What You'll Do
We're looking for a motivated individual to join the Principal Finance team as an Accountant! In this fast-paced and challenging role, you will get to work with fellow team members across different business units who are collectively responsible for a variety of functions, including monthly close, variance analysis, regulatory and management reporting, audits, and a variety of regional and global projects. You will also have the opportunity to lead and/or support various projects that embrace technology, create process efficiency, mitigate risk and elevate reporting. In this job you will do the following:
With minimal guidance, demonstrate awareness and knowledge of applicable professional accounting standards. Review the accuracy and legitimacy of recorded financial transactions and related reports. At this level, incumbents are expected to use existing solutions to solve problems where the impact is broader that the incumbent's own area. Incumbents can independently research and document accounting decisions broader than incumbent's own area.
Financial Analysis and Reporting: using in-depth knowledge and experience perform accounting analysis and reporting of financial transactions of moderate complexity in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), statutory accounting principles (SAP), tax regulations, or other regulatory guidance. This includes but is not limited to: reconcile complex accounts involving inconsistent data from non-integrated systems. Prepare timely and accurate financial statements and reports that are in compliance with reporting requirements.
Compliance and Controls: using knowledge of internal policies, identify, interpret, and apply control guidelines and requirements on new or existing procedures and/or system changes. Actively promote the application of risk management and risk-based approaches to internal controls.
Management Reporting: interpret and provide basic analysis of management information and the link to business unit strategy and operational performance. Evaluate trends, changes in account balances, and identify items requiring escalation. Review variance analyses and account reconciliations and identify significant items requiring the attention of higher-level management.
Projects: work with project owner to ensure accounting and internal control objectives are met through the design and implementation of new products and/or systems. Carry out testing to ensure the system or process is operating as intended. Escalate any findings/variances/issues as needed. Identify and implement operational excellence projects, providing business requirements for new systems or enhancements.
Perform other duties or essential functions as needed.
Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!
Who You Are
Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance or equivalent experience and 4 + years of relevant accounting experience required.
CPA or other applicable certifications preferred
This position may require successful completion of a criminal background check
Salary Range Information
Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.
Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)
$67500 - $121200 / year
Time Off Program
Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don't accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.
Pension Eligible
Yes
Additional Information
Work Environments
This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA). You'll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.
Work Authorization/Sponsorship
At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any @type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.
Nonimmigrant Workers (https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-nonimmigrant-workers) and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants (https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants)
Investment Code of Ethics
For Principal Asset Management positions, you'll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.
Experience Principal
At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we're imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services - and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site (https://www.principal.com/about-us/careers) to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.
Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Posting Window
We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.
Original Posting Date
4/25/2025
Most Recently Posted Date
4/25/2025
LinkedIn Remote Hashtag
LI-Remote
