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 JobsThe Impact You'll Make
Are you passionate about driving business performance through financial leadership and operational insight? At Danfoss, we are committed to developing innovative solutions that help build a more sustainable future.
Danfoss is seeking a Plant Controller to join our leadership team. In this role, you will serve as a key business partner to plant and divisional leadership, providing financial guidance and strategic insights that support operational excellence and sustainable growth. As an active member of the local leadership team, you will influence decision-making, drive financial performance, and help shape the future direction of the business.
What You’ll Be Doing
Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lead all plant finance and controlling activities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
- Partner with plant leadership and global stakeholders to provide financial analysis and business insights that support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Drive operational performance improvements through analysis of financial and manufacturing data, identifying risks, opportunities, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Environmental Health & Safety, Human Resources, and divisional finance teams to achieve business objectives.
- Own standard costing, inventory valuation, capital expenditure controls, variance analysis, and other key manufacturing finance processes.
- Prepare, analyze, and communicate financial and operational performance metrics, ensuring stakeholders have actionable information to make informed decisions.
- Support strategic initiatives and continuous improvement efforts across local and global operations.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in accounting, financial analysis, controlling, or finance leadership roles within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong background in manufacturing accounting, including standard costing, inventory management, and financial reporting.
- Experience preparing, analyzing, and interpreting financial and operational reports.
- Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and financial reporting tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting plant operations in a global manufacturing organization.
- Experience with budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and capital investment management.
- Prior experience partnering directly with operational leaders to drive business results.
- Professional certification such as CPA, CMA, or equivalent is a plus.
Job Criteria
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable business recommendations.
- Ability to influence decision-making and build partnerships across all levels of the organization.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated leadership presence with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational and financial excellence.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong attention to detail while maintaining a strategic business perspective.
What You'll Get from Us
At Danfoss, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters creativity, innovation, and a broader perspective in decision-making. When you consider this job posting, do you feel like your profile is not a perfect match? Numerous studies have found that women and people of color are more likely to apply only when they meet all requirements listed in the job posting. Even if you do not check all the boxes, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are curious to find out how you can bring new insights to the role or to Danfoss as an organization.
We are excited to offer you the following benefits with your employment:
- Bonus system
- Paid vacation
- Retirement plan
- Flexible working hours
- Personal insurance
- Opportunity to join Employee Resource Groups
- State of the art virtual work environment
- Employee Referral Program
Ready to Make a Difference?
If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you! to start the conversation and learn more about where your career can go with us.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Salary ranges listed reflect only primary location and currency. For local salary ranges and specific benefits in your preferred hiring location, please ask your Talent Acquisition representative for more information.
The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Any benefits listed do not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.
The Impact You'll Make
Are you passionate about driving business performance through financial leadership and operational insight? At Danfoss, we are committed to developing innovative solutions that help build a more sustainable future.
Danfoss is seeking a Plant Controller to join our leadership team. In this role, you will serve as a key business partner to plant and divisional leadership, providing financial guidance and strategic insights that support operational excellence and sustainable growth. As an active member of the local leadership team, you will influence decision-making, drive financial performance, and help shape the future direction of the business.
What You’ll Be Doing
Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lead all plant finance and controlling activities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
- Partner with plant leadership and global stakeholders to provide financial analysis and business insights that support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Drive operational performance improvements through analysis of financial and manufacturing data, identifying risks, opportunities, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Environmental Health & Safety, Human Resources, and divisional finance teams to achieve business objectives.
- Own standard costing, inventory valuation, capital expenditure controls, variance analysis, and other key manufacturing finance processes.
- Prepare, analyze, and communicate financial and operational performance metrics, ensuring stakeholders have actionable information to make informed decisions.
- Support strategic initiatives and continuous improvement efforts across local and global operations.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in accounting, financial analysis, controlling, or finance leadership roles within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong background in manufacturing accounting, including standard costing, inventory management, and financial reporting.
- Experience preparing, analyzing, and interpreting financial and operational reports.
- Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and financial reporting tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting plant operations in a global manufacturing organization.
- Experience with budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and capital investment management.
- Prior experience partnering directly with operational leaders to drive business results.
- Professional certification such as CPA, CMA, or equivalent is a plus.
Job Criteria
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable business recommendations.
- Ability to influence decision-making and build partnerships across all levels of the organization.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated leadership presence with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational and financial excellence.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong attention to detail while maintaining a strategic business perspective.
What You'll Get from Us
At Danfoss, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters creativity, innovation, and a broader perspective in decision-making. When you consider this job posting, do you feel like your profile is not a perfect match? Numerous studies have found that women and people of color are more likely to apply only when they meet all requirements listed in the job posting. Even if you do not check all the boxes, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are curious to find out how you can bring new insights to the role or to Danfoss as an organization.
We are excited to offer you the following benefits with your employment:
- Bonus system
- Paid vacation
- Retirement plan
- Flexible working hours
- Personal insurance
- Opportunity to join Employee Resource Groups
- State of the art virtual work environment
- Employee Referral Program
Ready to Make a Difference?
If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you! to start the conversation and learn more about where your career can go with us.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Salary ranges listed reflect only primary location and currency. For local salary ranges and specific benefits in your preferred hiring location, please ask your Talent Acquisition representative for more information.
The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Any benefits listed do not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.
See all 120+ 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.