OPT Strategic Finance Analyst Jobs
Strategic Finance Analyst jobs are actively filled by F-1 OPT students with degrees in finance, economics, or accounting. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT-eligible under CIP codes for financial mathematics or quantitative analysis, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization without an immediate H-1B visa requirement.
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Company Description
Who We Are
We’re purpose-driven. With every ride, we aim to redefine health and happiness. It’s all about being more than a workout: SoulCycle is a mind-body-soul experience, built on community, love, respect, acceptance, and a lot of fun. It comes to life through the ride, the relationships, and the unparalleled hospitality. And all of that comes from our people. Join us—we’d love to have you.
Our Mission
To foster an open, diverse, & inclusive community—while embracing each unique individual exactly as they are. We empower each other by listening with an open mind, finding ways to learn and grow together, and always nurturing a sanctuary of trust. To make a real, lasting impact, we’ll work nonstop to embrace and create change. Because nobody is equal until everyone is equal.
Job Description
As part of the Finance Team, you will be a strategic, financial and operational thought partner to the executive team and business owners throughout the organization. This role is based out of our Headquarters in NYC and will report directly to the VP of Finance.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Own the monthly financial reporting process, including variance analysis, executive summaries, and insights for senior leadership
- Contribute to the quarterly forecasting cycles and annual budget development across revenue and expense categories
- Build and maintain financial models for scenario planning, sensitivity analysis, and long-term strategic planning
- Review studio-level P&L performance and proactively identify trends, risks, and opportunities
- Develop KPI tracking frameworks and dashboards to support business decision-making across functions
Strategic Business Partnership
- Contribute to ad hoc strategic projects and business case analyses to evaluate new opportunities and investments
- Partner with Analytics, Accounting, Marketing, Operations, and Executive teams to drive cross-functional alignment
- Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for non-finance stakeholders
Qualifications
- 1-2 years of investment banking, private equity, corporate finance, consulting or FP&A experience required
- Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, or economics preferred
- Exhibit deep intellectual curiosity and offer opinions about business initiatives, strategy, and financial performance
- Ability to work well in a dynamic environment and exhibit flexibility
- Extraordinary Excel and financial modeling skills
- Advanced Powerpoint skills and experience with Executive level presentations
- Working knowledge of enterprise-level financial planning & accounting systems (Hyperion, OneStream, JDE, D365) a plus
- Fitness, hospitality or retail experience a plus
Pay Transparency: $95k - $115k
Additional Information
As a member of the SoulCycle family, you will enjoy:
- Competitive salary, benefits, and perks/discounts at SoulCycle
- Unlimited complimentary rides at all SoulCycle locations
- Growth, leadership, and professional development opportunities
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Must have a legal right to work in the United States.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Strategic Finance Analyst
Lead with your quantitative credentials
Strategic finance roles are won on analytical rigor. Highlight your proficiency in financial modeling, variance analysis, and tools like Excel and SQL early in your resume. Employers screening OPT candidates want evidence you can contribute from day one.
Confirm STEM OPT eligibility before applying
Many Strategic Finance Analyst roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree falls under a STEM-designated CIP code. Verify your degree classification with your DSO before interviews so you can confidently address authorization timelines with employers.
Target companies with established OPT hiring history
Large corporations with dedicated finance rotational programs, such as those in technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, hire OPT students consistently. These employers already understand the authorization process and are less likely to reject candidates over sponsorship concerns.
Address your authorization timeline proactively
Employers worry about short work authorization windows. State your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility clearly in cover letters. Framing this upfront reduces uncertainty and shows you understand the process, which builds employer confidence in hiring you.
Emphasize FP&A and cross-functional project experience
Strategic finance sits at the intersection of finance and business decision-making. Highlight any experience supporting budgeting cycles, headcount planning, or executive reporting. Cross-functional exposure signals you can operate as a business partner, not just a spreadsheet operator.
Prepare to discuss H-1B sponsorship early in the process
Bring up long-term visa needs before the offer stage, not after. Ask whether the company has sponsored H-1B visa petitions for similar roles. A clear, calm conversation early prevents misaligned expectations and filters toward employers genuinely open to sponsoring you.
Strategic Finance Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Strategic Finance Analyst roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your degree. If you graduated in financial mathematics, quantitative finance, economics with a quantitative focus, or a related STEM-designated field, your degree likely qualifies. Degrees in general business or non-quantitative finance typically do not. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility, since the extension is tied to your degree classification, not your job title.
Will employers sponsor Strategic Finance Analysts for an H-1B visa?
Yes, many do. Strategic Finance Analyst is a specialty occupation that meets H-1B requirements because the role typically demands at minimum a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. Large companies with structured finance functions, particularly in technology and financial services, have established sponsorship pipelines. Smaller companies may be less familiar with the process. Migrate Mate lists Strategic Finance Analyst roles specifically filtered for OPT and sponsorship-open employers, which simplifies identifying the right opportunities.
How much work authorization time do I realistically have as an OPT student in this role?
On standard OPT you have 12 months. If your degree qualifies for the STEM extension, you can add 24 months for a total of 36 months of authorized work. Most employers hiring for Strategic Finance Analyst roles expect to begin H-1B sponsorship well before your OPT expires, so a 36-month window typically provides enough time to go through the lottery cycle at least twice.
What degree backgrounds are most competitive for Strategic Finance Analyst roles on OPT?
Finance, accounting, economics, and applied mathematics are the most common. Candidates with an MBA or a master's in financial engineering or data science are increasingly competitive for senior analyst tracks. A background with exposure to financial modeling coursework or internships in FP&A, investment banking, or corporate development tends to stand out. The STEM extension is more accessible to graduates from quantitative programs than from general management degrees.
Is a Strategic Finance Analyst role different from a Financial Analyst role for OPT and visa purposes?
Not in any meaningful way for visa purposes. Both titles fall under specialty occupation criteria for H-1B eligibility as long as the role requires a specific bachelor's degree or higher. Where they differ is scope: Strategic Finance Analysts typically work on business planning, long-range forecasting, and executive-level decision support, while Financial Analysts may focus more narrowly on reporting or investments. For OPT documentation, your offer letter job duties matter more than the title itself.