What You'll Do
We're looking for an Accountant to join our RIS Finance Accounting Operations team. In this role, you'll apply accounting standards confidently, and ensure the accuracy of financial data and reporting. You will analyze financial transactions, support management reporting, strengthen internal controls, and contribute to projects that improve systems and processes.
Financial Analysis & Reporting
Apply GAAP, SAP, tax regulations, and other guidance to analyze and report on moderately complex financial transactions.
Reconcile complex accounts, including those involving inconsistent or non-integrated data sources.
Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and reports that meet all regulatory requirements.
Analyze financial data to identify trends and insights.
Design accounting transactions that capture the data needed for accurate reporting and effective controls.
Independently research and document accounting decisions.
Compliance & Controls
Interpret and apply internal policies and control requirements to new and existing procedures or system changes.
Promote risk management and risk-based approaches to internal controls.
Review the accuracy and legitimacy of recorded transactions and related reports.
Management Reporting
Provide clear, basic analysis linking management information to business strategy and operational performance.
Evaluate trends and changes in account balances, identifying items that need escalation.
Review variance analyses and account reconciliations, highlighting significant items for leadership attention.
Projects
Partner with project owners to ensure accounting and internal control objectives are met when launching new products or systems.
Perform system/process testing to confirm functionality and escalate issues as needed.
Identify and implement operational excellence initiatives, helping define business requirements for system enhancements.
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
4+ years of relevant experience required
CPA or other applicable certifications preferred
This position may require successful completion of a criminal background check
Skills That Will Help You Stand Out
Strong system capabilities and has a desire to learn new systems and processes.
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with a willingness to challenge existing ideas and a naturally curious mindset.
Understanding of general accounting processes such as reconciliations, debit/credit balancing, chart of accountants and internal controls.
We are seeking an individual that is flexible, adapts quickly, inquisitive, collaborative and passionate about change.
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)
$69300 - $126000 / year
Salary Details
The following salary ranges reflect market-specific compensation for this position across multiple job levels. Candidates will be evaluated to determine the appropriate job level based on their skills and experience.
Accountant Job Title: $73,150 - $99,750 / year
Sr Accountant Job Title: $89,300 - $120,650 / 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
Fingerprint
You'll be required to become a non-registered fingerprint person of Principal Securities Incorporated (PSI).
Work Environments
This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical work week) from Des Moines, IA.
Job Level
We'll consider talent at the next level with the right experiences and skills. The Senior Accountant level requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
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
3/24/2026
Most Recently Posted Date
3/23/2026
