OPT Staff Accountant Jobs
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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Marsh
Description:
We are seeking a talented individual to join our Banking GL team at Marsh. This role will be based in Urbandale and offers a hybrid work arrangement, requiring a minimum of six days per month in the office.
As a Staff Accountant II, you will provide accounting support requiring familiarity and experience in accounting practices. You will have the opportunity to add value as a key contributor to the team.
We will count on you to:
- Prepare, review, and/or approve journal entries, reconciliations and/or consolidated statements
- Analyze and maintain general ledger accounts
- Prepare and analyze revenue and/or expense reports; coordinates revenue and expense accruals and ensures timely and accurate monthly and quarterly close.
- Perform variation and trend analysis for key general ledger accounts, including variances to forecast, budget and prior year
- Prepare higher level of reconciliations between subledger systems and other sources
- Verify work of and provide guidance or training to less experienced levels of accountants
- Ensure compliance with corporate policies, carrier agreements, SOX procedures, SSAE16 procedures tax regulations, local GAAP and US GAAP and local statutory regulations (as applicable) regarding financial matters
- Assist in the development and implementation of internal accounting policies, procedures and process improvements for general accounting functions
- Perform other duties as assigned
What you need to have:
- 2+ years of accounting experience
- Balance sheet and account reconciliation knowledge and experience
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and team members in a dynamic environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel capabilities
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage workload efficiently and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated financial acumen and analytical problem-solving abilities
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks
What makes you stand out?
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related
- Experienced with AI tools and process improvements
Why join our team:
- We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders.
- We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have impact for colleagues, clients and communities.
- Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being.
Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) is a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit marsh.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting reasonableaccommodations@marsh.com.
Marsh is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one “anchor day” per week on which their full team will be together in person.
Company:
Marsh
Description:
We are seeking a talented individual to join our Banking GL team at Marsh. This role will be based in Urbandale and offers a hybrid work arrangement, requiring a minimum of six days per month in the office.
As a Staff Accountant II, you will provide accounting support requiring familiarity and experience in accounting practices. You will have the opportunity to add value as a key contributor to the team.
We will count on you to:
- Prepare, review, and/or approve journal entries, reconciliations and/or consolidated statements
- Analyze and maintain general ledger accounts
- Prepare and analyze revenue and/or expense reports; coordinates revenue and expense accruals and ensures timely and accurate monthly and quarterly close.
- Perform variation and trend analysis for key general ledger accounts, including variances to forecast, budget and prior year
- Prepare higher level of reconciliations between subledger systems and other sources
- Verify work of and provide guidance or training to less experienced levels of accountants
- Ensure compliance with corporate policies, carrier agreements, SOX procedures, SSAE16 procedures tax regulations, local GAAP and US GAAP and local statutory regulations (as applicable) regarding financial matters
- Assist in the development and implementation of internal accounting policies, procedures and process improvements for general accounting functions
- Perform other duties as assigned
What you need to have:
- 2+ years of accounting experience
- Balance sheet and account reconciliation knowledge and experience
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and team members in a dynamic environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel capabilities
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage workload efficiently and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated financial acumen and analytical problem-solving abilities
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks
What makes you stand out?
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related
- Experienced with AI tools and process improvements
Why join our team:
- We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders.
- We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have impact for colleagues, clients and communities.
- Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being.
Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) is a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit marsh.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting reasonableaccommodations@marsh.com.
Marsh is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one “anchor day” per week on which their full team will be together in person.
See all 680+ OPT Staff Accountant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Staff Accountant OPT: Frequently 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 visa 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.