OPT Lead Analyst Jobs
Lead Analyst roles on OPT typically fall under specialty occupation status, which makes them strong candidates for H-1B visa sponsorship. Most positions require a bachelor's or master's degree in a quantitative field. Your 12-month OPT period, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you a realistic runway to prove your value and secure sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation:
4900 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn Ohio
Job Summary
The Lead Analyst (QA) is a professional contributor within Controllership Quality Assurance (QA), responsible for supporting risk identification, issue management, and quality assurance activities across the Controllership organization. The role focuses on executing risk-based quality assurance reviews, identifying opportunities for process and control improvement, and helping ensure adherence to internal policies, regulatory expectations, and established governance practices.
Operating independently while collaborating closely with business partners and QA team members, this role executes risk-based quality assurance reviews and testing activities across Controllership processes, identifies potential risks and issues, supports the development of sustainable solutions to strengthen the overall control environment, and assesses the effectiveness of controls and risk management practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of designated QA reviews and testing activities within the Controllership organization.
- Assist in identifying, assessing, and monitoring risks and issues across Controllership processes and functions.
- Execute risk-based testing and review activities aligned with established QA methodologies and organizational priorities.
- Support issue management activities, including issue identification, root cause analysis, remediation tracking, and validation of corrective actions.
- Apply quality and risk standards aligned with internal policies, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices.
- Analyze review results, observations, and trends to identify improvement opportunities and emerging themes.
- Prepare clear and concise reporting and supporting materials for management and governance discussions.
- Serve as a resource for QA methodologies, testing approaches, and risk and control concepts.
- Monitor regulatory and industry developments impacting Controllership processes and support updates to QA methodologies as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in quality assurance, regulatory reporting, accounting, internal/external audit, risk management, or a related Finance function within a financial institution.
- Demonstrated experience working in a financial services environment with exposure to Finance or Controllership processes.
- Experience supporting testing, review, audit, assessment, or control evaluation activities.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify risks, issues, and control weaknesses.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and communicate findings and recommendations professionally.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with risk-based assessment frameworks, controls testing, issue management, or process reviews.
- Familiarity with financial reporting, regulatory reporting, accounting operations, or related Controllership activities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize findings and present information to management.
Competencies / Skills
Risk & Control Awareness
Demonstrates the ability to identify risks, assess control effectiveness, and support quality assurance activities across Controllership processes. Maintains an understanding of risk management principles and contributes to strengthening the control environment through thoughtful analysis and constructive challenge.
Testing & Review Execution
Participates in the planning, execution, and documentation of risk-based testing and review activities. Applies established methodologies to evaluate controls, identify issues, and develop practical recommendations that support business objectives and governance expectations.
Stakeholder Relationship-Building
Builds productive working relationships with Controllership and Finance stakeholders. Collaborates effectively across teams, facilitates information gathering, and supports alignment on issue remediation and control improvements.
Problem-Solving & Issue Management
Identifies, analyzes, and helps resolve risks and issues through structured review and assessment activities. Demonstrates sound judgment in evaluating findings, recommending solutions, and escalating concerns when appropriate.
Written & Verbal Communication
Communicates findings, observations, and recommendations clearly and effectively to management and business partners. Prepares accurate, concise documentation and presentations that support decision-making and governance activities.
Collaborative Teamwork
Works effectively within the QA team and across Controllership functions to support shared objectives. Contributes to a positive team environment, shares knowledge, and supports continuous improvement initiatives.
Accuracy, Timeliness & Planning
Maintains a high level of attention to detail and accountability while meeting quality standards and deadlines. Demonstrates strong organizational skills in managing multiple priorities, documenting testing activities, tracking issues, and supporting the execution of annual QA plans.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $63,000.00 - $96,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.
Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.
Job Posting Expiration Date: 10/20/2026
KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.
LI-Hybrid
Location:
4900 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn Ohio
Job Summary
The Lead Analyst (QA) is a professional contributor within Controllership Quality Assurance (QA), responsible for supporting risk identification, issue management, and quality assurance activities across the Controllership organization. The role focuses on executing risk-based quality assurance reviews, identifying opportunities for process and control improvement, and helping ensure adherence to internal policies, regulatory expectations, and established governance practices.
Operating independently while collaborating closely with business partners and QA team members, this role executes risk-based quality assurance reviews and testing activities across Controllership processes, identifies potential risks and issues, supports the development of sustainable solutions to strengthen the overall control environment, and assesses the effectiveness of controls and risk management practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of designated QA reviews and testing activities within the Controllership organization.
- Assist in identifying, assessing, and monitoring risks and issues across Controllership processes and functions.
- Execute risk-based testing and review activities aligned with established QA methodologies and organizational priorities.
- Support issue management activities, including issue identification, root cause analysis, remediation tracking, and validation of corrective actions.
- Apply quality and risk standards aligned with internal policies, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices.
- Analyze review results, observations, and trends to identify improvement opportunities and emerging themes.
- Prepare clear and concise reporting and supporting materials for management and governance discussions.
- Serve as a resource for QA methodologies, testing approaches, and risk and control concepts.
- Monitor regulatory and industry developments impacting Controllership processes and support updates to QA methodologies as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in quality assurance, regulatory reporting, accounting, internal/external audit, risk management, or a related Finance function within a financial institution.
- Demonstrated experience working in a financial services environment with exposure to Finance or Controllership processes.
- Experience supporting testing, review, audit, assessment, or control evaluation activities.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify risks, issues, and control weaknesses.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and communicate findings and recommendations professionally.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with risk-based assessment frameworks, controls testing, issue management, or process reviews.
- Familiarity with financial reporting, regulatory reporting, accounting operations, or related Controllership activities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize findings and present information to management.
Competencies / Skills
Risk & Control Awareness
Demonstrates the ability to identify risks, assess control effectiveness, and support quality assurance activities across Controllership processes. Maintains an understanding of risk management principles and contributes to strengthening the control environment through thoughtful analysis and constructive challenge.
Testing & Review Execution
Participates in the planning, execution, and documentation of risk-based testing and review activities. Applies established methodologies to evaluate controls, identify issues, and develop practical recommendations that support business objectives and governance expectations.
Stakeholder Relationship-Building
Builds productive working relationships with Controllership and Finance stakeholders. Collaborates effectively across teams, facilitates information gathering, and supports alignment on issue remediation and control improvements.
Problem-Solving & Issue Management
Identifies, analyzes, and helps resolve risks and issues through structured review and assessment activities. Demonstrates sound judgment in evaluating findings, recommending solutions, and escalating concerns when appropriate.
Written & Verbal Communication
Communicates findings, observations, and recommendations clearly and effectively to management and business partners. Prepares accurate, concise documentation and presentations that support decision-making and governance activities.
Collaborative Teamwork
Works effectively within the QA team and across Controllership functions to support shared objectives. Contributes to a positive team environment, shares knowledge, and supports continuous improvement initiatives.
Accuracy, Timeliness & Planning
Maintains a high level of attention to detail and accountability while meeting quality standards and deadlines. Demonstrates strong organizational skills in managing multiple priorities, documenting testing activities, tracking issues, and supporting the execution of annual QA plans.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $63,000.00 - $96,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.
Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.
Job Posting Expiration Date: 10/20/2026
KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.
LI-Hybrid
See all 2,237+ OPT Lead Analyst Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Lead Analyst
Target companies with a history of H-1B filings
Employers who have sponsored H-1B visas before understand the process and are far less likely to back out. Check whether a company has filed LCAs for analyst roles specifically, not just engineering or product positions.
Use your STEM OPT extension as a negotiating asset
If your degree is in statistics, computer science, economics, or a related STEM field, you may qualify for 24 months of additional OPT. That three-year total runway makes you significantly easier to sponsor before the H-1B cap hits.
Document the specialty occupation case for your role
Lead Analyst positions need to qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B purposes. Keep records showing your role requires a specific bachelor's degree field, not just any degree. This evidence helps your employer build a stronger petition.
Prioritize employers with in-house immigration counsel
Large financial institutions, consulting firms, and tech companies typically have dedicated immigration teams. These employers can move faster on OPT reporting requirements and H-1B filings without relying on outside counsel for every step.
Report employment changes to your DSO immediately
If you switch teams, change your job title to Lead Analyst from a different role, or take on new responsibilities, notify your Designated School Official promptly. OPT authorization is tied to your employment details, and late reporting creates compliance risk.
Frame your analytical skills in business impact terms during interviews
Employers weighing sponsorship costs need confidence you'll deliver measurable results. Quantify past work with specific outcomes, such as models that improved forecast accuracy or analyses that shaped a major business decision, rather than describing tasks alone.
Lead Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lead Analyst role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Lead Analyst positions generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as statistics, economics, finance, or computer science. The key is that the role must require that specific field of study, not just any bachelor's degree. If the job description is written broadly, your employer may need to tighten the requirements in the job posting and LCA before filing an H-1B petition on your behalf.
Can I work as a Lead Analyst on OPT if my degree is in a different but related field?
OPT authorization is tied to your degree field, but the connection can be indirect. USCIS and your DSO assess whether there is a reasonable relationship between your major and the work you will perform. A finance degree supporting a market risk analyst role is straightforward. A literature degree supporting a data analyst role is harder to justify. Your employment offer letter and job description should clearly articulate how your specific coursework prepared you for the position.
How do I find Lead Analyst jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Most job listings do not explicitly state OPT eligibility, which makes filtering by sponsorship willingness difficult on general platforms. Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and visa holders, so you can browse Lead Analyst roles from employers who are open to OPT and have a track record of sponsoring work visas. Searching there saves significant time compared to manually vetting employers who will not consider candidates requiring authorization.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I am promoted from Analyst to Lead Analyst at the same company?
A promotion within the same employer does not require a new OPT authorization, but you must notify your DSO if your job title or responsibilities change significantly. Your OPT is tied to employment that is directly related to your degree, so the updated role must still satisfy that requirement. If the promotion occurs while a STEM OPT extension application is pending or active, confirm with your DSO that the new title is reflected accurately in your SEVIS record.
Does my employer need to pay me the prevailing wage as a Lead Analyst while I am on OPT?
OPT itself carries no prevailing wage requirement, unlike the H-1B. You and your employer negotiate compensation freely while you are on OPT. However, if your employer later files an H-1B petition or an LCA for your Lead Analyst role, the LCA will require them to pay at least the prevailing wage for that occupation in your geographic area as determined by the Department of Labor.