OPT Internal Auditor Jobs
Internal Auditor roles qualify for F-1 OPT because they sit squarely within accounting and finance, fields that directly match the degrees most OPT students hold. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your specific degree, so confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
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Job Purpose
The Jackson Financial Inc. Internal Audit team (JFI IA) is an independent assurance function that assists the Board, Executive Committee, Audit Committee, and Risk Committee in protecting the assets, reputation, and sustainability of the organization through the independent, objective, and risk-based assessment and reporting of the overall effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes across the organization, and by appropriately challenging executive management to improve the effectiveness of those processes. The JFI IA team is also responsible for challenging the risk assessment and scoping, and the internal control testing, evaluation, and reporting to support management's Sarbanes Oxley Section 404 and Model Audit Rule compliance (SOX and MAR Program). The Lead Internal Auditor leads audits of key processes, controls, and systems across the business related to Jackson's products, distribution activities, regulatory compliance, human resources activities, and broker-dealer and investment advisory operations, as well as other areas as needed.
Essential Responsibilities
- Manages and executes audit activities to evaluate the design and effectiveness of internal controls, and recommends changes as needed.
- Provides guidance to Audit team members regarding technical concepts.
- Executes and reviews audit work over assigned projects, as well as other areas as needed.
- Evaluates controls and documents audit work in line with standards and methodology.
- Consults with stakeholders on audit findings and advises when changes are necessary to improve control efficacy.
- Works collaboratively with the team to ensure audit reports clearly communicate identified business risks and their identified root cause(s) to business stakeholders.
- Works collaboratively with business stakeholders to develop relevant and practical action plans which mitigate identified risks.
- Maintains strong communication and relationships with business stakeholders.
- Monitors and reviews audit execution in alignment with audit methodology and professional standards/frameworks (e.g. COSO, ISACA, IIA).
- Manages and executes observation assurance on open audit observations.
- Assists with SOX and MAR Program activities, when needed.
- Supports preparation of the annual audit plan.
- Participates in steering committees, project boards, and/or other discussions as needed.
- Monitors and tracks industry developments and trends.
Other Duties
- Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong leadership and demonstrated decision-making skills.
- Excellent project management skills with ability to lead critical and complex projects to achieve goals and objectives and meet timelines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- PC skills, including Microsoft Office and familiarity with or ability to learn audit productivity software and eGRC packages.
- Ability to be flexible and creatively think to find innovative solutions to complex problems and issues.
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills to effectively communicate and build relationships with all levels of associates, including executive management and the Internal Audit team.
- Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information.
- Strong team player as evidenced by the ability to contribute to team effort, share responsibility for team results, and exhibit a positive attitude.
- Willingness to travel domestically (approximately 10-20% of time).
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Accounting, required.
- 4+ years of related audit or internal controls experience (internal and/or external) required.
- Supervisory/leadership experience preferred.
- Insurance or financial services industry audit experience (internal and/or external) preferred.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or other recognized audit or accountancy qualification preferred.
- Other financial services industry licenses (e.g., Series 24) preferred.
Jackson is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. The Company subscribes to and endorses federal and state laws and regulations relating to equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, legally-recognized disability, marital status, legally-protected medical condition, citizenship, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other factor not related to the needs of the job. The Company is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. Company facilities and campuses are tobacco-free environments.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Internal Auditor
Target companies with established compliance functions
Large financial institutions, publicly traded companies, and healthcare organizations maintain dedicated internal audit teams. These employers file H-1B visa petitions regularly and understand the sponsorship process, making them more receptive to OPT candidates than smaller firms.
Highlight your knowledge of audit frameworks
Employers want auditors who know IIA standards, COSO, or SOX compliance requirements. Demonstrating familiarity with these frameworks on your resume signals that you can contribute immediately, which reduces the perceived risk of hiring someone on OPT.
Pursue relevant certifications early
The CIA and CPA credentials carry significant weight in internal audit hiring. Even being actively enrolled in the CIA program signals commitment to the profession and strengthens your candidacy, particularly when competing against candidates with longer work authorization.
Apply before your OPT start date
Many employers need four to eight weeks to complete onboarding and background checks. Starting your applications two to three months before your OPT authorization begins ensures you have a job offer confirmed before your work authorization window opens.
Ask your DSO about STEM OPT eligibility
Accounting and information systems degrees often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirming eligibility before your interviews lets you truthfully tell employers you have up to three years of work authorization, which meaningfully changes sponsorship conversations.
Frame your international background as an audit asset
Internal audit teams at multinational companies value candidates who understand cross-border regulatory environments. Your international education and cultural fluency are relevant professional strengths, not just resume background, especially at firms with global operations.
Internal Auditor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Internal Auditor jobs typically qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Internal Auditor roles require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field, which directly satisfies the OPT requirement that your job be related to your degree. USCIS looks for a direct connection between your major and your role, and internal audit consistently meets that standard.
Am I eligible for the STEM OPT extension as an Internal Auditor?
It depends on your specific degree, not your job title. Degrees in accounting information systems, management information systems, or certain business analytics programs often carry a STEM-designated CIP code and qualify for the 24-month extension. A standard accounting or finance degree typically does not. Check with your DSO and confirm your CIP code before assuming eligibility.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor Internal Auditors for H-1B after OPT?
Publicly traded companies subject to SOX compliance, large financial institutions, Big Four and mid-tier accounting firms, and major healthcare systems are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for internal audit roles. These organizations have in-house immigration counsel, structured sponsorship processes, and a clear business need to retain qualified auditors. You can browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate.
Can I work as a contractor or through a staffing agency as an Internal Auditor on OPT?
Generally, yes, but the arrangement requires care. On OPT, your employer of record must be the entity that actually controls and directs your work. If a staffing agency places you at a client site, the agency is typically your employer for OPT purposes. Confirm the structure with your DSO before accepting any contract role to ensure it satisfies USCIS requirements.
What should I do if my Internal Auditor job offer comes after my OPT start date has already passed?
You can still accept the offer as long as the job is within your authorized OPT period and directly related to your degree. USCIS permits up to 90 days of unemployment during post-completion OPT, so any days you waited count against that limit. Notify your DSO promptly when you start so they can update your SEVIS record with your employer information.