Financial Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
Financial Specialist roles cover financial analysis, reporting, budgeting, and compliance work that typically qualifies as a specialty occupation under OPT. Most positions require a degree in finance, accounting, or economics. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your specific degree classification, so confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Under general supervision, facilitates the end-to-end execution of financial transactions for a defined set of client units by providing information and support to customers. Guides customers through processes, executes primary tasks, interacts with internal/external organizations, and reconciles accounts. Responsible for identifying inefficiencies and recommending potential solutions to clients during the financial transaction process.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW
UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.
Medical
- UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.
Dental
- Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.
Vision
- Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.
Disability
- Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.
FSAs
- Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Retirement
- Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.
Time Off
- A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:
- Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
- Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
- Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
- Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.
Discounts
- Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.
EEO STATEMENT
UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of institutional financial administration policies, procedures, and practices, as well as governmental and institutional regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of records management policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of accounting systems and data.
- Ability to prepare financial reports using existing systems and data.
- Customer-service focus that is responsive and empathetic.
- Relationship building and consultative skills.
- Strong problem solving, critical-thinking, oral and written communication, time management, and project management skills.
- Fundamental knowledge of accounting practices and agency reimbursement programs.
- Comfortable working with personal computer/software, PeopleSoft, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Education
- Bachelor's degree is required.
- Will accept experience in lieu of degree - four (4) additional years of experience required with a High School diploma or GED.
Responsibilities
- Reviews and responds to requests for financial process inquiries submitted via phone, email, or service desk.
- Reviews and analyzes cost reports, contracts, or other financial data to advise customers. Enters and analyzes data, and creates reports.
- Initiates, supports, and processes common financial transactions, including but not limited to, travel requisitions and reimbursements, purchase requisitions, internal transfers, and payments to individuals. Maintains documentation of transactions and confirms completeness, accuracy, and compliance with UTHSA and departmental policies and procedures.
- Assist with reviewing and monitoring key performance indicators as determined by the department and customers served.
- Maintains dashboards in Business Analytics software that provides timely and accurate information and insight to customers on their accounts and financial situation.
- Manages customer relationships, participates in client department meetings to confirm service expectations and to anticipate upcoming needs, and meet service level requirements.
- Identifies recurring issues and questions, and escalates them to higher level position to implement solutions. Participates in business process improvement exercises by integrating customer recommendations.
- Provides monthly variance analysis and reconciliation of account services to departments.
- Advises clients of best practices or better solutions to reduce errors and optimize resources.
- Reviews client accounts to confirm appropriate and accurate accounting of expenditures.
- Promotes financial policies, procedures, and programs to university community and communicate changes as they are made. Educates customers on the appropriate interpretation of policies and procedures.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
INTRODUCTION
Under general supervision, facilitates the end-to-end execution of financial transactions for a defined set of client units by providing information and support to customers. Guides customers through processes, executes primary tasks, interacts with internal/external organizations, and reconciles accounts. Responsible for identifying inefficiencies and recommending potential solutions to clients during the financial transaction process.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW
UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.
Medical
- UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.
Dental
- Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.
Vision
- Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.
Disability
- Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.
FSAs
- Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Retirement
- Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.
Time Off
- A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:
- Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
- Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
- Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
- Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.
Discounts
- Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.
EEO STATEMENT
UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of institutional financial administration policies, procedures, and practices, as well as governmental and institutional regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of records management policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of accounting systems and data.
- Ability to prepare financial reports using existing systems and data.
- Customer-service focus that is responsive and empathetic.
- Relationship building and consultative skills.
- Strong problem solving, critical-thinking, oral and written communication, time management, and project management skills.
- Fundamental knowledge of accounting practices and agency reimbursement programs.
- Comfortable working with personal computer/software, PeopleSoft, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Education
- Bachelor's degree is required.
- Will accept experience in lieu of degree - four (4) additional years of experience required with a High School diploma or GED.
Responsibilities
- Reviews and responds to requests for financial process inquiries submitted via phone, email, or service desk.
- Reviews and analyzes cost reports, contracts, or other financial data to advise customers. Enters and analyzes data, and creates reports.
- Initiates, supports, and processes common financial transactions, including but not limited to, travel requisitions and reimbursements, purchase requisitions, internal transfers, and payments to individuals. Maintains documentation of transactions and confirms completeness, accuracy, and compliance with UTHSA and departmental policies and procedures.
- Assist with reviewing and monitoring key performance indicators as determined by the department and customers served.
- Maintains dashboards in Business Analytics software that provides timely and accurate information and insight to customers on their accounts and financial situation.
- Manages customer relationships, participates in client department meetings to confirm service expectations and to anticipate upcoming needs, and meet service level requirements.
- Identifies recurring issues and questions, and escalates them to higher level position to implement solutions. Participates in business process improvement exercises by integrating customer recommendations.
- Provides monthly variance analysis and reconciliation of account services to departments.
- Advises clients of best practices or better solutions to reduce errors and optimize resources.
- Reviews client accounts to confirm appropriate and accurate accounting of expenditures.
- Promotes financial policies, procedures, and programs to university community and communicate changes as they are made. Educates customers on the appropriate interpretation of policies and procedures.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Financial Specialist
Target employers with established visa programs
Banks, asset managers, and Fortune 500 finance teams sponsor OPT workers regularly. Search for companies with a track record of H-1B filings in financial analyst and specialist roles, as those employers are far more likely to extend your authorization after OPT ends.
Confirm your STEM OPT eligibility early
Finance degrees under CIP code 52.0801 and economics degrees under 45.0601 often qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since it significantly expands the window employers have to sponsor you.
Frame your authorization timeline upfront
Hiring managers in financial services move quickly. Stating your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility in your cover letter or recruiter screen prevents late-stage rejections and helps sponsors plan the H-1B filing calendar around your authorization window.
Prioritize roles with clear specialty occupation footing
Financial Specialist positions requiring CPA candidacy, CFA enrollment, or a specific finance degree signal stronger H-1B specialty occupation eligibility. Generalist finance roles with loose degree requirements can complicate future sponsorship, so read job descriptions carefully before applying.
Build technical skills that widen your employer pool
Proficiency in SQL, Python for financial modeling, or ERP platforms like SAP expands your candidacy into fintech and larger enterprises. These employers sponsor OPT workers more aggressively than smaller firms and are more comfortable with the authorization process.
Network within finance professional communities
CFA Society chapters, FP&A forums, and university alumni networks in finance regularly connect students with hiring managers who sponsor visas. Direct referrals into sponsoring employers reduce the time spent filtering out roles that won't support your OPT status.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Financial Specialist jobs typically qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT?
Most Financial Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. The degree-to-job connection must be direct, so roles that accept any bachelor's degree regardless of field are weaker candidates for future H-1B sponsorship. Always review the job description's stated degree requirements before applying.
Can I get a STEM OPT extension as a Financial Specialist?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not your job title. Finance degrees classified under CIP 52.0801 and quantitative economics degrees under 45.0601 are on the STEM designated degree program list, making you eligible for the 24-month extension. Accounting and general business degrees are often not eligible. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify.
Where can I find Financial Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so every listing on the platform is filtered for visa sponsorship openness. Searching there saves you from applying to roles where sponsorship has already been ruled out, which is a significant time drain in a high-volume field like financial services.
How does the 90-day unemployment rule affect my Financial Specialist job search?
During your OPT authorization period, you cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment. Financial services hiring cycles can run six to ten weeks from application to offer. Starting your search at least three months before graduation or your current OPT start date gives you enough runway to secure an offer without burning through your unemployment allowance.
Do I need to report a Financial Specialist job to my DSO?
Yes. Any job you work during OPT must be reported to your DSO within 10 days of starting. The position must be directly related to your degree, full time during standard OPT, and at least 20 hours per week during the STEM extension. Keep a record of your employer's name, address, and job title in your SEVP portal entry.
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