Associate Accountant (Tax Financial Reporting team)

Principal Financial Group • Des Moines, IA

1h • Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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 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

Nice To Haves

• Strong Excel capabilities preferred

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• Opportunity to participate in a bonus program (for non-sales positions)
• Personal Time Off (PTO) is provided to hourly (non-exempt) employees and provides a set amount of accrued time earned each pay period. Employees can use their PTO for vacation, personal or short-term illness.
• Pension Eligible
• Comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being.

What This Job Offers

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