What You'll Do

We are actively seeking an Associate Accountant to join our Tax Financial Reporting team, which is responsible for income tax reporting and the preparation of tax returns for our domestic non‑insurance entities. This role is ideal for someone who has a solid understanding of financial statements, can learn and apply technical accounting concepts, and is a motivated self-starter.

Under direct supervision, the Associate Accountant will build technical accounting knowledge, develop familiarity with organizational processes and systems, and contribute to accurate and compliant financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Perform basic accounting analysis and reporting of financial transactions in accordance with GAAP, SAP, and tax or other regulatory guidance
• Execute transaction processing, exception handling, and month‑end close activities
• Prepare routine journal entries and ensure accurate, timely financial submissions
• Reconcile accounts and prepare supporting documentation for the financial control process
• Conduct routine variance analysis and extract management reports used for decision making

Compliance & Controls

• Apply general compliance requirements to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting
• Understand and operate within the internal control framework
• Assist with compliance efforts related to regulatory internal control requirements, including SOX

Professional Development

• Demonstrate awareness of applicable professional accounting standards
• Develop competence through structured work assignments
• Build knowledge of organizational processes, products, tools, and customers

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 required
• Must have strong problem solving, leadership and analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills required
• Must have good interpersonal, customer service and organizational skills
• Demonstrates the ability to accept and adapt to a changing environment
• Strong Excel capabilities preferred

Salary Range Information

Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)

Time Off Program

Pension Eligible

Work Environments

This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical work week) from 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.

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