Staff Accountant Jobs for OPT Students
Staff Accountant roles are among the more OPT-friendly positions in finance, with many mid-size and large employers accustomed to sponsoring CPT and OPT students from accounting programs. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months with a STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies, gives employers enough runway to evaluate you for long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Our client is looking for a detail-oriented Staff Accountant to join our team in Burlington, Vermont. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting month-end and year-end close processes, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to the financial success of the organization.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and post journal entries to ensure accurate general ledger maintenance.
- Perform account reconciliations and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Support month-end and year-end close processes, including the preparation of financial statements.
- Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable tasks, including processing invoices and payments.
- Conduct bank reconciliations to verify financial accuracy.
- Utilize accounting software such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Oracle to manage financial data.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide clear and accurate financial information.
- Assist in the preparation of corporate tax returns and sales tax filings.
- Monitor compliance with standard accounting procedures and regulations.
- Contribute to financial reporting and analysis to support business decisions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 2 years of accounting experience, preferably in corporate, public accounting, or bookkeeping.
- Proficiency in general ledger accounting, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
- Familiarity with month-end and year-end close processes.
- Hands-on experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Oracle.
- Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and basic formulas.
- Knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting.
- Strong communication skills to effectively convey financial information.
- Previous internship or co-op experience in accounting is considered a plus.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
INTRODUCTION
Our client is looking for a detail-oriented Staff Accountant to join our team in Burlington, Vermont. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting month-end and year-end close processes, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to the financial success of the organization.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and post journal entries to ensure accurate general ledger maintenance.
- Perform account reconciliations and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Support month-end and year-end close processes, including the preparation of financial statements.
- Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable tasks, including processing invoices and payments.
- Conduct bank reconciliations to verify financial accuracy.
- Utilize accounting software such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Oracle to manage financial data.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide clear and accurate financial information.
- Assist in the preparation of corporate tax returns and sales tax filings.
- Monitor compliance with standard accounting procedures and regulations.
- Contribute to financial reporting and analysis to support business decisions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 2 years of accounting experience, preferably in corporate, public accounting, or bookkeeping.
- Proficiency in general ledger accounting, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
- Familiarity with month-end and year-end close processes.
- Hands-on experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Oracle.
- Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and basic formulas.
- Knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting.
- Strong communication skills to effectively convey financial information.
- Previous internship or co-op experience in accounting is considered a plus.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Staff Accountant
Target employers with a history of OPT sponsorship
Public accounting firms, multinational corporations, and regional companies with dedicated HR teams are far more likely to have OPT sponsorship infrastructure in place. Smaller firms often lack the legal resources to support work authorization, so focus your search accordingly.
Lead with your CPA exam progress
Employers hiring Staff Accountants care deeply about CPA candidacy. Mentioning passed sections or active exam enrollment signals long-term commitment and makes sponsorship more appealing, since they're investing in someone building a career, not just filling a temporary role.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Accounting degrees under CIP code 52.0301 qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you 36 months total. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before interviewing, so you can confidently communicate your full authorization window to employers.
Apply before your OPT start date if possible
Starting your job search three to four months before graduation gives employers time to evaluate you without deadline pressure. Hiring managers are less hesitant about OPT when they have adequate lead time to complete onboarding and any required E-Verify steps.
Prepare a clear one-sentence explanation of OPT
Many hiring managers outside of large corporations have never sponsored OPT before. A simple explanation, such as noting that OPT is post-graduation work authorization requiring no employer filing fees or petitions, removes a major psychological barrier during early conversations.
Emphasize technical accounting skills on your resume
Proficiency in ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, experience with month-end close processes, and familiarity with U.S. GAAP are what get Staff Accountant interviews. Strong technical credentials shift the conversation from your visa status to your actual qualifications.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Staff Accountants in the United States?
Yes. Staff Accountant roles qualify as directly related employment for F-1 OPT students holding accounting, finance, or business degrees. Your work must relate to your field of study to remain compliant with OPT regulations. Most accounting degree programs under CIP code 52.0301 also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of total work authorization.
Do employers need to file any paperwork to hire me on OPT as a Staff Accountant?
No employer petition or filing fee is required during your OPT period. Your employer does need to enroll in E-Verify, which is a free federal employment eligibility system, and you must report the job to your DSO within 10 days of starting. This low administrative burden makes OPT one of the most straightforward ways for accounting employers to hire international students.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor Staff Accountants on OPT?
The Big Four accounting firms, large regional CPA firms, and multinational corporations with in-house accounting teams sponsor OPT students most consistently. These organizations have established HR and legal processes for work authorization. Mid-size companies in industries like technology, healthcare, and manufacturing also frequently hire Staff Accountants on OPT. Migrate Mate lists accounting roles at employers with a demonstrated history of OPT sponsorship, so you can focus your search efficiently.
What happens to my OPT if I lose my Staff Accountant job?
F-1 OPT students are permitted up to 90 days of unemployment during the standard 12-month OPT period. If you are on a STEM OPT extension, the limit increases to 150 days cumulative across both periods. You must report any job separation to your DSO promptly and begin your search immediately, since exceeding the unemployment limit terminates your OPT authorization.
Does working as a Staff Accountant on OPT help with future H-1B sponsorship?
Accounting roles are well-established specialty occupations under H-1B standards, and Staff Accountant positions at firms experienced with visa sponsorship frequently convert to H-1B petitions. Demonstrating CPA progress and strong performance reviews strengthens the case for sponsorship. Starting in a role at an employer with prior H-1B filing history gives you the best odds of a smooth transition before your OPT authorization expires.
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