Senior Accounting Analyst

Principal Financial Group • Des Moines, IA

10h • $110,200 - $148,200 • 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.
Financial Analysis & Reporting
Drive projects focused on designing and implementing system and process changes, particularly those related to internal controls.
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.
Compliance & Controls
Maintain and strengthen governance and internal control frameworks.
Improve risk‑based financial controls by identifying gaps and developing remediation plans.
Enhance the effectiveness of existing controls to better manage business risk.
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!

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
• SOX and Internal control experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Drive projects focused on designing and implementing system and process changes, particularly those related to internal controls.
• 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.
• Maintain and strengthen governance and internal control frameworks.
• Improve risk‑based financial controls by identifying gaps and developing remediation plans.
• Enhance the effectiveness of existing controls to better manage business risk.
• 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.

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