OPT Finance Specialist Jobs
Finance Specialist roles in areas like financial analysis, FP&A, and corporate treasury are strong fits for OPT work authorization. Most require a finance or accounting degree, which aligns well with OPT's degree-relevance requirement. STEM OPT extensions are available if your program qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Type: Officer of Administration
Bargaining Unit:
Regular/Temporary: Regular
End Date if Temporary:
Hours Per Week: 35
Standard Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Building: 617 West 168th Street, 2nd Flr
Salary Range: $79,500 - $91,700
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Director of Human Resources and Staff Development, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), the Finance Coordinator provides financial management of all EH&S finance processes. This role ensures fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, and compliance with University policies while advancing the mission of EH&S.
The Finance Coordinator serves as the primary liaison to University Finance, represents departmental interests in institutional initiatives, and drives continuous improvement across business processes. The position oversees financial reporting and analysis to evaluate cost efficiency and ensures strong internal controls and audit readiness. Incumbent will work with the EVPR Associate Director of Finance to adhere to set budget parameters.
This role requires sound judgment, discretion in handling confidential matters, cross-functional collaboration, the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment, and a thorough understanding of/strict adherence to University finance policies.
SUBJECT TO BUSINESS NEEDS, WE MAY SUPPORT FLEXIBLE AND HYBRID WORK ARRANGEMENTS. OPTIONS WILL BE DISCUSSED DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS.
Responsibilities
- Manage budget planning, financial reporting, and day-to-day financial operations for the department.
- Ensure accurate, timely processing and oversight of Accounts Payable, procurement, vendor management, and reimbursement transactions.
- Review financial activity for compliance with University policies; provide guidance and clarification to staff on procedures and best practices.
- Serve as departmental subject matter expert for Columbia financial systems, including ARC, FDS, FINSYS PaymentWorks, CU Marketplace, and Concur.
- Produce detailed in-depth financial analyses and campus-level spending reports to inform leadership decision-making and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Partner with program leaders and EVPR Associate Director of Finance to monitor and manage budgets; improve resource allocation and enhance accounting efficiency.
- Escalate complex financial matters appropriately and collaborate with University finance offices to ensure resolution.
- Design and implement process improvements, tracking tools, and internal guides to strengthen operational effectiveness and internal controls.
- Monitor and analyze internal University chargebacks and service-related expenses, ensuring billing accuracy, resolving discrepancies, and facilitating timely corrections to maintain fiscal accountability.
- Provide oversight of transactions processed by internal EH&S administrative team.
- Establish annual revenue invoicing process for entities retaining EH&S services and follow up on payments. (e.g. Barnard, NYSPI, Joint Ventures, etc.)
- Maintain complete, audit-ready financial records and documentation.
- Support senior leadership with special projects requiring discretion and analytical rigor.
- Support front end office with administrative back-up (phones, conference room IT prep, etc.)
- Serve as delegate for Executive leadership, processing expenses via the Concur platform.
- Department credit card (pcard and corporate card) administration and reconciliation.
- Other duties as assigned and related to this position.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required. A Master’s degree can may substitute in part for years of experience.
- Minimum of four to six (4-6) years of progressively responsible experience in business, financial, and/or operational/project management.
- Demonstrated expertise in financial analysis, compliance, and process improvements.
- Experience with Columbia University financial systems (ARC, FDS, FINSYS, PaymentWorks, CU Marketplace, Concur) strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office required. Proficiency in Qualtrics and Drupal (or comparable web content management systems) a plus.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across EH&S Programs and organizational levels.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills; ability to manage competing priorities independently and with minimal supervision.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
- Proven ability to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Type preferred qualifications
Other Requirements
- Type other requirements and/or special indicators if CUIMC
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Job Type: Officer of Administration
Bargaining Unit:
Regular/Temporary: Regular
End Date if Temporary:
Hours Per Week: 35
Standard Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Building: 617 West 168th Street, 2nd Flr
Salary Range: $79,500 - $91,700
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Director of Human Resources and Staff Development, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), the Finance Coordinator provides financial management of all EH&S finance processes. This role ensures fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, and compliance with University policies while advancing the mission of EH&S.
The Finance Coordinator serves as the primary liaison to University Finance, represents departmental interests in institutional initiatives, and drives continuous improvement across business processes. The position oversees financial reporting and analysis to evaluate cost efficiency and ensures strong internal controls and audit readiness. Incumbent will work with the EVPR Associate Director of Finance to adhere to set budget parameters.
This role requires sound judgment, discretion in handling confidential matters, cross-functional collaboration, the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment, and a thorough understanding of/strict adherence to University finance policies.
SUBJECT TO BUSINESS NEEDS, WE MAY SUPPORT FLEXIBLE AND HYBRID WORK ARRANGEMENTS. OPTIONS WILL BE DISCUSSED DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS.
Responsibilities
- Manage budget planning, financial reporting, and day-to-day financial operations for the department.
- Ensure accurate, timely processing and oversight of Accounts Payable, procurement, vendor management, and reimbursement transactions.
- Review financial activity for compliance with University policies; provide guidance and clarification to staff on procedures and best practices.
- Serve as departmental subject matter expert for Columbia financial systems, including ARC, FDS, FINSYS PaymentWorks, CU Marketplace, and Concur.
- Produce detailed in-depth financial analyses and campus-level spending reports to inform leadership decision-making and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Partner with program leaders and EVPR Associate Director of Finance to monitor and manage budgets; improve resource allocation and enhance accounting efficiency.
- Escalate complex financial matters appropriately and collaborate with University finance offices to ensure resolution.
- Design and implement process improvements, tracking tools, and internal guides to strengthen operational effectiveness and internal controls.
- Monitor and analyze internal University chargebacks and service-related expenses, ensuring billing accuracy, resolving discrepancies, and facilitating timely corrections to maintain fiscal accountability.
- Provide oversight of transactions processed by internal EH&S administrative team.
- Establish annual revenue invoicing process for entities retaining EH&S services and follow up on payments. (e.g. Barnard, NYSPI, Joint Ventures, etc.)
- Maintain complete, audit-ready financial records and documentation.
- Support senior leadership with special projects requiring discretion and analytical rigor.
- Support front end office with administrative back-up (phones, conference room IT prep, etc.)
- Serve as delegate for Executive leadership, processing expenses via the Concur platform.
- Department credit card (pcard and corporate card) administration and reconciliation.
- Other duties as assigned and related to this position.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required. A Master’s degree can may substitute in part for years of experience.
- Minimum of four to six (4-6) years of progressively responsible experience in business, financial, and/or operational/project management.
- Demonstrated expertise in financial analysis, compliance, and process improvements.
- Experience with Columbia University financial systems (ARC, FDS, FINSYS, PaymentWorks, CU Marketplace, Concur) strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office required. Proficiency in Qualtrics and Drupal (or comparable web content management systems) a plus.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across EH&S Programs and organizational levels.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills; ability to manage competing priorities independently and with minimal supervision.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
- Proven ability to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Type preferred qualifications
Other Requirements
- Type other requirements and/or special indicators if CUIMC
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
See all 1,305+ OPT Finance Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Finance Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Finance Specialist
Target employers familiar with OPT
Large financial institutions, accounting firms, and Fortune 500 companies with established HR teams process OPT authorization routinely. Smaller firms may be unfamiliar with the process. Focus your applications where OPT experience already exists.
Confirm your role qualifies under OPT
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree field. A Finance Specialist role under a finance, economics, or accounting degree is a clear match. Document the connection in case your DSO or USCIS requests clarification.
Start your EAD application early
USCIS recommends applying for your EAD up to 90 days before your program end date. Finance hiring timelines can run six to eight weeks, so syncing your application and job search early avoids authorization gaps.
Highlight CFA progress or finance certifications
Candidates pursuing CFA Level I or holding Bloomberg certifications stand out in finance hiring. These credentials signal commitment to the field and can offset employer hesitation about OPT authorization timelines and short initial work periods.
Understand STEM OPT eligibility for your program
Finance and quantitative finance programs classified under CIP codes like 52.0801 may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before accepting roles, since this significantly affects your long-term work authorization.
Address OPT timing proactively with recruiters
Finance recruiters often raise work authorization early in the process. Be ready to explain your EAD start date, OPT duration, and any STEM extension eligibility clearly. Confident, accurate answers reduce employer hesitation significantly.
Finance Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Finance Specialist on OPT?
Yes, provided the role is directly related to your degree field. A Finance Specialist position aligns clearly with finance, economics, accounting, or business degrees. Your DSO will confirm the connection when issuing your OPT recommendation. Keep documentation of how the role relates to your coursework in case questions arise.
Do Finance Specialist employers commonly sponsor OPT students?
Many do, particularly large banks, asset managers, consulting firms, and corporate finance departments at major companies. These employers have dedicated HR teams that handle OPT authorization regularly. Migrate Mate lists Finance Specialist roles from employers actively open to OPT candidates, making it easier to focus your applications where authorization is understood.
Does a finance degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your program's CIP code. Some finance programs, particularly those with a quantitative focus, are designated under STEM-eligible codes such as 52.0801 (Finance and Financial Management) or 27.0301 (Applied Mathematics). Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO. A confirmed STEM designation gives you an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond standard OPT.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch Finance Specialist employers?
You can change employers on OPT, but the new role must still be directly related to your degree. Notify your DSO within 10 days of the change and update your SEVP portal. There is no gap in authorization as long as your EAD is still valid and the new position meets the degree-relevance requirement.
How does the 90-day unemployment rule affect Finance Specialist job searches?
OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during the standard 12-month authorization period. Finance hiring processes often take four to eight weeks from application to offer. Starting your job search before your EAD start date and applying to roles with faster hiring cycles reduces your risk of approaching that 90-day limit.