Job Description

What You'll Do:

We're looking for an Accountant to join our Benefits and Protection team. In this role, you'll 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.

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. 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 follow reporting requirements. Analyze financial statements. Apply basic modeling, forecasting, and planning techniques to develop forecasts with revenue and cost drivers identified and explained. Design accounting transactions to capture data needed for financial reporting and 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 plus a minimum of 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: $71250 - $95950 / 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 an in-office and hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) work arrangement in Des Moines, IA.

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 and 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 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. Date First Posted (TTF): 11/10/2025 Latest Post Date: Careers - US: 11/10/2025