OPT VP Finance Jobs
VP Finance roles require at least a decade of financial leadership experience, which means most OPT students aren't targeting this title directly. If you are, your OPT window is short relative to the search timeline. Prioritize employers with established immigration programs and start conversations about H-1B visa sponsorship early.
Find OPT VP Finance JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6+ VP Finance jobs
See all VP Finance Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new VP Finance roles.
Get Access To All JobsFLSA Status: Exempt
Grade: 15
Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance, EVPAF, the Assistant Vice President of Administration and Finance, AVPAF, is responsible for assisting EVPAF in oversight of functions, processes, and policies pertaining to the university accounting operations.
Essential Job Duties
- Supervise, oversee, and provide leadership and training to the accounting departments and operations, with direct oversight of the Controller, Purchasing, and Bursar departments.
- Completes various surveys, federal/state regulatory filings, etc. as needed.
- Work with internal and external auditors.
- Assists in coordinating the accounting and reporting functions of the accounting office for various, particularly financial reports including National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA), and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 941.
- Ensures accurate and timely records of income, expenses, and other financial transactions for the university.
- Ensures accuracy of student tuition, fee accounts, student refunds, collections while providing support for billing and payment processes.
- Ensure Bursar compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
- Support the processing of requisitions and purchase orders through the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
- Ensure compliance with Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board, Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), and state purchasing regulations.
- Work with Purchasing with reviewing electronic requisitions, verifying accuracy of documentation, quotes, contracts, and coding.
- Assist in reviewing the prepared contracts for administrative approval and signatures.
- Other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee.
Omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Qualifications
- BA/BS in accounting, business administration or related field, Master’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field preferred.
- 3-5 years experience in a leadership role in a college/university environment.
- Knowledge of Higher Education.
Licenses/Certifications
- None
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Comprehensive understanding of higher education accounting operations
- Proven track record of strategic decision-making and problem-solving in higher education
- Comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting standards
- Ability to ensure accurate financial records and prepare complex financial reports
- Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations related to student billing and financial aid
- Understanding of institutional policies and procedures regarding student financial matters
- Understanding of procurement operations and developing strategic vendor relationships
- Understanding of procurement ethics, fraud prevention, and business etiquette
- Experience with a range of office, finance, and database software required; experience with ERP or student database software preferred.
- Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example
- Must be a professional, credible and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community
- Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible
- Ability to communicate in a courteous manner
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Constantly required to remain in a seated position for extended periods
Frequently required to communicate effectively with diverse populations
Regularly performs tasks that involve repetitive wrist and finger movement
Regularly operates a computer and other standard office equipment
Occasionally required to move about the office and similar spaces
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work is performed in a typical office setting with moderate noise levels from conversations, and standard office equipment.
Supervisory Responsibility
Oversees the work of experienced professionals and subordinate managers, assisting with obstacles within and across the accounting operations. May oversee the development of new methods, resolve issues, and regularly advise teams on complex matters. Report to the Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance, EVPAF.
East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital status, genetic information, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Employment Services Director, 1100 E. 14th St., Danley Hall 111, Ada, OK 74820, (580) 559-5260.
Please ensure you have completed the Equal Opportunity Data Form with your application.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Grade: 15
Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance, EVPAF, the Assistant Vice President of Administration and Finance, AVPAF, is responsible for assisting EVPAF in oversight of functions, processes, and policies pertaining to the university accounting operations.
Essential Job Duties
- Supervise, oversee, and provide leadership and training to the accounting departments and operations, with direct oversight of the Controller, Purchasing, and Bursar departments.
- Completes various surveys, federal/state regulatory filings, etc. as needed.
- Work with internal and external auditors.
- Assists in coordinating the accounting and reporting functions of the accounting office for various, particularly financial reports including National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA), and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 941.
- Ensures accurate and timely records of income, expenses, and other financial transactions for the university.
- Ensures accuracy of student tuition, fee accounts, student refunds, collections while providing support for billing and payment processes.
- Ensure Bursar compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
- Support the processing of requisitions and purchase orders through the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
- Ensure compliance with Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board, Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), and state purchasing regulations.
- Work with Purchasing with reviewing electronic requisitions, verifying accuracy of documentation, quotes, contracts, and coding.
- Assist in reviewing the prepared contracts for administrative approval and signatures.
- Other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee.
Omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Qualifications
- BA/BS in accounting, business administration or related field, Master’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field preferred.
- 3-5 years experience in a leadership role in a college/university environment.
- Knowledge of Higher Education.
Licenses/Certifications
- None
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Comprehensive understanding of higher education accounting operations
- Proven track record of strategic decision-making and problem-solving in higher education
- Comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting standards
- Ability to ensure accurate financial records and prepare complex financial reports
- Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations related to student billing and financial aid
- Understanding of institutional policies and procedures regarding student financial matters
- Understanding of procurement operations and developing strategic vendor relationships
- Understanding of procurement ethics, fraud prevention, and business etiquette
- Experience with a range of office, finance, and database software required; experience with ERP or student database software preferred.
- Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example
- Must be a professional, credible and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community
- Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible
- Ability to communicate in a courteous manner
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Constantly required to remain in a seated position for extended periods
Frequently required to communicate effectively with diverse populations
Regularly performs tasks that involve repetitive wrist and finger movement
Regularly operates a computer and other standard office equipment
Occasionally required to move about the office and similar spaces
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work is performed in a typical office setting with moderate noise levels from conversations, and standard office equipment.
Supervisory Responsibility
Oversees the work of experienced professionals and subordinate managers, assisting with obstacles within and across the accounting operations. May oversee the development of new methods, resolve issues, and regularly advise teams on complex matters. Report to the Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance, EVPAF.
East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital status, genetic information, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Employment Services Director, 1100 E. 14th St., Danley Hall 111, Ada, OK 74820, (580) 559-5260.
Please ensure you have completed the Equal Opportunity Data Form with your application.
See all OPT VP Finance Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT VP Finance Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in VP Finance
Target companies with active immigration programs
Large publicly traded companies and late-stage startups typically have dedicated HR teams that handle H-1B visa sponsorship regularly. Firms that have sponsored VP-level roles before are far more likely to do it again than companies with no sponsorship history.
Lead with your financial track record, not your visa status
At the VP level, hiring decisions turn on revenue impact, cost savings, and leadership. Quantify what you've owned: budget size, team headcount, and measurable outcomes. Visa conversations go better once the employer already wants you.
Address OPT timelines proactively with recruiters
VP Finance searches run long. Be upfront about your OPT end date and whether you qualify for STEM OPT extension early in the process, so employers can assess feasibility before investing weeks in interviews.
Understand how your STEM OPT extension interacts with H-1B timing
If you have a STEM-eligible degree, a 24-month extension gives you up to three years on OPT total. That timeline aligns with the annual H-1B lottery cycle, giving employers a realistic path to keep you long term.
Build relationships with CFOs and finance leaders before applying
VP Finance roles are often filled through networks, not job postings. Connecting with finance executives at target companies before a role opens positions you as a known candidate when the hiring decision is made.
Consider companies actively scaling their finance function
Series B and Series C startups building out finance teams from scratch are often more flexible on sponsorship than mature companies with rigid processes. Growth-stage companies need strong finance leadership and are motivated to make the hire work.
VP Finance OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a VP Finance on OPT?
Yes. OPT authorizes you to work in any role directly related to your field of study. A VP Finance role typically requires a degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field. Your job duties must align with that degree field for the employment to remain OPT-compliant. If your degree is in an unrelated area, that alignment is harder to establish.
How do I find VP Finance jobs that offer OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers willing to sponsor international candidates on OPT and H-1B visas, which removes the guesswork of cold-applying to companies that won't sponsor. At the VP level, sponsorship-willing employers are less common, so having a filtered list matters more than volume of applications.
Will employers sponsor an H-1B for a VP Finance hire?
Many will, particularly larger companies with existing immigration infrastructure. The VP Finance role almost always qualifies as a specialty occupation under H-1B rules because it requires a specialized degree in finance, accounting, or a closely related field. The employer bears the legal and filing costs, so their willingness depends on budget and HR bandwidth more than your qualifications.
Does a VP Finance role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not your job title. If you hold a degree in a STEM-designated field, such as financial engineering, management information systems, or certain economics programs, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. A standard finance or accounting degree is not STEM-designated, so check your specific degree program against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list.
What happens to my OPT if I get promoted to VP Finance while already employed?
An internal promotion generally does not affect your OPT status as long as your new role remains in the same field of study that authorized your OPT and your employer reports the material change to your DSO within ten days. Your DSO will update your SEVIS record. If the promotion represents a significant change in job duties or employer entity, confirm the details with your DSO before the change takes effect.