OPT Finance Jobs
Finance roles in investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance regularly sponsor OPT students, particularly those with quantitative or accounting backgrounds. Most employers expect STEM OPT students to file for the 24-month extension before their initial 12 months expire, so timing your job search early matters.
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Job Title: Finance Manager
Location: Kalamazoo Office, some remote possible
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Finance & Administration
Reports To: Partners
Position Overview:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Accounting Administrator to manage and support our company’s financial operations. This role is critical to ensure the accuracy of our accounting records, the timeliness of financial transactions, and the seamless administration of payroll, and benefits. The ideal candidate will bring experience in small business accounting practices, a strong grasp of payroll and billing systems, and the ability to collaborate across departments to support financial and operational goals.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting & Finance
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Oversee accounts payable: manage vendor invoices and employee expense reimbursements, process payments timely and accurately.
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Administer and track the vendor purchase order (PO) process.
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Perform monthly bank reconciliations for multiple accounts, identifying and resolving discrepancies.
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Reconcile general ledger accounts on a regular basis to ensure accuracy.
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Monitor employee timesheet entry and ensure timely submission of all hours worked.
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Administer semi-monthly payroll including new hire setup, terminations, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
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Administer client billing, including the setup of billing rate tables, review of preprocessed invoices, and final submission to clients.
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Collaborate with project managers to maintain accurate client project costs.
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Maintain accounts receivable records, follow up on outstanding receivables.
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Partner with leadership to forecast and maintain optimal cash flow.
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Research and implement financial database best practices to ensure efficient and accurate data management.
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Create and maintain financial process documentation to support transparency and internal controls.
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Provide financial database training for new and existing staff as needed.
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Ensure compliance with sales tax laws across applicable jurisdictions.
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Work closely with the corporate accountant for W-2s, 1099s, and tax filings.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field preferred.
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3–5 years of experience in accounting, payroll administration, accounts payable, accounts receivable or related roles.
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Financial reporting and analysis.
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Strong computer literacy with experience in business management software.
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Proficiency with financial software (e.g., QuickBooks, Deltek, SAP, or similar platforms).
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Strong understanding of GAAP, sales and payroll tax regulations.
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Experience administering benefits and working with third-party benefits providers.
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Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, professional environment.
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High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion with sensitive information.
Why Join Us?
At Unified Engineering, we are a collaborative and mission-driven team. We believe in empowering our employees with tools and autonomy to make impactful decisions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work across both accounting, human resources and IT, contributing directly to the stability and growth of our business.
To Apply:
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in this role to Careers@Unifiedeng.com
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Finance
Target firms with established OPT hiring pipelines
Large banks, asset managers, and financial services firms hire OPT students regularly and have HR processes built around work authorization. Smaller boutiques may be open to sponsorship but require more education during the offer stage.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
Finance degrees from AACSB-accredited programs often qualify as STEM under CIP code 52.0801. Confirm with your DSO before interviewing so you can accurately tell employers you're eligible for the 24-month STEM extension.
Understand your OPT authorization timeline before applying
Your EAD card must arrive before your start date. Apply for OPT at least 90 days before graduation and account for USCIS processing times of three to five months when negotiating a start date with finance employers.
Frame H-1B sponsorship as a future step, not an immediate burden
You have up to three years of OPT work authorization before H-1B visa sponsorship is needed. Addressing this proactively in interviews, rather than waiting for employers to raise it, signals maturity and helps move conversations forward.
Pursue CFA or CPA credentials to strengthen your sponsorship case
Finance employers weigh long-term investment when deciding to sponsor. Candidates progressing through the CFA or CPA exams demonstrate commitment to the field, which makes the cost and effort of future H-1B sponsorship easier to justify internally.
Apply to rotational and analyst programs, not just open requisitions
Structured analyst and rotational programs at major financial institutions are designed for recent graduates and often have compliance teams already familiar with OPT and H-1B processes, making sponsorship conversations significantly smoother.
Finance OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work in finance roles in the United States?
Yes. F-1 students with an active EAD card can work in finance roles including investment banking, financial analysis, corporate finance, and asset management. Your employment must be directly related to your field of study. Finance and accounting degrees satisfy this requirement for most finance job titles, though your DSO can confirm eligibility for your specific situation.
Do finance employers commonly sponsor OPT students?
Many do, particularly large financial institutions, asset managers, and publicly traded corporations with established HR and legal teams. Firms that hire through structured analyst programs are especially familiar with OPT work authorization. You can browse finance roles from OPT-friendly employers on Migrate Mate, which filters for companies actively hiring international students.
Is a finance degree eligible for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
It depends on your specific program's CIP code. Quantitative finance, financial mathematics, and financial engineering programs frequently qualify as STEM. General finance and business administration degrees may not. Check with your DSO and review your program's CIP code against the DHS STEM designated degree list before assuming you qualify for the extension.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I lose my finance job?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer during your initial OPT period. STEM OPT extension holders get an additional 60 days, for a total of 150 days across the full OPT period. You must report any unemployment to your DSO through your SEVP portal. Exceeding the limit puts your F-1 status at risk, so re-entering the job search quickly is important.
Can I work as a contractor or consultant on OPT in finance?
Yes, but with conditions. OPT allows contract and consulting work as long as the work is directly related to your degree field and you are actively engaged in work that qualifies, not just on a roster. Self-employment is also permitted on OPT. STEM OPT extension holders must have a formal training plan in place with a qualifying employer, which limits pure independent contracting arrangements.