OPT Government Jobs
Some federal and state government positions are open to OPT students, particularly research roles, internships, and civilian technical positions that do not require security clearances. Many government agencies, national laboratories, and federally funded research institutions are experienced with F-1 OPT hiring and some qualify as cap-exempt H-1B visa employers, which means they can sponsor outside the annual lottery.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Summary:
The Government Contractor Advisory Senior Associate works on client projects to assist federal contractors with compliance, financial analysis, regulatory research and interpretation, audit support, and other related activities. This position will be responsible for acting as the client contact for basic questions and information and may be involved in gap assessments, compliance reviews, litigation support engagements and more.
This role works a sporadic and fluctuating schedule.
Job Duties:
-
Provides direct and indirect cost rate structure design and analysis
-
Assists Partners with client proposals, which includes but is not limited to providing and negotiating equitable adjustment and termination claims as well as providing strategic pricing assistance, analyzes Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and prepares cost volumes
-
Develops and submits interpretation of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) to Manager
-
Prepares Disclosure Statements for Manager review
-
Analyzes compliance issues related to the Service Contract Act (SCA) and submits findings to the appropriate Manager to be addressed with client
-
Reviews and develops client policies and procedures related to accounting, contracts and pricing
-
Prepares incurred cost submissions upon request from client
-
Works with General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules to prepare offers or optional renewal packages as well as evaluating compliance and pricing risks
-
Aids in firm development activities and other marketing initiatives including but not limited to attending trade shows, networking, developing internal and external practice development opportunities and identifying cross servicing opportunities
-
Other duties as required
Supervisory Responsibilities:
-
Assists in the workload supervision and scheduling, development, and training of Associates and Interns
-
Reviews and evaluates work prepared by Associates and Interns
-
Trains associates and interns on how to use current software tools and consulting methodology
-
Provides verbal and written performance feedback to Associates and Interns
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, required; with a focus in Accounting or Finance, preferred
Experience:
-
Two (2) or more years of federal contracting experience, required
-
Experience with FAR, DFARS, CAS and/or other federal contracting regulations, preferred
License/Certifications:
- CPA or CFE, preferred
Software:
-
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, required
-
SQL, preferred
Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
-
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, specifically business / report writing
-
Strong analytical and basic research skills
-
Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
-
Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
-
Proven ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
-
Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
-
Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) Business Systems and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
-
Ability to follow and apply specific rules and regulations
-
Proactive and able to work with limited supervision
Join us at BDO, where you will find more than a career, you’ll find a place where your work is impactful, and you are valued for your individuality. We offer flexibility and opportunities for advancement. Our culture is centered around making meaningful connections, approaching interactions with curiosity, and being true to yourself, all while making a positive difference in the world.
At BDO, our purpose of helping people thrive every day is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first, by sharing financially in our growth in value with our U.S. team. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.
BDO is the first large accounting and advisory organization to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). A qualified retirement plan, the ESOP offers participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. The ESOP stands as a compelling addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits offerings. The annual allocation to the ESOP is fully funded by BDO through investments in company stock and grants employees the chance to grow their wealth over time as their shares vest and grow in value with the firm’s success, with no employee contributions.
We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to middle market leaders by sharing insight-driven perspectives, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual. With industry knowledge and experience, a breadth and depth of resources, and unwavering commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on:
- Welcoming diverse perspectives and understanding the experience of our professionals and clients
- Empowering team members to explore their full potential
- Our talented team who brings varying skills, knowledge and experience to proactively help our clients navigate an expanding array of complex challenges and opportunities
- Celebrating ingenuity and innovation to transform our business and help our clients transform theirs
- Focus on resilience and sustainability to positively impact our people, clients, and communities
- BDO Total Rewards that encompass so much more than traditional “benefits.” Click here to find out more!
- Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Job Summary:
The Government Contractor Advisory Senior Associate works on client projects to assist federal contractors with compliance, financial analysis, regulatory research and interpretation, audit support, and other related activities. This position will be responsible for acting as the client contact for basic questions and information and may be involved in gap assessments, compliance reviews, litigation support engagements and more.
This role works a sporadic and fluctuating schedule.
Job Duties:
-
Provides direct and indirect cost rate structure design and analysis
-
Assists Partners with client proposals, which includes but is not limited to providing and negotiating equitable adjustment and termination claims as well as providing strategic pricing assistance, analyzes Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and prepares cost volumes
-
Develops and submits interpretation of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) to Manager
-
Prepares Disclosure Statements for Manager review
-
Analyzes compliance issues related to the Service Contract Act (SCA) and submits findings to the appropriate Manager to be addressed with client
-
Reviews and develops client policies and procedures related to accounting, contracts and pricing
-
Prepares incurred cost submissions upon request from client
-
Works with General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules to prepare offers or optional renewal packages as well as evaluating compliance and pricing risks
-
Aids in firm development activities and other marketing initiatives including but not limited to attending trade shows, networking, developing internal and external practice development opportunities and identifying cross servicing opportunities
-
Other duties as required
Supervisory Responsibilities:
-
Assists in the workload supervision and scheduling, development, and training of Associates and Interns
-
Reviews and evaluates work prepared by Associates and Interns
-
Trains associates and interns on how to use current software tools and consulting methodology
-
Provides verbal and written performance feedback to Associates and Interns
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, required; with a focus in Accounting or Finance, preferred
Experience:
-
Two (2) or more years of federal contracting experience, required
-
Experience with FAR, DFARS, CAS and/or other federal contracting regulations, preferred
License/Certifications:
- CPA or CFE, preferred
Software:
-
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, required
-
SQL, preferred
Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
-
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, specifically business / report writing
-
Strong analytical and basic research skills
-
Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
-
Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
-
Proven ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
-
Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
-
Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) Business Systems and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
-
Ability to follow and apply specific rules and regulations
-
Proactive and able to work with limited supervision
Join us at BDO, where you will find more than a career, you’ll find a place where your work is impactful, and you are valued for your individuality. We offer flexibility and opportunities for advancement. Our culture is centered around making meaningful connections, approaching interactions with curiosity, and being true to yourself, all while making a positive difference in the world.
At BDO, our purpose of helping people thrive every day is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first, by sharing financially in our growth in value with our U.S. team. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.
BDO is the first large accounting and advisory organization to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). A qualified retirement plan, the ESOP offers participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. The ESOP stands as a compelling addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits offerings. The annual allocation to the ESOP is fully funded by BDO through investments in company stock and grants employees the chance to grow their wealth over time as their shares vest and grow in value with the firm’s success, with no employee contributions.
We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to middle market leaders by sharing insight-driven perspectives, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual. With industry knowledge and experience, a breadth and depth of resources, and unwavering commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on:
- Welcoming diverse perspectives and understanding the experience of our professionals and clients
- Empowering team members to explore their full potential
- Our talented team who brings varying skills, knowledge and experience to proactively help our clients navigate an expanding array of complex challenges and opportunities
- Celebrating ingenuity and innovation to transform our business and help our clients transform theirs
- Focus on resilience and sustainability to positively impact our people, clients, and communities
- BDO Total Rewards that encompass so much more than traditional “benefits.” Click here to find out more!
- Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
See all 195+ Government jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Government roles.
Get Access To All JobsOPT Job Search Tips for US Government Roles
Many federal roles require U.S. citizenship
A significant portion of U.S. federal government positions are restricted to U.S. citizens. Before investing time in a federal application, confirm the citizenship requirements in the job posting. State and local government roles often have broader eligibility.
Research and university positions under government grants are more accessible
Government-funded research roles at universities, national laboratories, and nonprofit research institutions are often open to OPT students. These positions are also frequently cap-exempt for H-1B visa purposes, giving you a longer-term path without lottery uncertainty.
National labs and federally funded research centers hire OPT students regularly
Institutions like Argonne, Oak Ridge, and the National Institutes of Health employ international researchers and graduates in STEM fields. Many of these roles qualify for STEM OPT and are with E-Verify employers by default.
State and local government agencies vary widely in eligibility requirements
Unlike federal roles, state and local government jobs don’t have a uniform citizenship requirement. Many are open to work-authorized candidates, including OPT students. Check the specific eligibility language in each posting rather than assuming.
Security clearance requirements apply to some government-adjacent roles
Roles at agencies handling sensitive information, including many defense and intelligence-adjacent positions, require clearances not available to non-citizens. Filtering these roles out early keeps your search focused on positions you can actually access.
Government contractor roles are often more accessible than direct federal roles
Companies contracting with the federal government in IT, engineering, and research frequently hire OPT students and have established sponsorship programs. These roles offer government-adjacent work without the citizenship barriers of direct federal employment.
Government OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can OPT students work for the U.S. federal government?
Some federal positions are open to F-1 OPT graduates, but many require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, particularly roles in law enforcement, the military, national security, and positions requiring security clearances. Civilian research roles, technical positions at agencies like NASA, NOAA, and the EPA, and positions at federally funded national labs are more accessible. Reading the citizenship requirements in each job posting carefully before applying saves significant time.
Do national laboratories hire OPT students?
Many national laboratories affiliated with the Department of Energy and other agencies hire OPT students, particularly for research-oriented and technical roles. Positions at labs like Argonne, Oak Ridge, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory that do not involve classified work are often open to international candidates. These institutions are typically cap-exempt H-1B employers, which is a significant advantage if you want to stay long-term without relying on the lottery.
Are state government jobs more accessible than federal jobs for OPT students?
State government agencies vary widely in their hiring policies for non-citizens. Some state agencies in technology, public health, engineering, and research regularly hire OPT candidates, while others have citizenship requirements. Checking the specific position's eligibility requirements directly and contacting the hiring agency with questions is the most reliable approach since policies differ by state and by agency.
What types of government-adjacent roles are most accessible for OPT students?
Research positions at university-affiliated labs, contracts with government contractors that do not require clearances, and technical roles at government-funded nonprofits and research institutions are among the most accessible. Many OPT students find that working for a private company with government contracts gives them exposure to government work without the citizenship restrictions that apply to direct federal employment.
Can a government agency sponsor my H-1B?
Some government entities can and do sponsor H-1B visas, particularly federally funded research institutions, public universities, and nonprofit research labs that qualify as cap-exempt employers. These organizations can file H-1B petitions year-round without being subject to the annual cap, which is a significant advantage over private sector sponsorship that depends on lottery selection. Direct federal agencies have different processes and use different visa pathways in some cases, so the details vary by organization.
See which Government employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
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