OPT Tax Associate Jobs
Tax Associate roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with accounting or finance degrees. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations, supporting both 12-month OPT and the 24-month STEM extension if your degree is STEM-designated. Public accounting firms and corporate tax departments regularly sponsor H-1B visas for high-performing associates.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Topcon America Corporation (TAC), is the wholly-owned American subsidiary of Topcon Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer of surveying, ophthalmic, GPS and industrial instruments and positioning control products for the civil engineering and construction industries. Topcon America Corporation supports all of our business units around the globe to ensure a consistent and holistic business, financial, IT and human capital approach is adhered to.
Topcon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.
SUMMARY
Topcon America Corporation is seeking an entry-level Tax Associate to join our tax team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to build hands-on experience in corporate tax.
The Tax Associate will support the preparation of federal, state, local, property, sales/use, and other tax filings while assisting with tax research, documentation, reconciliations, and compliance activities. The role will work closely with experienced tax professionals and receive guidance and training while developing practical knowledge of corporate tax processes, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Recent graduates and candidates with relevant internship experience are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Assist with gathering, reviewing, organizing, and validating financial information needed for tax filings and reporting.
- Support the preparation of federal, state, local, sales/use, property, and other tax returns, schedules, and supporting documentation.
- Assist with tax account reconciliations and help research and resolve discrepancies.
- Maintain accurate and organized tax records, workpapers, supporting documentation, and filing calendars.
- Conduct basic tax research using regulations, instructions, and other available resources.
- Assist the tax team with monitoring filing requirements, deadlines, payments, and other compliance activities.
- Support tax audits by gathering documentation, preparing schedules, and responding to information requests.
- Assist with analyzing financial data and identifying information relevant to tax reporting and compliance.
- Develop a working understanding of tax laws and regulations applicable to the company's operations.
- Provide support for tax-related business activities and special projects under the guidance of senior team members.
- Assist with tax-related activities associated with business transactions, including acquisitions or organizational changes, as needed.
- Collaborate with Accounting, Finance, and other internal teams to obtain information needed for tax reporting.
- Perform other tax, accounting, and finance-related projects as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Taxation, or a related field
- Recent graduates with relevant accounting or tax coursework are encouraged to apply.
- Progress toward a CPA, EA, or other accounting/tax certification is a plus
- 0–2 years of relevant experience; internship experience in tax, accounting, audit, or finance is welcomed.
- Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial statements through education, internship, or work experience.
- Exposure to federal and state tax concepts through coursework or practical experience preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Comfortable working with financial data and spreadsheets.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including formulas, sorting, filtering, and organizing data.
- Ability and willingness to research tax questions and learn new regulations and processes.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive financial and tax information.
- Strong willingness to learn and take direction from experienced team members.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous internship, part-time, or entry-level experience in tax, accounting, audit, or finance.
- Exposure to tax preparation, accounting, or ERP software.
- Experience working with financial data, account reconciliations, or financial reporting.
- Coursework or internship exposure involving corporate income tax, sales/use tax, property tax, or other business taxes.
- Advanced Excel coursework or experience is a plus.
INTRODUCTION
Topcon America Corporation (TAC), is the wholly-owned American subsidiary of Topcon Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer of surveying, ophthalmic, GPS and industrial instruments and positioning control products for the civil engineering and construction industries. Topcon America Corporation supports all of our business units around the globe to ensure a consistent and holistic business, financial, IT and human capital approach is adhered to.
Topcon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.
SUMMARY
Topcon America Corporation is seeking an entry-level Tax Associate to join our tax team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to build hands-on experience in corporate tax.
The Tax Associate will support the preparation of federal, state, local, property, sales/use, and other tax filings while assisting with tax research, documentation, reconciliations, and compliance activities. The role will work closely with experienced tax professionals and receive guidance and training while developing practical knowledge of corporate tax processes, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Recent graduates and candidates with relevant internship experience are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Assist with gathering, reviewing, organizing, and validating financial information needed for tax filings and reporting.
- Support the preparation of federal, state, local, sales/use, property, and other tax returns, schedules, and supporting documentation.
- Assist with tax account reconciliations and help research and resolve discrepancies.
- Maintain accurate and organized tax records, workpapers, supporting documentation, and filing calendars.
- Conduct basic tax research using regulations, instructions, and other available resources.
- Assist the tax team with monitoring filing requirements, deadlines, payments, and other compliance activities.
- Support tax audits by gathering documentation, preparing schedules, and responding to information requests.
- Assist with analyzing financial data and identifying information relevant to tax reporting and compliance.
- Develop a working understanding of tax laws and regulations applicable to the company's operations.
- Provide support for tax-related business activities and special projects under the guidance of senior team members.
- Assist with tax-related activities associated with business transactions, including acquisitions or organizational changes, as needed.
- Collaborate with Accounting, Finance, and other internal teams to obtain information needed for tax reporting.
- Perform other tax, accounting, and finance-related projects as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Taxation, or a related field
- Recent graduates with relevant accounting or tax coursework are encouraged to apply.
- Progress toward a CPA, EA, or other accounting/tax certification is a plus
- 0–2 years of relevant experience; internship experience in tax, accounting, audit, or finance is welcomed.
- Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial statements through education, internship, or work experience.
- Exposure to federal and state tax concepts through coursework or practical experience preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Comfortable working with financial data and spreadsheets.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including formulas, sorting, filtering, and organizing data.
- Ability and willingness to research tax questions and learn new regulations and processes.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive financial and tax information.
- Strong willingness to learn and take direction from experienced team members.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous internship, part-time, or entry-level experience in tax, accounting, audit, or finance.
- Exposure to tax preparation, accounting, or ERP software.
- Experience working with financial data, account reconciliations, or financial reporting.
- Coursework or internship exposure involving corporate income tax, sales/use tax, property tax, or other business taxes.
- Advanced Excel coursework or experience is a plus.
See all 228+ OPT Tax Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Tax Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Tax Associate
Target firms with established H-1B track records
The Big Four and large regional accounting firms file H-1B petitions at high volume every year. Joining one of these firms on OPT puts you in a structured pipeline where sponsorship is a known, expected outcome for performing associates.
Confirm your degree qualifies for the STEM OPT extension
Accounting and taxation degrees are often STEM-designated under CIP code 52.0301. Verify your specific degree with your DSO early. A confirmed STEM extension gives you 36 total months of OPT, which covers two full H-1B lottery cycles.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Many Tax Associate hiring cycles run in fall for January or summer starts. Apply during campus recruiting season so your OPT timeline aligns with the role's start date and avoids gaps that complicate your authorization status.
Ask directly about sponsorship during the offer stage
Raise H-1B sponsorship before signing an offer, not after starting. Ask whether the firm has sponsored associates in your office previously. A vague answer is a real signal. Firms that sponsor regularly will confirm it without hesitation.
Pursue your CPA license while on OPT
Passing CPA exams during your OPT period signals long-term commitment and raises your sponsorship priority within the firm. Licensed CPAs are harder to replace, which strengthens the employer's business case for filing an H-1B petition on your behalf.
Specialize in a high-demand tax area to increase your leverage
International tax, transfer pricing, and R&D tax credits face persistent talent shortages. Developing expertise in one of these areas during your OPT makes you a more compelling sponsorship candidate and opens doors at firms that cannot easily hire domestically.
Tax Associate OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tax Associate jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your specific degree, not the job title. Accounting degrees under CIP code 52.0301 are frequently STEM-designated, making you eligible for the 24-month extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before accepting a role, since extension eligibility can significantly affect how long you can work before needing H-1B sponsorship.
Do accounting and public accounting firms typically sponsor H-1B visas for Tax Associates?
The Big Four firms, including Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, sponsor H-1B visas for Tax Associates on a consistent basis and have dedicated immigration support teams. Large regional firms also sponsor regularly, though the process is less standardized. Smaller boutique firms may sponsor selectively based on business need. Migrate Mate lists Tax Associate roles filtered by sponsorship history so you can identify the right employers upfront.
Can I work in a Tax Associate role if my OPT EAD is still processing?
No. You cannot begin working until your EAD card is physically in hand and the start date printed on it has passed. Do not accept a start date from an employer that is earlier than your EAD start date. Build buffer time into your job search so you are not caught between an offer and a pending card.
Does a Tax Associate role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Tax Associate positions typically qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance, or a related field as a standard entry requirement. The role involves the theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge, which meets USCIS criteria. Most Big Four and regional firm offers will meet this threshold without difficulty.
What should I do if my OPT expires before the H-1B lottery results are announced?
If your employer files your H-1B petition before your OPT expires and you have an approved cap-gap extension, you can continue working lawfully through September 30 of that year. The cap-gap automatically bridges the period between OPT expiration and the H-1B start date of October 1. Your DSO must issue a new I-20 reflecting the cap-gap extension to maintain your authorized status.