OPT CPA Jobs
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 visa sponsorship pathways for accounting professionals.
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Get Access To All JobsPosting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within one week of closing date.
Applicant use of Artificial Intelligence tools is prohibited during interviews.
Please attach your transcripts to certify degree. (if applicable)
Why does the job exist?
A CPA Liaison acts as a bridge between tax professionals and the Department, translating financial requirements into actionable steps and ensuring everyone stays aligned.
How does it get done?
This position:
- Serves as the main point of contact for tax professionals by reviewing documentation submitted to the agency on behalf of taxpayers.
- Works with division staff to provide feedback and request clarification. Provides process improvement recommendations to divisions based on observations of issues reported by tax professionals.
- Maintains strong professional relationships with tax professionals.
- Ensures timely responses and maintains professional collaboration by assisting in clarifying misunderstandings and/or delays.
- Executes complex programs that meet the needs of the organization, employees, or customers.
- Coordinates delivery of program services by staff and service contractors, provides technical assistance and staff training.
- Identifies areas of needed change and makes recommendations to improve operations.
Who are the customers?
The position works closely with the Department's main Divisions to ensure the Department mission to serve the State of New Mexico by providing fair and efficient research and help resolve complex inquiries from NM professional tax preparers.
Ideal Candidate
The position works closely with the Department's main Divisions to ensure the Department mission to serve the State of New Mexico by providing fair and efficient research and help resolve complex inquiries from NM professional tax preparers.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of professional level experience with a tactical impact directly related to the purpose of the position defined by the agency at the time of recruitment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
- Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
- Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
- Must be current with all tax reporting/payment.
- Employment is subject to post offer pre-employment criminal background check to include fingerprint checks and is conditional pending results.
Working Conditions
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: April Vigil (505) 470-8786 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within one week of closing date.
Applicant use of Artificial Intelligence tools is prohibited during interviews.
Please attach your transcripts to certify degree. (if applicable)
Why does the job exist?
A CPA Liaison acts as a bridge between tax professionals and the Department, translating financial requirements into actionable steps and ensuring everyone stays aligned.
How does it get done?
This position:
- Serves as the main point of contact for tax professionals by reviewing documentation submitted to the agency on behalf of taxpayers.
- Works with division staff to provide feedback and request clarification. Provides process improvement recommendations to divisions based on observations of issues reported by tax professionals.
- Maintains strong professional relationships with tax professionals.
- Ensures timely responses and maintains professional collaboration by assisting in clarifying misunderstandings and/or delays.
- Executes complex programs that meet the needs of the organization, employees, or customers.
- Coordinates delivery of program services by staff and service contractors, provides technical assistance and staff training.
- Identifies areas of needed change and makes recommendations to improve operations.
Who are the customers?
The position works closely with the Department's main Divisions to ensure the Department mission to serve the State of New Mexico by providing fair and efficient research and help resolve complex inquiries from NM professional tax preparers.
Ideal Candidate
The position works closely with the Department's main Divisions to ensure the Department mission to serve the State of New Mexico by providing fair and efficient research and help resolve complex inquiries from NM professional tax preparers.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of professional level experience with a tactical impact directly related to the purpose of the position defined by the agency at the time of recruitment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
- Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
- Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
- Must be current with all tax reporting/payment.
- Employment is subject to post offer pre-employment criminal background check to include fingerprint checks and is conditional pending results.
Working Conditions
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: April Vigil (505) 470-8786 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in CPA
Target firms with H-1B sponsorship history
The Big Four and regional public accounting firms have sponsored thousands of H-1B visa 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.
Use your CPA license as a long-term retention argument
Obtaining your CPA license while on OPT demonstrates regulatory compliance and professional progression. Employers sponsoring you for H-1B see a licensed CPA as a lower-risk, higher-value investment worth the sponsorship cost.
CPA OPT: Frequently 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.