Accounting F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Accounting F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, where firms like Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and Grant Thornton maintain major offices alongside Fortune 500 finance teams. Roles in financial analysis, data-driven auditing, and accounting technology increasingly qualify for STEM OPT authorization, making Illinois one of the stronger states for international accounting graduates seeking work experience.
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INTRODUCTION
Paylocity is an award-winning provider of cloud-based HR and payroll software solutions, offering the most complete platform for the modern workforce. The company has become one of the fastest-growing HCM software providers worldwide by offering an intuitive, easy-to-use product suite that helps businesses automate and streamline HR and payroll processes, attract and retain talent, and build a strong workplace culture.
While traditional HR and payroll providers automate basic HR processes such as payroll and benefits administration, Paylocity goes further by developing tools that HR and businesses need to compete for talent and deliver against the expectations of the modern workforce.
We give our employees what they need to succeed, including great benefits and perks! We offer medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and a 401(k) match, as well as perks that support you, your family, and your finances. And if it’s career development you desire, we provide that, too! At Paylocity, people matter most and have always been at the heart of our business.
When you feel like you belong, work is no longer work – it's personal. At Paylocity, we believe better employees lead to better companies. Workplaces and cultures that care will build the future, and at Paylocity, we’re doing just that. Join us as we change the future and transform your career!
There are jobs and then there are careers. Since 1997, Paylocity has been hiring talented people, giving them big challenges, and providing the right resources to help them succeed. Our award-winning culture ensures all employees feel truly welcome, appreciated, and free to be themselves. While other companies talk about it, we make it happen. Join Paylocity and launch your career!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Hybrid: This role follows a hybrid schedule, requiring 2 days in the office at our Schaumburg, IL location and 3 days remote per week. The in-office days are subject to business needs. Candidates must be able to commute to the office as required. The work arrangement for this role is subject to change based on business needs and individual performance. This may include adjustments to on-site requirements or schedule expectations, as necessary.
The Payroll Analyst will perform a wide variety of record-keeping and payroll-processing activities while ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable state and federal wage and hour laws.
Primary Responsibilities
The below represents the primary duties of the position; others may be assigned as needed. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Prepare and process biweekly payroll for over 6,000 exempt and non-exempt multi-state employees.
- Perform all necessary activities to process in-house payroll including but not limited to analyzing, preparing, and submitting payroll data for new and current employees, benefit deductions, tax withholdings, and garnishments.
- Utilize analytical skillset to implement process efficiencies and assist with complex research/calculations.
- Responsible for international payroll processing and partnership with ICP.
- Audit and approve special payments and off-cycle payrolls.
- Assist with escalated employee inquiries.
- Post positive pay file and process stop payments.
- Work with accounting and tax team on reconciliation of payroll accounts.
- Ensure accuracy by analyzing pay data throughout the year and at year-end, including W-2s.
- Conduct regular payroll audits and reconciliations to ensure the integrity of the payroll database.
- Lead internal initiatives and assist with cross-functional projects.
- Assist with team trainings and ensure process documentation and procedures are up-to-date.
- Act as a liaison regarding employee changes and other payroll-related matters with Benefits, Human Resources, and Finance departments to streamline processes.
- Assist with report requests and custom builds.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2-4 years’ experience processing multi-state payroll.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- CPP Certification preferred.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise extreme discretion.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintains professionalism in all aspects and works well in a team environment.
- Prior experience with Paylocity HR&P, and Time and Labor desired.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit for extended periods (typically 7–8 hours/day).
- Regular use of computers, phones, and other standard office tools.
COMPENSATION
The pay range for this position is $59,000 - $75,000/yr; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This position is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual performance in addition to a full range of benefits. This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location.
EEO STATEMENT
Paylocity is an equal-opportunity employer. Paylocity is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. At Paylocity, we believe diversity makes us better.
We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, culture, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. We actively cultivate these differences through our employee resource groups (ERGs), employee experiences, perspectives, talents, and approaches to drive innovation in the software and services we provide our customers.
We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the job application or interview process, please contact accessibility@paylocity.com. This email address is exclusively designated for such requests, aligning with federal and state disability laws. Please do not send resumes to this email address, as they will be removed.
Accounting Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Accounting Jobs in IllinoisAccounting Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which accounting companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Illinois?
In Illinois, the Big Four firms, Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, have established hiring programs for international accounting graduates and regularly support F-1 STEM OPT authorization for qualifying roles. Regional public accounting firms such as Grant Thornton, RSM, and BDO also hire in Illinois. Large corporate employers with Chicago headquarters, including Boeing, Caterpillar, and Morningstar, maintain accounting and finance teams that have historically filed for international work authorization. Sponsorship willingness varies by role and team.
Which cities in Illinois have the most accounting F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Chicago accounts for the overwhelming majority of accounting F-1 STEM OPT opportunities in Illinois, driven by its concentration of professional services firms, financial institutions, and corporate headquarters in the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods. Schaumburg and Rosemont in the northwest suburbs host regional offices of national accounting firms and mid-size companies with finance departments. Peoria and Springfield have smaller but active public accounting markets, though international hiring at those locations is less common than in the Chicago metro area.
What types of accounting roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
F-1 STEM OPT authorization requires the role to directly relate to a qualifying STEM degree. Accounting roles with a quantitative or technology emphasis are most likely to qualify, including financial analyst positions, data analytics roles within audit or advisory practices, accounting information systems specialists, and forensic accounting positions involving statistical modeling. Traditional bookkeeping or tax preparation roles may not qualify if the position does not require a STEM-designated degree. Confirming the specific SOC code associated with a role helps determine STEM OPT eligibility before applying.
How do I find accounting F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and lets you filter accounting jobs in Illinois by visa type, including F-1 STEM OPT, so you can identify employers with a verified history of sponsoring international workers. Beyond filtering by location and industry, you can review employer-level DOL filing data to see which Illinois accounting and finance employers have actively supported work authorization for international hires. Applying directly to companies with a documented sponsorship track record in Illinois increases your chances of finding a qualifying position.
Are there any Illinois-specific or accounting-specific factors that affect F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Illinois requires STEM OPT employers to be enrolled in E-Verify, and accounting firms or corporate finance departments in the state must meet this requirement before a student can begin an extension period. Illinois also has a substantial public accounting sector regulated by the Illinois Board of Examiners, and some firms consider CPA exam eligibility when evaluating candidates. The state's large financial services and fintech sectors in Chicago create demand for accounting graduates with data and systems skills, which are the profiles most aligned with STEM OPT qualifying roles.