Senior Accounting Analyst

Principal Financial Group • Des Moines, IA

19h • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• CPA or other applicable certifications preferred
• Experience with implementing accounting guidance
• Regulatory reporting experience

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Perform other duties and essential functions as needed.
• This position may require successful completion of a criminal background check.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Pension Eligible
• Bonus program (for non-sales positions)
• Comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree