Senior Accounting Analyst

We are looking for a Senior Accounting Analyst to join our External Financial Reporting Team. This is a hands‑on, individual contributor role responsible for complex accounting analysis, financial reporting support, month‑end close activities, and process improvement. This role partners closely with Finance, FP&A, Operations, IT, and business stakeholders. Ideal candidates will be able to lead and participate in multiple projects as well as bring strong technical accounting knowledge, solid data analysis skills, and the ability to communicate clearly across functions. 

Financial Analysis & Reporting 

• Drive projects focused on designing and implementing system and process changes, particularly those related to emerging accounting guidance. 

• Lead complex accounting analysis and reporting in alignment with GAAP, SAP, tax regulations, and other regulatory guidance. 

• Review and interpret unusual or complex transactions to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial statements. 

• Support month‑end close activities and financial reporting requirements. 

• Oversee key processes to ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficiency. 

• Provide strategic insights to business partners on financial modeling, forecasting, and planning. 

• Participate in M&A activities and support integration efforts. 

Management Reporting 

• Analyze and interpret complex financial and operational reporting to assess business impact. 

• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership, aligned with strategic goals and regulatory requirements. 

Project & Process Leadership 

• Serve as a subject matter expert on new products, systems, and process initiatives. 

• Ensure accounting and internal control requirements are embedded into design and implementation. 

• Conduct system and process testing to confirm proper functionality and escalate issues when needed. 

• Lead operational excellence initiatives and define business requirements for system enhancements. 

Leadership & Team Support 

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and guidance to team members. 

• Support hiring, training, performance management, and team communication. 

• Help coordinate team deliverables and ensure alignment with business priorities. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Perform other duties and essential functions as needed. 

• This position may require successful completion of a criminal background check. 

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! 

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance or equivalent experience required 
• 6+ years of relevant experience required 
• CPA or other applicable certifications preferred 
• Advanced accounting expertise, strong analytical abilities, and a collaborative mindset to support high‑impact financial work and influence strategic decision‑making across the organization. 

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

• Experience with implementing accounting guidance
• Regulatory reporting experience

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.