OPT Financial Accountant Jobs
Financial Accountant roles are a strong fit for OPT students with accounting or finance degrees. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under STEM OPT extension criteria, giving you up to three years of authorized work. Employers in public accounting, corporate finance, and financial services regularly sponsor these roles.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation
St. Louis, MO 63110
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
Assists in preparation of financial and budget reports, forecasts and annual reports.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assists in collection of data and reporting according to established organizational accounting procedures.
- Utilizes and reports data in organization cost accounting system, involving a variety of spread sheet and software applications.
- Compiles financial, operating and special reports/ studies as directed.
- Prepares/presents analyses of ongoing and proposed projects/studies, including costing and financial projection models.
- Assists in development of short/long term strategic financial operational plans.
- Verifies department accounting record entries, journals and postings.
- Explains organizational policies/procedures to department accounting/finance staffs as required.
- Acts as backup for department accounting/purchasing functions as necessary.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
Normal office environment.
Physical Effort
- Typically sitting at desk or table.
- Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement (PC Typing).
Equipment
- Office equipment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Financial (1 Year)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Accounting, Budgeting Methods, Cost Accounting Systems, Financial Modeling, Financial Plan, Financial Practices, Financial Software, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Policies & Procedures, Preparation of Financial Reports, Spreadsheets, Statistical Methods
Grade
G07-H
Salary Range
$19.29 - $29.91 / Hourly
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Location
St. Louis, MO 63110
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
Assists in preparation of financial and budget reports, forecasts and annual reports.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assists in collection of data and reporting according to established organizational accounting procedures.
- Utilizes and reports data in organization cost accounting system, involving a variety of spread sheet and software applications.
- Compiles financial, operating and special reports/ studies as directed.
- Prepares/presents analyses of ongoing and proposed projects/studies, including costing and financial projection models.
- Assists in development of short/long term strategic financial operational plans.
- Verifies department accounting record entries, journals and postings.
- Explains organizational policies/procedures to department accounting/finance staffs as required.
- Acts as backup for department accounting/purchasing functions as necessary.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
Normal office environment.
Physical Effort
- Typically sitting at desk or table.
- Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement (PC Typing).
Equipment
- Office equipment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Financial (1 Year)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Accounting, Budgeting Methods, Cost Accounting Systems, Financial Modeling, Financial Plan, Financial Practices, Financial Software, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Policies & Procedures, Preparation of Financial Reports, Spreadsheets, Statistical Methods
Grade
G07-H
Salary Range
$19.29 - $29.91 / Hourly
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
See all 43+ OPT Financial Accountant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Financial Accountant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Financial Accountant
Highlight your CPA exam progress
Many employers prioritize candidates actively pursuing CPA licensure. Even passing one section signals commitment and long-term intent. Mention your exam progress explicitly on your resume and in interviews to stand out from other OPT candidates.
Target STEM OPT-eligible roles
A finance or accounting degree from a STEM-designated program qualifies you for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying, so you can honestly tell employers you have up to three years of work authorization.
Apply to firms with established OPT pipelines
Large public accounting firms and Fortune 500 finance teams hire OPT students regularly and have HR processes built for it. These employers understand reporting requirements and are far less likely to withdraw offers over work authorization concerns.
Emphasize EAD card dates clearly in applications
Include your OPT start and end dates in your cover letter or application notes. Employers often misread authorization timelines and pass on qualified candidates unnecessarily. Transparency upfront removes ambiguity and avoids the offer withdrawal risk later.
Prepare to explain the E-Verify reporting process
STEM OPT requires your employer to participate in E-Verify and submit a training plan. Many hiring managers in smaller firms are unfamiliar with this. Coming prepared with a clear one-paragraph explanation removes a common objection before it becomes a dealbreaker.
Align your job search with your OPT end date
Apply at least three to four months before your current OPT period expires. Financial Accountant hiring cycles can run six to eight weeks, and some employers begin H-1B visa sponsorship discussions before an offer is even extended. Starting early protects your timeline.
Financial Accountant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Accountant role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree program. If you graduated from a STEM-designated accounting or finance program, specifically one with a qualifying CIP code, you're eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12 months. Confirm your program's designation with your DSO before assuming you qualify, as not all accounting degrees carry STEM status.
How do I find Financial Accountant employers who sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find Financial Accountant roles where employers are open to OPT and visa sponsorship. Beyond that, large public accounting firms and corporate finance teams at established companies tend to have the most experience hiring international students and understanding the compliance requirements involved.
Will my employer need to do anything differently if I'm on STEM OPT?
Yes. For STEM OPT, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and co-sign a formal training plan outlining your professional development goals. They'll also need to report any material changes to your role or work location to your DSO. Most large employers handle this routinely, but smaller firms may need guidance through the process.
Can I work for a public accounting firm on OPT and still meet the training requirement?
Yes. Client-facing roles at public accounting firms are considered valid OPT employment as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. Audit, tax, and advisory positions all qualify for accounting and finance graduates. Just ensure your DSO records the correct employer of record, especially if you're placed on client sites.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Financial Accountant contract ends early?
You have a 60-day grace period after your employment ends during which you can remain in the U.S. and secure a new qualifying job. During that window, you'll need to update your employer information with your DSO. If you start a new position, your OPT authorization continues. If you can't secure new employment before the grace period ends, you'll need to depart or change status.