CPA Jobs for OPT Students
CPA jobs on OPT are widely available at public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, and government agencies. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT rules, and many employers have established STEM extension and H-1B sponsorship pathways for accounting professionals.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are a growing transportation company operating 300+ trucks, along with other businesses related to the trucking industry, seeking an experienced Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to oversee and manage all financial operations. This is a key leadership position working directly with ownership.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee financial operations across trucking and related business divisions
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
- Lead tax planning and ensure full compliance
- Manage payroll and cash flow forecasting
- Monitor company loans, equipment financing, and lines of credit
- Review loan balances and verify payment schedules
- Track accounts receivable and follow up on outstanding balances
- Work directly with ownership on financial planning and strategy
REQUIREMENTS
- Active CPA license (Required)
- 3+ years of accounting experience in a mid-size or large trucking company
- Strong knowledge of corporate tax and compliance
- Experience with QuickBooks or similar accounting systems
- Strong financial oversight and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multi-entity accounting
WE OFFER:
- $100,000 – $150,000 annually (based on experience and responsibilities)
- Stable and expanding company
- Long-term growth opportunity
- Direct involvement in company financial strategy
LOCATION:
Location: Schaumburg, IL or Hampshire, IL
Send resume to: job@freightunion.net
Pay: $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
INTRODUCTION
We are a growing transportation company operating 300+ trucks, along with other businesses related to the trucking industry, seeking an experienced Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to oversee and manage all financial operations. This is a key leadership position working directly with ownership.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee financial operations across trucking and related business divisions
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
- Lead tax planning and ensure full compliance
- Manage payroll and cash flow forecasting
- Monitor company loans, equipment financing, and lines of credit
- Review loan balances and verify payment schedules
- Track accounts receivable and follow up on outstanding balances
- Work directly with ownership on financial planning and strategy
REQUIREMENTS
- Active CPA license (Required)
- 3+ years of accounting experience in a mid-size or large trucking company
- Strong knowledge of corporate tax and compliance
- Experience with QuickBooks or similar accounting systems
- Strong financial oversight and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multi-entity accounting
WE OFFER:
- $100,000 – $150,000 annually (based on experience and responsibilities)
- Stable and expanding company
- Long-term growth opportunity
- Direct involvement in company financial strategy
LOCATION:
Location: Schaumburg, IL or Hampshire, IL
Send resume to: job@freightunion.net
Pay: $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in CPA
Target firms with H-1B sponsorship history
The Big Four and regional public accounting firms have sponsored thousands of H-1B petitions for accountants. Prioritize employers with documented sponsorship records rather than assuming sponsorship is available after you start.
Clarify your CPA exam status early
Many employers distinguish between CPA candidates and licensed CPAs when evaluating sponsorship. Being transparent about your exam progress and expected licensure timeline removes uncertainty and signals professional commitment to the hiring team.
Understand your OPT end date before accepting offers
Standard OPT lasts 12 months. If your accounting degree is STEM-designated, you may qualify for a 24-month extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before negotiating offer terms or start dates.
Highlight niche technical skills in your application
Proficiency in ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, tax software such as CCH or Thomson Reuters, and data analytics tools differentiates you in a competitive applicant pool and strengthens the specialty occupation case for your visa.
Ask about sponsorship during the offer stage, not after
Raising visa sponsorship after you have an offer gives you more leverage than asking during early screening. By then, the employer has already invested in you, making the sponsorship conversation significantly more productive.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do CPA jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your accounting or finance degree was classified under a STEM-eligible CIP code, such as Management Information Systems or certain economics programs, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. A standard accounting degree under CIP 52.0301 is not STEM-designated, so confirm your CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
How do I find CPA employers who sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by OPT and visa sponsorship eligibility, making it straightforward to identify accounting employers actively open to sponsoring international candidates. Public accounting firms at the national and regional level sponsor the most frequently, but corporate tax and audit roles at large companies also produce consistent sponsorship outcomes.
Can I sit for the CPA exam while working on OPT?
Yes. Working on OPT does not restrict your ability to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination. Eligibility is determined by your educational credits and state board requirements, not your visa status. Many F-1 students complete exam sections while employed on OPT, which strengthens both their professional standing and their employer's case for H-1B sponsorship.
What happens to my OPT if I change accounting employers?
You can change employers on OPT, but the new role must be directly related to your degree and qualify as practical training. Report the employer change to your DSO within ten days so your SEVIS record stays current. There is no formal USCIS approval required for the switch, but gaps longer than 90 days in unemployment can jeopardize your OPT authorization.
Do CPA roles at small firms still qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, small and mid-size firms can sponsor H-1B petitions. The key requirement is that the role qualifies as a specialty occupation, which accounting positions generally satisfy given the degree requirement. Smaller firms may be less familiar with the process, so being prepared to explain the H-1B timeline and cost structure during negotiations can help move the conversation forward.
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