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 JobsSalary
$83,028.00 - $116,232.00 Annually
Location
Carbondale, Illinois
Job Type
Administrative Professional
Job Number
2600266
Department
SIU Foundation Carbondale-SIUC
Opening Date
06/10/2026
Closing Date
7/3/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA:
Exempt
Security/Safety Sensitive:
Security sensitive (subject to pre-employment criminal background investigation)
FTE
1.0
Description
The SIU Foundation is seeking a dynamic and experienced person to fill the role of Controller. This position oversees the SIU Foundation’s accounting and financial operations, ensuring accurate reporting, compliance with regulations, and adherence to donor restrictions. This role directs financial reporting, audit coordination, investment and cash management activities, and donor fund administration.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Examples of Duties
- Oversee the activities of the accounting department for the accurate and timely preparation of financial management reports including, but not limited to, the quarterly financial statements and annual audits.
- Responsible for verifying all financial reports and ensuring that all transactions are accurate and in compliance with regulations
- Oversee the activities of the disbursement and accounts receivable departments.
- Oversee financial audit.
- Work with external auditors
- Stays abreast of trends and regulations to ensure effectiveness and compliance with financial accounting standards
- Responsible for directing and providing oversight to donor account administration which includes:
- Review and maintenance of financial computer systems
- Account setup policies and procedures (including incomplete account management)
- Oversee University Fiscal Manager systems (Budget Officer Coordination)
- Implement policies and procedures to ensure funds are spent within donor restrictions
- Prepare, review and submit to Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer analyses, reconciliations and surveys
- Cash reconciliations and cash flow analysis
- Investment reconciliations
- Fees analysis
- NACUBO, LCME School of Medicine, IRF and other surveys
- Reconcile and record investment activity
- Prepare and process entries for the period's investment activity through the financial system.
- Prepare individual analysis for the investment pool.
- Reconcile the statements provided by the investment managers to the financial system.
- Reporting and analysis
- Provide investment reports and analysis for Foundation management, Investment Committee, Foundation Board and others as needed.
- Compile data from outside sources in order to compare the Foundation’s investment performance and policies with industry and peer institutions.
- Prepare financial statement work papers for all investments.
- Respond to various requests concerning endowments.
- Assist management in budgeting process.
- Distribution of earnings
- Calculate investment pool unit values and prepare journal entries to distribute earnings to participating funds.
- Sweep all available cash balances from participating funds to the investment pool and ensure that the investment pools are fully invested at all times.
- Reconcile managers, clearing funds and participating funds balances.
- Compliance
- Monitor outside investment managers to insure their compliance with Foundation Board investment policy.
- Review operations and transactions to ensure investment managers are operating efficiently. Identify variations in manager’s operations or investment style.
- Investment allocation
- Direct the flow of funds to and from managed investment accounts to maintain the proper allocation of investments as determined by the Foundation Board.
- Ensure that all funds are invested in a timely fashion and that proper controls are in place to ensure their safekeeping.
- Trust investments
- Prepare and process entries for the period’s investment activity through the financial system.
- Distribute the investment activity to each trust fund.
- Prepare individual analysis for each trust fund.
- Prepare annual reports for each trust fund.
- Cash management
- Review cash balances to ensure that all funds are invested in a timely fashion and that there is enough cash available to disburse payments to vendors.
- Approval authority of expenditures
- Security gifts
- Assist with the receipting and selling of gifts of securities.
- Prepare and process entries for this activity through the financial system.
- Other accounting functions as determined.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in accounting and five years of accounting and investment experience OR a Master’s degree in Accounting or CPA and at least two years of accounting and investment experience is required for this position. Accounting experience should be in foundation, governmental, or in a non-profit accounting office environment overseeing general ledger processes.
Required Documents: Please submit a letter of application, CV/resume, and three references.
Contact: Darla Peterman, darlape@foundation.siu.edu
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an R1 Opportunity University with a statewide economic impact of $2.7 billion dollars. We offer 200+ undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master’s degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties.
The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about employee benefits, employee tuition waivers, and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit: https://jobs.siu.edu/.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran. The university will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations.
University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans (HMOs, OAPs, QCHP and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts, MCAP and DCAP, and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.
Other benefits available to eligible employees include: Generous paid time-off, 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans, and Employee Assistance Program.
SIUC also provides extensive tuition benefits for its employees and their families such as: tuition waiver/application fee waiver for the employee and their dependents, a Legacy tuition rate for children of SIU Alumni, and Civil Service Employee Counsel (CSEC) Education Assistance Program (EAP).
For more information please visit: https://hr.siu.edu/benefits/
Salary
$83,028.00 - $116,232.00 Annually
Location
Carbondale, Illinois
Job Type
Administrative Professional
Job Number
2600266
Department
SIU Foundation Carbondale-SIUC
Opening Date
06/10/2026
Closing Date
7/3/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA:
Exempt
Security/Safety Sensitive:
Security sensitive (subject to pre-employment criminal background investigation)
FTE
1.0
Description
The SIU Foundation is seeking a dynamic and experienced person to fill the role of Controller. This position oversees the SIU Foundation’s accounting and financial operations, ensuring accurate reporting, compliance with regulations, and adherence to donor restrictions. This role directs financial reporting, audit coordination, investment and cash management activities, and donor fund administration.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Examples of Duties
- Oversee the activities of the accounting department for the accurate and timely preparation of financial management reports including, but not limited to, the quarterly financial statements and annual audits.
- Responsible for verifying all financial reports and ensuring that all transactions are accurate and in compliance with regulations
- Oversee the activities of the disbursement and accounts receivable departments.
- Oversee financial audit.
- Work with external auditors
- Stays abreast of trends and regulations to ensure effectiveness and compliance with financial accounting standards
- Responsible for directing and providing oversight to donor account administration which includes:
- Review and maintenance of financial computer systems
- Account setup policies and procedures (including incomplete account management)
- Oversee University Fiscal Manager systems (Budget Officer Coordination)
- Implement policies and procedures to ensure funds are spent within donor restrictions
- Prepare, review and submit to Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer analyses, reconciliations and surveys
- Cash reconciliations and cash flow analysis
- Investment reconciliations
- Fees analysis
- NACUBO, LCME School of Medicine, IRF and other surveys
- Reconcile and record investment activity
- Prepare and process entries for the period's investment activity through the financial system.
- Prepare individual analysis for the investment pool.
- Reconcile the statements provided by the investment managers to the financial system.
- Reporting and analysis
- Provide investment reports and analysis for Foundation management, Investment Committee, Foundation Board and others as needed.
- Compile data from outside sources in order to compare the Foundation’s investment performance and policies with industry and peer institutions.
- Prepare financial statement work papers for all investments.
- Respond to various requests concerning endowments.
- Assist management in budgeting process.
- Distribution of earnings
- Calculate investment pool unit values and prepare journal entries to distribute earnings to participating funds.
- Sweep all available cash balances from participating funds to the investment pool and ensure that the investment pools are fully invested at all times.
- Reconcile managers, clearing funds and participating funds balances.
- Compliance
- Monitor outside investment managers to insure their compliance with Foundation Board investment policy.
- Review operations and transactions to ensure investment managers are operating efficiently. Identify variations in manager’s operations or investment style.
- Investment allocation
- Direct the flow of funds to and from managed investment accounts to maintain the proper allocation of investments as determined by the Foundation Board.
- Ensure that all funds are invested in a timely fashion and that proper controls are in place to ensure their safekeeping.
- Trust investments
- Prepare and process entries for the period’s investment activity through the financial system.
- Distribute the investment activity to each trust fund.
- Prepare individual analysis for each trust fund.
- Prepare annual reports for each trust fund.
- Cash management
- Review cash balances to ensure that all funds are invested in a timely fashion and that there is enough cash available to disburse payments to vendors.
- Approval authority of expenditures
- Security gifts
- Assist with the receipting and selling of gifts of securities.
- Prepare and process entries for this activity through the financial system.
- Other accounting functions as determined.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in accounting and five years of accounting and investment experience OR a Master’s degree in Accounting or CPA and at least two years of accounting and investment experience is required for this position. Accounting experience should be in foundation, governmental, or in a non-profit accounting office environment overseeing general ledger processes.
Required Documents: Please submit a letter of application, CV/resume, and three references.
Contact: Darla Peterman, darlape@foundation.siu.edu
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an R1 Opportunity University with a statewide economic impact of $2.7 billion dollars. We offer 200+ undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master’s degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties.
The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about employee benefits, employee tuition waivers, and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit: https://jobs.siu.edu/.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran. The university will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations.
University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans (HMOs, OAPs, QCHP and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts, MCAP and DCAP, and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.
Other benefits available to eligible employees include: Generous paid time-off, 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans, and Employee Assistance Program.
SIUC also provides extensive tuition benefits for its employees and their families such as: tuition waiver/application fee waiver for the employee and their dependents, a Legacy tuition rate for children of SIU Alumni, and Civil Service Employee Counsel (CSEC) Education Assistance Program (EAP).
For more information please visit: https://hr.siu.edu/benefits/
See all 189+ OPT Controller Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Controller Jobs.
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.