OPT Tax Accountant Jobs
Tax Accountant roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with accounting or finance degrees. Many public accounting firms and corporate tax departments actively hire OPT candidates, and the work directly supports STEM OPT extension eligibility if your degree qualifies under CIP code 52.0301 or related classifications.
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Improving America's infrastructure isn't for the weak. It takes grit, determination, and hard work to execute high impact projects. Michels Corporation engages 8,000 people and 18,000 pieces of heavy equipment in our insatiable drive to be the best. We have a diverse market footprint within the US and across the globe. Our work improves lives. Find out how a career as a Tax Accountant can change yours.
As a Tax Accountant, you are responsible for the collection of tax-related information and reporting to taxation authorities at the federal, state, county, and local levels. Critical for success is a high level of confidentiality to process sensitive information, and the ability to produce highly accurate work in a timely manner.
Why Michels?
- We are consistently ranked among the top 10% of Engineering News-Record's Top 400 Contractors
- Our steady, strategic growth revolves around a commitment to quality
- We are family owned and operated
- We invest an average of $5,000 per employee on training each year
- We reward hard work and dedication with limitless opportunities
- We believe it is everyone's responsibility to promote safety, regardless of job titles.
- We offer a comprehensive benefits program, including Health, Dental, Life, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) plan, Legal Plan, and Identity Theft and Monitoring Plan. Depending on your positions and location you may participate in a different benefit plan.
Why you?
- You thrive in fast-paced environments under tight deadlines
- You relish new challenges and evolving technology
- You enjoy collaborating and communicating with your teammates
- You like to know your efforts are noticed and appreciated
- You deliver exemplary customer service through interactions with others
- You are organized and professional
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform transactional data entry into system applications with a high degree of accuracy. Record financial transactions, including purchases, sales, receipts and payments
- Prepare tax filings, quarterly tax provisions and assist in responding to tax notices and inquiries. Complete required tax reporting in a timely manner
- Assist in the preparation of audits
- Identify and research errors that caused incorrect tax filings. Assess invoices for taxation; analyze and correct after approval
- Handle administrative needs of department: schedule meetings, file, process mail, assist with correspondence, make copies, maintain standard department materials and manage distribution
- Maintain adherence to internal controls, tax calendar, and policy and procedures
Qualifications
- Associate's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, and 2-3 years of related experience, or equivalent combination
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Must possess a valid driver license for the type(s) of vehicles which may be driven and an acceptable driving record as determined by Michels Review Team
AA/EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Tax Accountant
Target firms with established OPT hiring pipelines
Regional and mid-size public accounting firms frequently hire OPT students for tax roles and are often more flexible on work authorization than large national firms. Look for employers who have sponsored past candidates, which signals existing internal processes for managing OPT paperwork.
Confirm your CPA exam eligibility before applications
Many tax accountant roles expect candidates to be CPA-eligible. Eligibility rules vary by state, and some states require a Social Security Number before sitting. Clarifying your status upfront prevents late-stage complications and shows employers you understand U.S. licensing requirements.
Address your OPT timeline proactively in interviews
Tax roles operate on strict seasonal deadlines, so employers care about availability continuity. Mention your OPT end date clearly and, if applicable, explain STEM OPT extension eligibility so hiring managers understand you can work through multiple tax seasons without interruption.
Emphasize technical skills that offset sponsorship hesitation
Proficiency in tax software such as GoSystem, CCH Axcess, or Thomson Reuters UltraTax directly reduces training costs for employers. Highlighting these skills alongside experience with U.S. federal and state returns makes you a lower-risk hire despite work authorization complexity.
Time your applications around busy season hiring cycles
Public accounting firms hire heaviest in August through October for January start dates ahead of tax season. Applying during this window puts you in front of employers when headcount decisions are actively being made, increasing your chance of landing OPT-friendly interviews.
Use your university's accounting alumni network strategically
Former international students who navigated OPT in tax roles are your most credible referrals. They understand the process firsthand and can advocate for you internally. A referral from someone who was hired on OPT significantly reduces employer hesitation about your work authorization status.
Tax Accountant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Tax Accountant on F-1 OPT?
Yes, Tax Accountant roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field, typically accounting, finance, or a related discipline. You must have an active Employment Authorization Document before your start date. The role must align with your academic program, which tax accounting generally does for most business and accounting degree holders.
Are Tax Accountant jobs eligible for the STEM OPT extension?
They can be, depending on your degree classification. Accounting degrees under CIP code 52.0301 (Accounting) are on the STEM OPT designated degree list, giving eligible graduates up to 24 additional months of work authorization beyond standard OPT. Confirm your specific CIP code with your Designated School Official before counting on this extension, as not all business degrees qualify.
Do accounting firms sponsor H-1B visas for Tax Accountant roles?
Many do, particularly regional and mid-size public accounting firms that hire OPT students and then sponsor them for H-1B visa after establishing fit. Large firms like Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG also sponsor, though competition is high. The clearest signal is whether a firm has hired OPT candidates before. Browse Tax Accountant roles on Migrate Mate to find employers with sponsorship history.
What happens to my employment if my OPT expires during tax season?
If your standard OPT expires mid-season and you have not yet received your STEM OPT extension EAD, you cannot legally work during that gap. Apply for the STEM extension at least 90 days before your OPT end date to avoid a lapse. Some employers will hold your position during a short gap if you communicate timelines clearly and have an EAD receipt notice.
Does a Tax Accountant role qualify as directly related to an accounting degree for OPT purposes?
Yes, tax accounting work is considered directly related to accounting and finance degrees under USCIS OPT guidelines. The connection between coursework and job function must be documented if audited. Keeping a record of how your coursework maps to your daily responsibilities, such as tax research, return preparation, or financial analysis, supports your OPT authorization if your employer or DSO is ever asked to verify.