Principal Accountant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Principal Accountant roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship, requiring a bachelor's degree in accounting or a directly related field. Employers in public accounting, corporate finance, and government contracting regularly file Labor Condition Applications for this title, making it one of the more sponsorship-accessible senior finance roles.
Find Principal Accountant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,045+ Principal Accountant jobs
See all 1,045+ Principal Accountant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Accountant roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob Posting End Date
11-18-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Accountant Principal/Manager provides general accounting support, including the design, implementation and review of journal entry process documents, the design and preparation of non-routine journal entries, the identification and design of analytical procedures and other accounting activity related to the general ledger closing process for AEP companies.
Job Description
What You’ll Do:
- Participate in the development and support of rate case testimony as it relates to accounting topics. Perform technical accounting research regarding regulatory accounting matters (i.e. ASC 980). Prepare accounting memos supporting the regulatory process. Monitor regulatory proceedings for accounting implications.
- Serve as a team leader to support management in planning resources, activities, and meeting deadlines related to the accounting function.
- Review and analyze monthly account activity for accuracy, support and financial integrity.
- Develop and perform detailed analytic procedures to proactively identify potential internal control issues and to add business insight to other AEP business partners.
- Assist in the review of FERC financial reports on a quarterly and annual basis, including the review of assigned certain pages within the report.
- Assist in the preparation of quarterly and annual GAAP financial statements, accompanying footnotes and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).
- Prepare, review and/or assist with the preparation and review of internal management reports ensuring the accuracy and completeness of financial data.
- Respond to and review data requests from internal and external auditors.
- Provide appropriate support and analysis of AEP regulatory filings and proceedings.
- Develop and cultivate positive business relationships between Accounting and other AEP business partners.
- Proactively assess, develop and enhance processes and procedures on a continuous basis.
- Participate in special projects, as requested.
- Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the AEP Corporate Compliance policy.
Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Principal level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Managers.
What We're Looking For:
Education requirements are listed below:
- Bachelors degree in Accounting, or Business with a concentration in Accounting.
Work Experience requirement listed below:
- Minimum 4 years of relevant work experience.
Other:
- Exposure to and familiarity with the utility industry preferred.
- CPA or progress towards certification preferred.
- Public accounting experience and/or experience with the client-side of an audit.
- Strong competency in written and oral communication.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word required and PeopleSoft experience preferred.
- Detailed oriented with an ability to employ a logical approach to accomplish objectives and solve issues.
- Ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions and adapt to changing circumstances and requirements.
- Ability to work as part of a team and possess excellent time management and organization skills.
- Demonstrates an ability to lead and supervise others.
- Continuous improvement mind set with the following competencies: Adaptability, Flexibility, Creativity and Initiative.
What You’ll Get:
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-008
Compensation Range:
$98,993.00 - $151,132.50
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
Job Posting End Date
11-18-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Accountant Principal/Manager provides general accounting support, including the design, implementation and review of journal entry process documents, the design and preparation of non-routine journal entries, the identification and design of analytical procedures and other accounting activity related to the general ledger closing process for AEP companies.
Job Description
What You’ll Do:
- Participate in the development and support of rate case testimony as it relates to accounting topics. Perform technical accounting research regarding regulatory accounting matters (i.e. ASC 980). Prepare accounting memos supporting the regulatory process. Monitor regulatory proceedings for accounting implications.
- Serve as a team leader to support management in planning resources, activities, and meeting deadlines related to the accounting function.
- Review and analyze monthly account activity for accuracy, support and financial integrity.
- Develop and perform detailed analytic procedures to proactively identify potential internal control issues and to add business insight to other AEP business partners.
- Assist in the review of FERC financial reports on a quarterly and annual basis, including the review of assigned certain pages within the report.
- Assist in the preparation of quarterly and annual GAAP financial statements, accompanying footnotes and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).
- Prepare, review and/or assist with the preparation and review of internal management reports ensuring the accuracy and completeness of financial data.
- Respond to and review data requests from internal and external auditors.
- Provide appropriate support and analysis of AEP regulatory filings and proceedings.
- Develop and cultivate positive business relationships between Accounting and other AEP business partners.
- Proactively assess, develop and enhance processes and procedures on a continuous basis.
- Participate in special projects, as requested.
- Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the AEP Corporate Compliance policy.
Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Principal level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Managers.
What We're Looking For:
Education requirements are listed below:
- Bachelors degree in Accounting, or Business with a concentration in Accounting.
Work Experience requirement listed below:
- Minimum 4 years of relevant work experience.
Other:
- Exposure to and familiarity with the utility industry preferred.
- CPA or progress towards certification preferred.
- Public accounting experience and/or experience with the client-side of an audit.
- Strong competency in written and oral communication.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word required and PeopleSoft experience preferred.
- Detailed oriented with an ability to employ a logical approach to accomplish objectives and solve issues.
- Ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions and adapt to changing circumstances and requirements.
- Ability to work as part of a team and possess excellent time management and organization skills.
- Demonstrates an ability to lead and supervise others.
- Continuous improvement mind set with the following competencies: Adaptability, Flexibility, Creativity and Initiative.
What You’ll Get:
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-008
Compensation Range:
$98,993.00 - $151,132.50
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
See all 1,045+ Principal Accountant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Accountant roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Principal Accountant
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
USCIS requires that your degree field directly relates to the Principal Accountant role. A degree in finance or business administration can qualify, but accounting-specific coursework strengthens the specialty occupation argument and reduces the chance of a Request for Evidence.
Target employers with active PERM filing history
Corporate treasury teams, Big Four firms, and federal contractors file PERM labor certifications for senior accounting roles far more often than small private companies. Use the OFLC Wage Search to verify which employers have certified positions at the Principal Accountant level in your target metro.
Search verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate lists employers with confirmed LCA filing history for accounting roles, searchable by city and job type. This saves you from applying to companies that have never sponsored a work visa and are unlikely to start for a single hire.
Get your prevailing wage tier confirmed before negotiating
Principal Accountant roles typically fall at DOL wage Level III or IV, which affects what your employer must certify on the LCA. Check the OFLC Wage Search for your metro before salary discussions so you know the floor the employer is legally required to meet.
Flag CPA licensure separately from your degree requirement
Some employers list CPA as required, but USCIS evaluates specialty occupation based on your academic degree, not professional licensure. Clarify with the hiring team whether CPA is a true job requirement or a preference, since it affects how the I-129 petition is drafted.
Time your offer acceptance around the H-1B cap calendar
If you need a cap-subject H-1B, employment can't start before October 1 of the fiscal year following the lottery. Plan your notice period and start date with that window in mind so the employer isn't left without a confirmed start date for months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Principal Accountant role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. USCIS consistently recognizes Principal Accountant as a specialty occupation because the role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field. Employers must document that the position meets this standard in the LCA and I-129 petition. Roles that list a bachelor's degree in any field as sufficient can face scrutiny, so the job description language matters.
Which visa types are realistic for a Principal Accountant seeking sponsorship?
H-1B is the most common path for Principal Accountants from most countries. Australian citizens can use the E-3 visa, which has no lottery and a 10,500 annual cap that has never been exhausted. Chilean nationals have access to the H-1B1 visa with a 1,400-cap allocation, and Singaporean nationals can use the H-1B1 with a 5,400-cap allocation. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under TN visa if the role clearly maps to the accountant category on the USMCA profession list.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor visas for Principal Accountant roles?
Migrate Mate shows employers with verified LCA filing history for accounting roles, so you can focus your applications on companies that have already committed to sponsoring this type of position. This is more reliable than applying broadly and asking about sponsorship late in the process.
Does a CPA license affect my eligibility for H-1B sponsorship as a Principal Accountant?
CPA licensure isn't required by USCIS to establish specialty occupation status. What matters is that the role requires a bachelor's degree in a specific, related field and that your credentials match. However, if the employer lists CPA as a mandatory requirement in the job description, USCIS may consider it when evaluating whether the position is truly a specialty occupation, so employers sometimes remove it from required qualifications to avoid complications.
Can a foreign accounting degree support an H-1B petition for a Principal Accountant role?
Yes, but you'll need a credential evaluation from a recognized organization confirming your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree in accounting or a directly related field. A three-year accounting degree from Australia, the UK, or Canada is often evaluated as equivalent, but this varies by institution and evaluator. USCIS relies on the evaluation report when adjudicating the petition, so the evaluator's conclusion on equivalency is critical.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Principal Accountant jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.