Accountant

Principal Financial Group • Des Moines, IA

10d • $69,300 - $126,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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!

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance or equivalent experience
• 4+ years of relevant experience required
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• CPA or other applicable certifications preferred

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees