OPT Financial Operations Specialist Jobs
Financial Operations Specialist roles cover financial reporting, reconciliation, budgeting, and compliance work that typically qualifies under STEM OPT extension eligibility. F-1 students on OPT have up to 12 months of standard work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension available for qualifying degree holders in finance, accounting, or related fields.
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Job Posting End Date
10-03-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Real Time Operations Infrastructure Specialist function establishes an understanding of Transmission Operation Systems infrastructure and processes and will involve various assignments related to planning, building, and maintaining IT/OT Infrastructure systems (hardware and software) for critical 24/7/365 real-time operations facilities.
The Specialist Associate level is responsible for lower-level infrastructure tasks under the guidance of senior team members, referring to technical documentation for support, configuration, regulatory compliance, and monitoring system performance to resolve issues.
The Specialist level will independently or with little guidance handle infrastructure assignments, produce technical documentation for compliance, monitor system performance, and resolve issues. Additionally, the role includes managing technical platforms, supporting users, and participating in a collaborative team culture.
What You’ll Do:
- Install, maintain, and repair computer hardware and peripherals.
- Install, update, and patch operating systems, firmware, and software packages.
- Perform system reboots, coordinating to maintain uptime.
- Utilize process documentation for all job tasks.
- Maintain accurate and detailed change management records.
- Input network settings and perform basic network troubleshooting.
- Perform computer system backups and restorations.
- Work with and maintain virtual computing environments.
- Support user account access, password management, and problem ticket resolution.
- Support control center technology such as video walls, dispatch consoles, and EMP protection.
- Analyze and initiate resolution of control center environmental issues, such as power and HVAC.
- Monitor and engage with the latest industry trends and technology.
- Provide after-hour support as needed in an on-call rotation.
- Learn and evaluate OT Infrastructure risk and impact to the SCADA/EMS system and the Bulk Electric System.
What we're looking for:
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist Assc (Grade 6)
Education: Minimum of an Associate’s degree in an applicable area OR equivalent education and experience of a high school diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant experience in an applicable area or certification in an applicable area. Applicable areas defined as: IT/OT System Administration, IT/OT Application Support, Cyber Security, ADMS/DMS/EMS/OMS/SCADA. Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.
Experience: No additional experience beyond that listed in education is required.
Licenses/Certifications: CompTIA A+ or other Computer Science certification preferred.
Additional Requirements:
- Over-time, on-call assignments, and occasional travel may be required.
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist (Grade 7)
Education: Minimum of an Associate’s degree in an applicable area OR equivalent education and experience of a high school diploma/GED and two (2) years of relevant experience in an applicable area or certification in an applicable area. Applicable areas defined as: IT/OT System Administration, IT/OT Application Support, Cyber Security, ADMS/DMS/EMS/OMS/SCADA. Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.
Experience: In addition to any experience included in education requirements above, must have two (2) years of relevant experience in a related role.
Licenses/Certifications: CompTIA A+ or other Computer Science certification preferred.
Additional Requirements:
- Over-time, on-call assignments, flexible hours assignments, and occasional travel may be required.
Where You'll Work:
On-Site in New Albany, OH
What You'll Get:
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist Assc $80,763 - $86,976
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist $98,993 - $124,940
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (On-Site)
LI-Onsite
AEPCareers
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade: SP20-006
Compensation Range: $74,551.00 - $109,543.00
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Financial Operations Specialist
Lead with your OPT timeline upfront
Disclose your OPT status and end date early in conversations with employers. Financial operations teams plan headcount months ahead, so giving hiring managers clear visibility into your authorization window helps them assess fit without surprises later.
Highlight STEM OPT eligibility if applicable
If your degree is in finance, accounting, economics, or a quantitative field, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mentioning this during interviews significantly reduces employer hesitation about the timeline of your work authorization.
Target employers with existing OPT hiring history
Financial services firms, corporate treasury teams, and accounting operations groups at large companies regularly sponsor OPT students. Focus on organizations with established international hiring practices rather than small firms without prior OPT or H-1B visa experience.
Frame your technical finance skills as immediate value
Proficiency in ERP systems, financial modeling, or reconciliation tools directly addresses day-one hiring needs. Emphasize specific platforms you have worked with, like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite, to show you can contribute without an extended onboarding period.
Understand what counts as qualifying OPT employment
Your financial operations role must directly relate to your degree field. Contract, temporary, and part-time positions can qualify, but the work must be substantively connected to your area of study. Confirm this alignment with your DSO before accepting any offer.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Financial operations hiring cycles often run four to eight weeks from application to offer. Start your search at least two months before your OPT authorization begins so you can start employment on time without gaps that could affect your status.
Financial Operations Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Operations Specialist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated with a degree in finance, accounting, economics, information systems, or another STEM-designated field, and the Financial Operations Specialist role directly relates to that field, you are likely eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your DSO and verify the job duties align before applying for the extension.
How do I find Financial Operations Specialist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers open to sponsoring international candidates. Rather than sorting through general job boards and guessing at sponsorship willingness, Migrate Mate surfaces Financial Operations Specialist roles where OPT authorization is already a known factor, saving significant time during a period when your work authorization clock is running.
Can I work as a Financial Operations Specialist on post-completion OPT before my CPT ends?
Post-completion OPT and CPT are separate authorizations and cannot run concurrently once your degree is complete. Once you graduate, CPT authorization ends. You then apply for post-completion OPT and cannot begin working as a Financial Operations Specialist under OPT until USCIS approves your EAD card and your authorized start date arrives.
What happens to my OPT status if my Financial Operations Specialist role is terminated?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer during your OPT period, though for STEM OPT extension holders the limit reduces to 150 days total across both periods. If your position ends, you need to either secure a new qualifying Financial Operations Specialist role or another direct-field job before exhausting that buffer to maintain valid status.
Does contract or consulting work as a Financial Operations Specialist count toward OPT?
Yes, contract and consulting arrangements can qualify, provided the work directly relates to your degree field and meets the minimum 20 hours per week requirement. Self-employment and independent contracting are permissible under OPT rules, but the work must still be substantively connected to your area of study. Document the scope of work carefully and report employment details to your DSO as required.