work authorization than small businesses. Mid-size and enterprise employers routinely hire international accounting professionals and understand CPT, OPT, and EAD documentation requirements.
Highlight your CPA progress upfront
Many Controller roles require or strongly prefer CPA candidates. If you're actively pursuing licensure, say so in your resume and cover letter. Employers see CPA progress as a signal of long-term commitment, which eases concerns about authorization timelines.
Prioritize STEM-designated accounting programs
If your degree is from a STEM-classified accounting or finance program, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. This gives employers a three-year window, significantly improving your chances of securing H-1B visa sponsorship before your authorization expires.
Address OPT duration before the offer stage
Controllers are senior hires. Employers want continuity. Bring up your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility early so hiring managers can plan around H-1B sponsorship timelines without surprises during the offer negotiation process.
Focus on industries with high H-1B filing rates
Financial services, healthcare systems, manufacturing, and technology companies consistently file H-1B petitions for accounting and finance roles. Targeting these industries increases the likelihood that your Controller employer already has an immigration attorney on retainer.
Demonstrate close collaboration with legal and compliance teams
Controllers who work across departments, including legal and compliance, show employers they understand regulatory complexity. This cross-functional experience signals adaptability and reduces perceived risk when employers consider sponsoring international hires for senior finance positions.
Controller OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Controller on F-1 OPT?
Yes. A Controller role qualifies for F-1 OPT as long as it's directly related to your degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Your EAD card serves as proof of work authorization. If your degree program has a STEM designation, you may also qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total OPT work authorization.
Do Controller employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Many do, particularly in financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Controller is a specialty occupation under H-1B standards because it typically requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Employers who already have outside immigration counsel are the most reliable sponsors. Browse Controller roles on Migrate Mate to find employers with documented sponsorship track records.
Does a Controller role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your accounting or finance program holds a STEM CIP code designation, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided you're working at an E-Verify registered employer. Many Controller positions at larger companies qualify. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying for roles where the extension is essential to your sponsorship timeline.
How early should I start applying for Controller jobs on OPT?
Start at least 90 days before your OPT start date. Controllers are senior hires, and the interview and offer process often takes four to eight weeks. Many employers need additional time to verify OPT documentation internally or consult legal counsel. Starting early also gives you room to request an OPT start date that aligns with the role's onboarding schedule.
What documents do I need to present when starting a Controller job on OPT?
You'll complete Form I-9 on your first day. Bring your EAD card, valid passport, and F-1 visa. Your employer is also required to enroll in E-Verify if they sponsor your STEM OPT extension. Keep a copy of your I-20 with OPT authorization on file. If you change employers during STEM OPT, your DSO must update your SEVIS record within 10 days of the change.