OPT Payroll Consultant Jobs
Payroll Consultant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in accounting, finance, human resources, or business administration. Employers in this field regularly file H-1B visa petitions, making it a viable path for long-term sponsorship. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your specific degree classification.
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Get Access To All JobsWHO WE ARE
Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC is an innovator and service provider for agricultural and professional markets in the United States and around the world. We are one of America's only retailers and distributors with expertise in formulation, research and development, precision technology, data solutions, professional application and manufacturing. For nearly 70 years our people have been driven to provide sustainable solutions that help feed, clothe and fuel the world. With over 450+ locations nationwide and over 6,000 employees we rank among the top agricultural service companies in volume and sales of agricultural products and services.
ABOUT THE JOB
Helena is seeking a Payroll Specialist. This position is responsible for ensuring accurate processing and recording of company payroll by providing timely and accurate accounting information for month, quarter and year-end payroll cycles as well as leading payroll processing tasks during each payroll cycle.
WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE
- Coordinates payroll tasks required for each pay cycle and assigns them to members of the payroll team.
- Provides direction to the payroll team in the absence of the leader.
- Determines when to set-up additional check cycles for bonus checks and other off-cycle payments.
- Serves as the point of contact for payroll team members on all issues.
- Analyzes and researches payroll issues, determines possible solutions and escalates problems to the appropriate parties when needed.
- Develops and coordinates testing of any new payroll earnings, deductions or other changes to payroll, ensuring they are set-up and working correctly.
- Logs service requests with ADP and is the point of contact for the ADP Payroll Consultant on issues with ADP vantage payroll and time and attendance modules. Works with ADP consultant on the root cause of issues and helps with resolutions.
- Audits payroll preview reports for manual entries, refunds and other items to ensure they are processed correctly.
- Manages payroll workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely.
- Reconciles payroll prior to transmission and validates confirmed reports.
- Understands proper taxation of employer paid benefits and various types of supplemental payments.
- Processes monthly, quarterly and year-end general ledger entries for accounting department.
- Prepares reports and gathers other information required by auditors from external accounting firms, our internal audit department, local, state, and federal government agencies.
- Processes accurate and timely (monthly, quarterly and annual) reports when necessary (W-2, W-2c, etc.)
- Develops ad hoc financial and operational reports as needed.
- Reconciles several general ledger accounts on a monthly basis for accounting department.
- Responsible for booking payroll general ledger entries and accruals each month into oracle accounting module.
- Special projects and research as assigned.
- Provides excellent customer service to all internal and external customers.
- Other work-related duties as assigned by leader.
- Reliable and regular attendance is required.
- Follows all company policies and procedures.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Associate's degree with an emphasis in accounting, human resources, finance or other business-related field is preferred.
- Five years of processing multi-state payroll is required.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Working knowledge of payroll best practices and procedures.
- Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations.
- Working knowledge of ADP e-Time, ADP Smart Compliance and ADP payroll systems.
- Computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office are required.
- Strong work ethic and team player.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential material.
- Ability to communicate with various levels of leadership.
- Decision-making, problem-solving, mathematical and analytical skills.
- Organizational, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to read, write and speak in English is required.
- Communicating in Spanish is a valuable skill at Helena.
- Valid U.S. driver's license is required and must meet all company requirements to operate a Helena vehicle.
Successful completion of a drug screen and background check is required for all positions at Helena.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB
The work environment for this position is that of a typical office environment where the noise level is mostly quiet. This position requires you to use your hands for many different tasks and to talk, hear, walk, stand and sit. You may be occasionally required to lift or move up to 10 pounds.
BENEFITS AT HELENA
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance STARTS THE SAME DAY YOU DO!
- Earn up to $3,000 in Reward Dollars from Helena for your Health Savings Account (HSA).
- Access your earned pay between paydays through Earned Wage Access (EWA) with DailyPay.
- Helena's robust 401(k) Savings Plan offers you a 100% company-match up to 5% starting on your first day. As your years of service with Helena increase, so does our company-match - up to 10% based on your contribution amount.
- Three-year vesting on company-match with 1,000 hours of service.
- Employees are eligible for paid time off and holiday pay.
- Free Term Life Insurance at 1x your annual base pay - paid for by Helena at no cost to you.
- Free Short & Long-Term Disability.
- Up to four weeks of paid Parental Leave.
- Education Assistance.
- And much more!
For more detailed information about our benefits, visit helenacareers.com/benefits.
STAY CONNECTED TO HELENA! Follow us on social @HelenaCareers or visit us at helenacareers.com.
Helena supports individuals with disabilities, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Helena is an equal opportunity employer.
WHO WE ARE
Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC is an innovator and service provider for agricultural and professional markets in the United States and around the world. We are one of America's only retailers and distributors with expertise in formulation, research and development, precision technology, data solutions, professional application and manufacturing. For nearly 70 years our people have been driven to provide sustainable solutions that help feed, clothe and fuel the world. With over 450+ locations nationwide and over 6,000 employees we rank among the top agricultural service companies in volume and sales of agricultural products and services.
ABOUT THE JOB
Helena is seeking a Payroll Specialist. This position is responsible for ensuring accurate processing and recording of company payroll by providing timely and accurate accounting information for month, quarter and year-end payroll cycles as well as leading payroll processing tasks during each payroll cycle.
WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE
- Coordinates payroll tasks required for each pay cycle and assigns them to members of the payroll team.
- Provides direction to the payroll team in the absence of the leader.
- Determines when to set-up additional check cycles for bonus checks and other off-cycle payments.
- Serves as the point of contact for payroll team members on all issues.
- Analyzes and researches payroll issues, determines possible solutions and escalates problems to the appropriate parties when needed.
- Develops and coordinates testing of any new payroll earnings, deductions or other changes to payroll, ensuring they are set-up and working correctly.
- Logs service requests with ADP and is the point of contact for the ADP Payroll Consultant on issues with ADP vantage payroll and time and attendance modules. Works with ADP consultant on the root cause of issues and helps with resolutions.
- Audits payroll preview reports for manual entries, refunds and other items to ensure they are processed correctly.
- Manages payroll workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely.
- Reconciles payroll prior to transmission and validates confirmed reports.
- Understands proper taxation of employer paid benefits and various types of supplemental payments.
- Processes monthly, quarterly and year-end general ledger entries for accounting department.
- Prepares reports and gathers other information required by auditors from external accounting firms, our internal audit department, local, state, and federal government agencies.
- Processes accurate and timely (monthly, quarterly and annual) reports when necessary (W-2, W-2c, etc.)
- Develops ad hoc financial and operational reports as needed.
- Reconciles several general ledger accounts on a monthly basis for accounting department.
- Responsible for booking payroll general ledger entries and accruals each month into oracle accounting module.
- Special projects and research as assigned.
- Provides excellent customer service to all internal and external customers.
- Other work-related duties as assigned by leader.
- Reliable and regular attendance is required.
- Follows all company policies and procedures.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Associate's degree with an emphasis in accounting, human resources, finance or other business-related field is preferred.
- Five years of processing multi-state payroll is required.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Working knowledge of payroll best practices and procedures.
- Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations.
- Working knowledge of ADP e-Time, ADP Smart Compliance and ADP payroll systems.
- Computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office are required.
- Strong work ethic and team player.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential material.
- Ability to communicate with various levels of leadership.
- Decision-making, problem-solving, mathematical and analytical skills.
- Organizational, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to read, write and speak in English is required.
- Communicating in Spanish is a valuable skill at Helena.
- Valid U.S. driver's license is required and must meet all company requirements to operate a Helena vehicle.
Successful completion of a drug screen and background check is required for all positions at Helena.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB
The work environment for this position is that of a typical office environment where the noise level is mostly quiet. This position requires you to use your hands for many different tasks and to talk, hear, walk, stand and sit. You may be occasionally required to lift or move up to 10 pounds.
BENEFITS AT HELENA
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance STARTS THE SAME DAY YOU DO!
- Earn up to $3,000 in Reward Dollars from Helena for your Health Savings Account (HSA).
- Access your earned pay between paydays through Earned Wage Access (EWA) with DailyPay.
- Helena's robust 401(k) Savings Plan offers you a 100% company-match up to 5% starting on your first day. As your years of service with Helena increase, so does our company-match - up to 10% based on your contribution amount.
- Three-year vesting on company-match with 1,000 hours of service.
- Employees are eligible for paid time off and holiday pay.
- Free Term Life Insurance at 1x your annual base pay - paid for by Helena at no cost to you.
- Free Short & Long-Term Disability.
- Up to four weeks of paid Parental Leave.
- Education Assistance.
- And much more!
For more detailed information about our benefits, visit helenacareers.com/benefits.
STAY CONNECTED TO HELENA! Follow us on social @HelenaCareers or visit us at helenacareers.com.
Helena supports individuals with disabilities, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Helena is an equal opportunity employer.
See all 163+ OPT Payroll Consultant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Payroll Consultant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Payroll Consultant
Target employers with payroll software practices
Companies running Workday, ADP, or SAP payroll systems tend to have dedicated HR operations teams with established visa sponsorship infrastructure. These employers hire consultants regularly and are more likely to support H-1B visa petitions after OPT.
Emphasize compliance and regulatory knowledge
Payroll roles require understanding of federal and state tax withholding, FLSA classifications, and garnishment rules. Demonstrating this knowledge in your resume signals readiness to contribute immediately, which matters to employers weighing sponsorship costs.
Check whether your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Accounting and management information systems degrees often qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, as this significantly affects how long you can work before an employer needs to file an H-1B.
Prioritize large employers and payroll service firms
Large enterprises and dedicated payroll service providers process high volumes of sponsorship filings annually. They have legal teams familiar with H-1B requirements and are far more likely to sponsor than small businesses running payroll in-house.
Get CPP certified before your OPT ends
The Certified Payroll Professional credential is recognized by employers across industries and demonstrates serious commitment to the field. Candidates with CPP certification stand out in competitive hiring pools and are stronger sponsorship candidates.
Be upfront about your OPT timeline during interviews
Payroll roles involve onboarding cycles and system access setup that take time. Letting hiring managers know your authorization window early allows them to plan the H-1B filing timeline without surprises, which reduces friction for both sides.
Payroll Consultant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Payroll Consultant roles typically qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B purposes?
Payroll Consultant positions generally qualify as specialty occupations when they require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. The key is that the job description must specify a degree requirement tied to a specific discipline, not just any bachelor's degree. Roles at larger employers with complex compliance requirements are easier to substantiate.
Can I work as a Payroll Consultant on F-1 OPT without a CPA license?
Yes. Payroll Consultant roles do not require CPA licensure. A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or business administration is the standard qualification. Some employers also value payroll-specific credentials like the Certified Payroll Professional designation, but licensure is not a legal requirement for OPT authorization in this role.
How do I find Payroll Consultant jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship history, so you can focus on employers who have filed H-1B petitions for payroll and HR roles before. Searching broadly across generic platforms wastes time on postings where sponsorship is never on the table.
Does a Payroll Consultant role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title. Payroll Consultant work itself is not inherently STEM-designated. However, if your degree is in management information systems, data analytics, or certain accounting programs with a STEM CIP classification, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm with your DSO before making employment decisions based on this assumption.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my employer files an H-1B petition?
If your employer misses the H-1B filing window, your work authorization ends when OPT expires unless you have a cap-gap extension from a timely filed petition. Talk to your employer's immigration counsel as early as possible, ideally 6 to 9 months before your OPT end date, to map out the H-1B timeline and avoid gaps.