OPT Tax Intern Jobs
Tax Intern roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with accounting or finance degrees. Most positions run January through April for tax season, aligning well with STEM OPT timelines. Employers in public accounting regularly hire OPT students, and CPT experience in a related role strengthens your application.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Summary:
BDO is a place for energetic self-starters who can think and act like entrepreneurs. The Tax Intern, Core Tax Services will be responsible for utilizing their educational background as well as organizational skills in the service of the firm's client base through the preparation of returns and extensions under the supervision of more experienced Core Tax Services professionals. This opportunity will allow you to gain a unique hands-on perspective on our firm’s practices and people, as well as beginning to forge the critical relationships that will help maximize your chance for success in your career.
Job Duties:
- Tax Compliance
- Ensures both that (a) clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens, and (b) self and client service teams comply with all Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (“TQM”)
- Effectively uses referencing system and workpapers that ties to the return
- Completes tasks and organizes file to minimize rework by reviewer
- Ensures data is collected to comply with filing requirements
- Takes initiative on impending due dates/engagement letters
- Works with tax software applications to complete simple tax returns for review
- Performs quarterly estimates and prepares extensions
- Assists with responses to notices from the Internal Revenue Service
- Assists in the projection of year-end filings
- ASC 740 (FAS 109 and FIN 48) Tax Accruals
- Correctly and proactively applies Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (TQM) regarding FAS 109 and FIN 48
- Assists with components of income tax provisions
- Tax Consulting
- Assists with developing, recommending, and implementing efficient and effective methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients’ current and future taxes
- Operates online research tools to gather pertinent tax information
- Monitors tax law and client factual developments on a regular basis, daily or weekly but at least bi-weekly
- Develops and communicates to client service team personnel, viewpoints regarding how those developments might affect clients
Other duties as required
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education:
- Enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters program in Accounting or other relevant field required
- Pursuing a masters degree in Accounting or other relevant field preferred
Experience:
- Leadership experience preferred
License/Certifications:
- Actively pursuing school credits to become a CPA
Software:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Other Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions as directed
- Ability to work effectively in a team setting
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues related to compliance
- Ability to prepare simple tax returns
Compensation:
- Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
California Range: $40.00/hr - $45.00/hr
Colorado Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Illinois Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Maryland Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Massachusetts Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Minnesota Range: $32.00/hr - $36.00/hr
New Jersey Range: $38.00/hr - $42.00/hr
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Ohio Range: $33.00/hr - $37.00/hr
Washington Range: $37.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Washington DC Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Join us at BDO, where you will find more than a career, you’ll find a place where your work is impactful, and you are valued for your individuality. We offer flexibility and opportunities for advancement. Our culture is centered around making meaningful connections, approaching interactions with curiosity, and being true to yourself, all while making a positive difference in the world.
At BDO, our purpose of helping people thrive every day is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first, by sharing financially in our growth in value with our U.S. team. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.
BDO is the first large accounting and advisory organization to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). A qualified retirement plan, the ESOP offers participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. The ESOP stands as a compelling addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits offerings. The annual allocation to the ESOP is fully funded by BDO through investments in company stock and grants employees the chance to grow their wealth over time as their shares vest and grow in value with the firm’s success, with no employee contributions.
We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to middle market leaders by sharing insight-driven perspectives, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual. With industry knowledge and experience, a breadth and depth of resources, and unwavering commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on:
- Welcoming diverse perspectives and understanding the experience of our professionals and clients
- Empowering team members to explore their full potential
- Our talented team who brings varying skills, knowledge and experience to proactively help our clients navigate an expanding array of complex challenges and opportunities
- Celebrating ingenuity and innovation to transform our business and help our clients transform theirs
- Focus on resilience and sustainability to positively impact our people, clients, and communities
- BDO Total Rewards that encompass so much more than traditional “benefits.” Click here to find out more!
- Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Job Summary:
BDO is a place for energetic self-starters who can think and act like entrepreneurs. The Tax Intern, Core Tax Services will be responsible for utilizing their educational background as well as organizational skills in the service of the firm's client base through the preparation of returns and extensions under the supervision of more experienced Core Tax Services professionals. This opportunity will allow you to gain a unique hands-on perspective on our firm’s practices and people, as well as beginning to forge the critical relationships that will help maximize your chance for success in your career.
Job Duties:
- Tax Compliance
- Ensures both that (a) clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens, and (b) self and client service teams comply with all Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (“TQM”)
- Effectively uses referencing system and workpapers that ties to the return
- Completes tasks and organizes file to minimize rework by reviewer
- Ensures data is collected to comply with filing requirements
- Takes initiative on impending due dates/engagement letters
- Works with tax software applications to complete simple tax returns for review
- Performs quarterly estimates and prepares extensions
- Assists with responses to notices from the Internal Revenue Service
- Assists in the projection of year-end filings
- ASC 740 (FAS 109 and FIN 48) Tax Accruals
- Correctly and proactively applies Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (TQM) regarding FAS 109 and FIN 48
- Assists with components of income tax provisions
- Tax Consulting
- Assists with developing, recommending, and implementing efficient and effective methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients’ current and future taxes
- Operates online research tools to gather pertinent tax information
- Monitors tax law and client factual developments on a regular basis, daily or weekly but at least bi-weekly
- Develops and communicates to client service team personnel, viewpoints regarding how those developments might affect clients
Other duties as required
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education:
- Enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters program in Accounting or other relevant field required
- Pursuing a masters degree in Accounting or other relevant field preferred
Experience:
- Leadership experience preferred
License/Certifications:
- Actively pursuing school credits to become a CPA
Software:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Other Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions as directed
- Ability to work effectively in a team setting
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues related to compliance
- Ability to prepare simple tax returns
Compensation:
- Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
California Range: $40.00/hr - $45.00/hr
Colorado Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Illinois Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Maryland Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Massachusetts Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Minnesota Range: $32.00/hr - $36.00/hr
New Jersey Range: $38.00/hr - $42.00/hr
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Ohio Range: $33.00/hr - $37.00/hr
Washington Range: $37.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Washington DC Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Join us at BDO, where you will find more than a career, you’ll find a place where your work is impactful, and you are valued for your individuality. We offer flexibility and opportunities for advancement. Our culture is centered around making meaningful connections, approaching interactions with curiosity, and being true to yourself, all while making a positive difference in the world.
At BDO, our purpose of helping people thrive every day is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first, by sharing financially in our growth in value with our U.S. team. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.
BDO is the first large accounting and advisory organization to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). A qualified retirement plan, the ESOP offers participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. The ESOP stands as a compelling addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits offerings. The annual allocation to the ESOP is fully funded by BDO through investments in company stock and grants employees the chance to grow their wealth over time as their shares vest and grow in value with the firm’s success, with no employee contributions.
We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to middle market leaders by sharing insight-driven perspectives, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual. With industry knowledge and experience, a breadth and depth of resources, and unwavering commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on:
- Welcoming diverse perspectives and understanding the experience of our professionals and clients
- Empowering team members to explore their full potential
- Our talented team who brings varying skills, knowledge and experience to proactively help our clients navigate an expanding array of complex challenges and opportunities
- Celebrating ingenuity and innovation to transform our business and help our clients transform theirs
- Focus on resilience and sustainability to positively impact our people, clients, and communities
- BDO Total Rewards that encompass so much more than traditional “benefits.” Click here to find out more!
- Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
See all OPT Tax Intern Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Tax Intern Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Tax Intern
Target public accounting firms during fall recruiting
Big Four and regional CPA firms recruit Tax Interns in September and October for the following January. Applying early gives you time to confirm OPT authorization dates align with the internship start date before an offer is extended.
Confirm your OPT start date covers tax season
Most Tax Intern roles run January through April. If your OPT authorization starts after January, you may miss the hiring window. Plan your OPT application filing date carefully to ensure your EAD is valid before the internship begins.
Highlight accounting coursework and software skills
Employers hiring Tax Interns on OPT expect familiarity with tax software like ProSystem fx or UltraTax, as well as core accounting courses. List relevant coursework if you lack work experience, especially if you are a recent graduate.
Address OPT proactively, not defensively
When asked about work authorization, state clearly that you have an EAD valid through a specific date and are eligible to work without employer sponsorship. Firms unfamiliar with OPT often assume it requires H-1B visa sponsorship, which it does not.
Use STEM OPT to extend into a full-time role
If your degree qualifies for STEM OPT, a 24-month extension can turn a Tax Intern role into a longer-term path. Firms that sponsor H-1B visas often prefer candidates they have already trained, so intern-to-hire conversion is realistic.
Look for firms with established OPT and H-1B hiring history
Firms that have previously hired OPT students and sponsored H-1B visas for accountants understand the authorization timeline. This signals they will not rescind an offer or delay onboarding due to EAD processing questions.
Tax Intern OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Tax Interns without employer sponsorship?
Yes. OPT work authorization is tied to your F-1 status, not to your employer. You work using your Employment Authorization Document, which does not require the employer to file any petition or pay USCIS fees. The firm simply verifies your EAD during I-9 onboarding. No H-1B sponsorship is needed for the internship itself.
Do Tax Intern roles qualify for STEM OPT extension?
They can, depending on your degree. If you graduated with a STEM-designated degree such as accounting information systems, financial mathematics, or computer science with an accounting focus, your internship counts toward STEM OPT eligibility. A standard accounting or finance bachelor's degree is generally not on the STEM OPT designated degree list, so confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before planning around an extension.
What happens if my EAD is still processing when the Tax Intern start date arrives?
You cannot legally begin work until your EAD is in hand. File your OPT application at least 90 days before your intended start date to reduce this risk. If your card is delayed, most public accounting firms will defer your start date by one to two weeks, but they will not hold the position indefinitely through the peak of tax season.
Where can I find Tax Intern roles open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Tax Intern positions where employers have a history of hiring international students on OPT and F-1 work authorization. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering work authorization issues late in the process.
Can a Tax Intern role lead to H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
It can, particularly at larger public accounting firms and corporate tax departments that regularly sponsor H-1B visas for full-time accountants. Converting from intern to full-time associate is a common path. Firms that already know your work quality have strong incentive to sponsor rather than recruit externally. Confirm the firm's H-1B sponsorship history before accepting an offer if long-term U.S. work authorization is a priority.