OPT Subject Matter Expert Jobs
Subject Matter Expert jobs on OPT require employers to verify that your role qualifies as a specialty occupation, since USCIS scrutinizes advisory and consulting titles closely. Most SME positions in defense, healthcare, and technology do qualify, but your job offer letter needs to specify the degree field required for the role.
See All OPT Subject Matter Expert JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 5+ Subject Matter Expert jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all Subject Matter Expert Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Subject Matter Expert roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
CBIZ Inc. is a leading professional services advisor to middle market businesses and organizations nationwide. With unmatched industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and technology, CBIZ delivers forward-thinking insights and actionable solutions to help clients anticipate what's next and discover new ways to accelerate growth. CBIZ has more than 10,000 team members across more than 160 locations in 22 major markets coast to coast.
CBIZ strives to be our team members' employer of choice by creating an environment where team members are appreciated, recognized for their contributions, and provided with opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally, throughout their careers.
Together, CBIZ and CBIZ CPAs are ranked as one of the top providers of accounting services in the United States. CBIZ CPAs is an independent CPA firm that provides audit, review and attest services, while CBIZ provides business consulting, tax and financial services. In certain jurisdictions, CBIZ CPAs operates under its previous name, Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree required
- Internship experience in accounting or related field preferred
- Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing throughout all levels of organization, both internally and externally
- Proficient use of applicable technology
- Must be able to travel based on client and business needs
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PRIMARY DUTIES
- Participate in gathering, organizing, and reconciling on-chain data, utilizing blockchain data sources, and data analytics tools
- Contribute to the audit process by preparing draft workpapers, data extracts via firm-approved solutions, and technical summaries under the supervision of senior Digital Assets & Blockchain (DAB) team members
- Assist with research & technical analysis of blockchain protocols, digital asset platforms and decentralized applications relevant to audit and assurance engagements
- Support the team in reviewing and documenting internal controls over digital asset management, including private key management, transaction verification and wallet operations
- Collaborate with DAB team members and engagement teams to support audit readiness, testing procedures, and timely client deliverables for Digital Assets & Blockchain engagements. Communicate status and issues proactively and escalate questions appropriately
- Develop and maintain an excellent working relationship with all levels of client staff to increase customer satisfaction and to strengthen client relationships
- Pledge to provide exceptional service to every client by providing individual attention, responsiveness and commitment to understanding their goals and needs
- Participate in client assignments from beginning to end
- Maintain and comply with the highest degree of professional standards, client confidentiality and personal conduct
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field preferred
- Demonstrated interest in blockchain technology, digital assets, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and related emerging technologies
- Familiarity or hands-on experience with digital asset custody solutions, digital asset exchanges, blockchain explorers, smart contracts, or digital asset accounting tools is highly valued
- Exposure to Power Query/Power BI, or basic data analytics
- Basic knowledge of GAAS and CAAP concepts; willingness to learn firm audit methodologies
- Strong analytical, quantitative and critical thinking skills with a detail-oriented, data-quality mindset
- Eagerness to learn, adapt, and contribute ideas in a rapidly evolving environment
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, ability to explain technical findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data cleansing, arrays); comfortable working with vendor portals and standardized & non-standardized data exports
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a team-oriented, deadline-driven environment; sound judgement on when to ask questions and escalate
- Strong computer and technical skills including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, intranet and tax/audit software
INTRODUCTION
CBIZ Inc. is a leading professional services advisor to middle market businesses and organizations nationwide. With unmatched industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and technology, CBIZ delivers forward-thinking insights and actionable solutions to help clients anticipate what's next and discover new ways to accelerate growth. CBIZ has more than 10,000 team members across more than 160 locations in 22 major markets coast to coast.
CBIZ strives to be our team members' employer of choice by creating an environment where team members are appreciated, recognized for their contributions, and provided with opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally, throughout their careers.
Together, CBIZ and CBIZ CPAs are ranked as one of the top providers of accounting services in the United States. CBIZ CPAs is an independent CPA firm that provides audit, review and attest services, while CBIZ provides business consulting, tax and financial services. In certain jurisdictions, CBIZ CPAs operates under its previous name, Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree required
- Internship experience in accounting or related field preferred
- Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing throughout all levels of organization, both internally and externally
- Proficient use of applicable technology
- Must be able to travel based on client and business needs
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PRIMARY DUTIES
- Participate in gathering, organizing, and reconciling on-chain data, utilizing blockchain data sources, and data analytics tools
- Contribute to the audit process by preparing draft workpapers, data extracts via firm-approved solutions, and technical summaries under the supervision of senior Digital Assets & Blockchain (DAB) team members
- Assist with research & technical analysis of blockchain protocols, digital asset platforms and decentralized applications relevant to audit and assurance engagements
- Support the team in reviewing and documenting internal controls over digital asset management, including private key management, transaction verification and wallet operations
- Collaborate with DAB team members and engagement teams to support audit readiness, testing procedures, and timely client deliverables for Digital Assets & Blockchain engagements. Communicate status and issues proactively and escalate questions appropriately
- Develop and maintain an excellent working relationship with all levels of client staff to increase customer satisfaction and to strengthen client relationships
- Pledge to provide exceptional service to every client by providing individual attention, responsiveness and commitment to understanding their goals and needs
- Participate in client assignments from beginning to end
- Maintain and comply with the highest degree of professional standards, client confidentiality and personal conduct
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field preferred
- Demonstrated interest in blockchain technology, digital assets, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and related emerging technologies
- Familiarity or hands-on experience with digital asset custody solutions, digital asset exchanges, blockchain explorers, smart contracts, or digital asset accounting tools is highly valued
- Exposure to Power Query/Power BI, or basic data analytics
- Basic knowledge of GAAS and CAAP concepts; willingness to learn firm audit methodologies
- Strong analytical, quantitative and critical thinking skills with a detail-oriented, data-quality mindset
- Eagerness to learn, adapt, and contribute ideas in a rapidly evolving environment
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, ability to explain technical findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data cleansing, arrays); comfortable working with vendor portals and standardized & non-standardized data exports
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a team-oriented, deadline-driven environment; sound judgement on when to ask questions and escalate
- Strong computer and technical skills including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, intranet and tax/audit software
See all OPT Subject Matter Expert Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Subject Matter Expert Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Subject Matter Expert
Confirm your role qualifies as a specialty occupation
Subject Matter Expert is a broad title, so your offer letter must specify that a bachelor's degree in a particular field is required. Roles tied to engineering, cybersecurity, or life sciences qualify far more reliably than general advisory positions.
Track your OPT end date against your job search timeline
Most SME contract roles take 4 to 8 weeks to finalize. Start your search at least 90 days before your OPT expires so you have enough runway to complete interviews, negotiate terms, and remain in valid status throughout.
Target employers with established visa sponsorship pipelines
Federal contractors, defense primes, and large healthcare systems hire SMEs regularly and have HR infrastructure for H-1B visa sponsorship. Smaller consulting firms may offer the role but lack the legal resources to sponsor you long-term.
Clarify whether the role is W-2 employment or 1099 contracting
OPT requires authorized employment with a specific employer. Independent contractor arrangements on a 1099 basis do not satisfy OPT work authorization requirements. Confirm the role is W-2 before accepting any offer.
Document the connection between your degree and your SME domain
When your employer later files for H-1B sponsorship, USCIS will want proof your expertise derives from formal education. Keep transcripts, certifications, and publications that directly connect your academic background to the subject area you advise on.
Understand how STEM OPT extension eligibility applies to SME roles
If your degree is in a STEM field and your SME role falls under a STEM-designated SOC code, you may qualify for a 24-month extension. Confirm the SOC code your employer will use on your I-983 training plan before signing your offer.
Subject Matter Expert OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Subject Matter Expert jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, as long as the role meets the specialty occupation standard, meaning it genuinely requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. SME positions in cybersecurity, clinical research, engineering, and policy analysis typically qualify. Generic advisory roles that accept any degree field are more likely to face USCIS scrutiny during a later H-1B petition, so the job description matters significantly.
Can I work as a Subject Matter Expert on a contract or consulting basis while on OPT?
Only if the arrangement is structured as W-2 employment with a single authorized employer. Self-employment and independent contracting on a 1099 basis are not permitted under OPT. If you are placed at a client site through a staffing agency, the agency must be your employer of record on your EAD, and the work must be directly related to your degree field.
Where can I find Subject Matter Expert jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness, so you are not wasting time applying to roles that will not work for your situation. SME openings in defense contracting, healthcare systems, and technology consulting appear regularly, and you can filter by industry and degree field to surface the most relevant matches.
Does a Subject Matter Expert role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on the SOC code your employer assigns to the position and whether your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field. Many SME roles in information technology, biomedical research, and data science do qualify. The key document is the I-983 training plan, which your employer must sign. Confirm the SOC code with your employer before your initial OPT period ends to avoid a gap in authorization.
What should I look for in a Subject Matter Expert job offer to ensure it supports future H-1B sponsorship?
The offer letter should state a specific degree requirement in a defined field, not just a general preference for a bachelor's degree. The role should be classified under an SOC code consistent with specialty occupation standards. Employers with prior H-1B filing history in your domain are lower risk. Avoid titles that describe broad advisory work without anchoring the role to a technical or scientific discipline, since those create problems at the petition stage.