OPT Purchasing Assistant Jobs
Purchasing Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in supply chain, business, or operations. Most roles qualify as STEM-adjacent when paired with a relevant degree, and employers in manufacturing, retail, and logistics regularly hire candidates on OPT work authorization.
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SUMMARY
Handles all components of the P-Card Program and other duties as assigned
- Maintains the P-Card program, sets up new card holders, daily/monthly audits, reporting, etc.
- Processes all paperwork and maintain credit card database. This includes but is not limited to, new card applications, suspensions, and basic account changes.
- Completion of monthly audits with reports from the software vendor and write finding emails to (Card Holder and Accounting Reps).
- Completion of all daily audits and write finding emails to (Card Holder and Accounting Reps).
- Receive and process Monthly Expense Reports. Index University statements.
- Variable daily duties include, but are not limited to: bank accounts setup, reset passwords, run reports, field questions from P-Card users, log monthly audit findings, and conduct card-holder maintenance on the bank website as needed.
- Monthly duties include setting up and conducting P-Card holder training and processing end of banking cycle reports.
- Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s Degree
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- Two years of general accounting experience
- Alertness, initiative, attention to accuracy, memory for oral and written directions or details, ability to plan and make decisions often without instruction or supervision.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
POSTING DATE: 09/15/2026
CLOSING DATE: 09/29/2026
OPEN UNTIL FILLED: No
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
HOURLY RATE/ANNUAL SALARY $15.95 (Additional pay dependent upon qualifications)
STAFF GRADE 104
WORK HOURS Normal working hours
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Normal for office environment.
- Sit at a desk for long periods of time. Walk across campus to perform audits.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Purchasing Assistant
Emphasize your supply chain coursework
Hiring managers want to see that your academic background connects directly to purchasing work. List relevant courses like procurement, operations management, or logistics on your resume to strengthen the degree-to-role connection required for OPT authorization.
Target employers with procurement teams
Large manufacturers, retailers, and distributors typically have dedicated procurement departments and established processes for hiring OPT students. Smaller companies may be unfamiliar with work authorization requirements, so prioritizing structured organizations reduces friction in the hiring process.
Address OPT early and clearly
When recruiters ask about work authorization, state your OPT status, your current end date, and whether your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension. Giving a clear, confident answer upfront removes uncertainty and prevents your application from stalling later.
Highlight ERP and procurement software experience
Familiarity with tools like SAP, Oracle, or Coupa signals you can contribute immediately. Employers in purchasing value technical fluency because onboarding is faster, and it demonstrates the specialized skills that support a strong OPT sponsorship case.
Position internship experience as direct evidence
If you completed a CPT or OPT internship in supply chain or operations, lead with it. Real purchasing tasks like vendor communication, purchase order processing, or inventory tracking show employers you understand the role beyond classroom theory.
Understand your OPT reporting obligations
Purchasing Assistant roles require standard employment reporting through your DSO. Confirm your employer's name, address, and start date are updated in SEVIS within 10 days of starting. Gaps in reporting can jeopardize your status even if your EAD is valid.
Purchasing Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Purchasing Assistant on F-1 OPT?
Yes, if your degree field relates to the role. A Purchasing Assistant position typically qualifies under supply chain management, business administration, or operations-related majors. Your DSO must authorize the employment, and the work must directly relate to your degree program. Roles that involve procurement analysis, vendor management, or inventory coordination generally satisfy that connection.
Does a Purchasing Assistant role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated with a STEM-designated major such as supply chain management, industrial engineering, or management information systems, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you can apply for the 24-month STEM extension. Check your program's CIP code on the official DHS STEM designation list to confirm eligibility before applying.
How do I find Purchasing Assistant jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching there saves time compared to filtering through postings that don't address OPT status. When you do reach out to employers, focus on companies with procurement departments large enough to have experience navigating work authorization for international hires.
What happens to my OPT if I lose my Purchasing Assistant job?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer during your OPT period. If you're on the standard 12-month OPT, 90 days total across all gaps is the maximum. On the STEM extension, you get an additional 60 days, for 150 days total. Exceeding the limit ends your authorized stay, so start your job search immediately and report employment changes to your DSO without delay.
Do Purchasing Assistant employers typically understand OPT work authorization?
Experience varies significantly by company size and industry. Larger organizations in manufacturing, retail, or logistics often have HR teams familiar with OPT and EAD cards. Smaller or regional suppliers may not. When reaching out, a brief, factual explanation of OPT, your EAD validity, and any STEM extension eligibility helps reduce hesitation and keeps the conversation moving forward.