OPT Finance Director Jobs
Finance Director roles are among the most demanding positions for F-1 OPT students to land, requiring both CPA credentials or an MBA and demonstrated leadership over financial planning, reporting, and compliance functions. Your 12-month OPT window (29 months with a STEM extension if your degree qualifies) means timing your job search to senior-level hiring cycles is critical.
Find OPT Finance Director JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,252+ Finance Director jobs
See all 1,252+ Finance Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Finance Director roles.
Get Access To All JobsOverview:
Who We Are:
For 140 years, National Louis University has been driven by one core belief: education changes lives. Since our founding, we've stayed grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity, and we've never wavered from the idea that education is the greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community built on continuous improvement and a genuine commitment to serving those we teach. Through education, we empower change and build stronger, healthier communities. Our hard-working team runs on collaboration and mutual respect, for one another and for every student we serve.
What You Will Do:
National Louis University is seeking applicants interested in joining our team as a Student Finance Representative. This position is responsible for reviewing student files, evaluating financial aid applications, awarding and advising students on their eligibility for Title IV funding. Positions assigned to this classification will have a high technical knowledge of financial aid programs and procedures to independently assist students and peers over the phone and via electronic correspondence.
The position requires analytical skills and the ability to work independently and with a sense of urgency. In addition, the position requires that all job responsibilities are completed accurately and compliantly in accordance with Title IV regulations.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Comply with all Federal, State, and institutional policies and procedures. Ability to understand and interpret Title IV regulations. Ensure NLU’s continued compliance as established by accrediting agencies, state entities and current established company targets. Review all student financial aid files for completeness, accuracy and ensure verification requirements are met. Perform outreach to students as needed in order to advise them on their financial aid eligibility and potential funding options. Post related award data into student information system to ensure timely and accurate disbursements.
- Calculate award grant and loan eligibility using a borrower based academic year (BBAY) or standard academic year (SAY) and certify federal and private student loans. Maintain knowledge of Federal Student Aid and internal University awarding, disbursing, and refund regulations. Perform verification of student financial aid eligibility as needed. Maintain and coordinate awarding and student aging reports and actively outreach students to resolve issues.
- Accurately advise students on BBAY and SAY loan eligibility. Review, analyze, and provide solutions to escalated student issues and communicate proposed solutions back to the appropriate party. Identify areas of opportunities to management and work on developing potential solutions.
- Ensure ethical and accurate documentation and record keeping which meets all company and regulatory agency standards. Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers via phone and email. Participate as an active team member of the Student Finance Office and ensure active communication and cohesive working relationships with all other departments.
- May manage student workers as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred, High School diploma or GED considered with several years of experience.
- Minimum of 1 year of related experience in higher education or related field.
- Customer Focus: Personally demonstrates that external (or internal) customers are a high priority. Identifies customer needs and expectations and responds to them in a timely and effective manner. Anticipates and prevents delays or other things that can adversely affect the customer. Keeps customers informed about the status of pending actions and inquires about customer satisfaction with products or services.
- Flexibility: Adjusts quickly and effectively to changing conditions and demands. Discusses change as a necessary and inevitable aspect of organizational life as well as an opportunity to learn new things. Has a similar view and approach to potentially stressful situations. Invests personal energy toward accepting and adapting to change that others use toward resisting or resenting it.
- Problem Solving: Takes a proactive approach to anticipating and preventing problems. When problems occur, defines those problems, investigates obstacles, gathers relevant information, decides whether solving the problem should be a group decision, generates and analyzes alternate solutions and arrives at a workable solution.
- Quality of Work: Has established a track record of producing work that is highly accurate, demonstrates attention to detail and reflects well on the organization. Is personally committed to high quality work and encourages others to have similar standards.
NLU Inclusion Statement:
National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.
The salary range of the grade for this position is $20.16 to $28.22 per hour (typical workweek is 37.5 hours). Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please include the following along with your application:
- Resume (Required)
- Cover Letter (Optional)
- Current NLU employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form
Overview:
Who We Are:
For 140 years, National Louis University has been driven by one core belief: education changes lives. Since our founding, we've stayed grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity, and we've never wavered from the idea that education is the greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community built on continuous improvement and a genuine commitment to serving those we teach. Through education, we empower change and build stronger, healthier communities. Our hard-working team runs on collaboration and mutual respect, for one another and for every student we serve.
What You Will Do:
National Louis University is seeking applicants interested in joining our team as a Student Finance Representative. This position is responsible for reviewing student files, evaluating financial aid applications, awarding and advising students on their eligibility for Title IV funding. Positions assigned to this classification will have a high technical knowledge of financial aid programs and procedures to independently assist students and peers over the phone and via electronic correspondence.
The position requires analytical skills and the ability to work independently and with a sense of urgency. In addition, the position requires that all job responsibilities are completed accurately and compliantly in accordance with Title IV regulations.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Comply with all Federal, State, and institutional policies and procedures. Ability to understand and interpret Title IV regulations. Ensure NLU’s continued compliance as established by accrediting agencies, state entities and current established company targets. Review all student financial aid files for completeness, accuracy and ensure verification requirements are met. Perform outreach to students as needed in order to advise them on their financial aid eligibility and potential funding options. Post related award data into student information system to ensure timely and accurate disbursements.
- Calculate award grant and loan eligibility using a borrower based academic year (BBAY) or standard academic year (SAY) and certify federal and private student loans. Maintain knowledge of Federal Student Aid and internal University awarding, disbursing, and refund regulations. Perform verification of student financial aid eligibility as needed. Maintain and coordinate awarding and student aging reports and actively outreach students to resolve issues.
- Accurately advise students on BBAY and SAY loan eligibility. Review, analyze, and provide solutions to escalated student issues and communicate proposed solutions back to the appropriate party. Identify areas of opportunities to management and work on developing potential solutions.
- Ensure ethical and accurate documentation and record keeping which meets all company and regulatory agency standards. Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers via phone and email. Participate as an active team member of the Student Finance Office and ensure active communication and cohesive working relationships with all other departments.
- May manage student workers as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred, High School diploma or GED considered with several years of experience.
- Minimum of 1 year of related experience in higher education or related field.
- Customer Focus: Personally demonstrates that external (or internal) customers are a high priority. Identifies customer needs and expectations and responds to them in a timely and effective manner. Anticipates and prevents delays or other things that can adversely affect the customer. Keeps customers informed about the status of pending actions and inquires about customer satisfaction with products or services.
- Flexibility: Adjusts quickly and effectively to changing conditions and demands. Discusses change as a necessary and inevitable aspect of organizational life as well as an opportunity to learn new things. Has a similar view and approach to potentially stressful situations. Invests personal energy toward accepting and adapting to change that others use toward resisting or resenting it.
- Problem Solving: Takes a proactive approach to anticipating and preventing problems. When problems occur, defines those problems, investigates obstacles, gathers relevant information, decides whether solving the problem should be a group decision, generates and analyzes alternate solutions and arrives at a workable solution.
- Quality of Work: Has established a track record of producing work that is highly accurate, demonstrates attention to detail and reflects well on the organization. Is personally committed to high quality work and encourages others to have similar standards.
NLU Inclusion Statement:
National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.
The salary range of the grade for this position is $20.16 to $28.22 per hour (typical workweek is 37.5 hours). Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please include the following along with your application:
- Resume (Required)
- Cover Letter (Optional)
- Current NLU employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form
See all 1,252+ OPT Finance Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Finance Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Finance Director
Lead with your OPT authorization upfront
Finance Director candidates who disclose OPT status early in outreach avoid wasted interviews. Confirm your exact OPT end date and whether you qualify for a STEM extension before your first conversation with any hiring team.
Target companies with established H-1B sponsorship history
Large financial institutions, publicly traded corporations, and multinational firms sponsor H-1B visas far more consistently than smaller companies. Focus your search on organizations that have filed H-1B petitions for senior finance roles in prior years.
Position your international financial experience as an asset
Finance Directors who understand cross-border tax structures, foreign currency reporting, or international consolidation are genuinely harder to find. Frame your international background as a competitive differentiator, not just biographical context, in every application.
Pursue CPA licensure or an advanced degree if you haven't already
A STEM-designated MBA or a master's in accounting extends your OPT to 29 months and strengthens your candidacy. CPA licensure signals the technical credibility that finance leadership roles demand and directly supports future H-1B specialty occupation classification.
Engage executive recruiters who specialize in finance leadership
Finance Director roles rarely appear on public boards before a recruiter has already worked a shortlist. Building relationships with CFO-level executive search professionals significantly expands your access to senior finance openings before they're publicly posted.
Prepare a clear visa transition narrative for interviews
Hiring managers evaluating Finance Directors consider long-term organizational continuity. Come ready to explain your OPT timeline, STEM extension eligibility, and H-1B sponsorship pathway concisely so immigration concerns don't derail an otherwise strong candidacy.
Finance Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as a Finance Director in the United States?
Yes. F-1 students authorized for OPT can work in Finance Director roles as long as the position directly relates to their field of study, typically finance, accounting, economics, or business administration. Your OPT work authorization is employer-general, meaning you're not tied to a specific employer, but your job must remain within your degree's field.
Does a Finance Director role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title itself. If you hold a STEM-designated degree such as a master's in finance, accounting analytics, or a quantitative MBA, and your Finance Director role involves applied STEM skills like financial modeling, data-driven forecasting, or quantitative risk analysis, you'll likely qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify.
How difficult is it for a Finance Director to find H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Finance Director is a specialty occupation that clearly meets H-1B eligibility criteria, which makes the petition itself straightforward. The challenge is finding employers willing to sponsor, since H-1B is subject to an annual lottery. Large financial services firms, Fortune 500 companies, and multinationals sponsor most consistently. You can browse Finance Director roles at companies open to OPT sponsorship on Migrate Mate.
What academic backgrounds do Finance Director roles typically require?
Most Finance Director positions expect a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics at minimum, with an MBA or CPA preferred for senior-level roles. For OPT eligibility, your authorized field of study must correspond to the role. A STEM-designated MBA or master's in a quantitative field also unlocks the 29-month OPT window, giving you significantly more runway to secure long-term sponsorship.
How should an OPT student handle the Finance Director job search given the short authorization window?
Start your search at least three to four months before your OPT start date. Finance Director hiring cycles move slower than entry-level roles because they involve multiple rounds of interviews and board-level approvals. Focus on companies with proven H-1B sponsorship histories and prioritize roles where your STEM extension applies. Migrate Mate filters Finance Director openings by OPT-friendly employers, which cuts the research time significantly.