Sr Associate Accountant

Principal Financial Group • Des Moines, IA

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Associate Accountant will join Principal’s Retirement & Income Solutions (RIS) External Financial Reporting team. The team prepares US GAAP and statutory financials for several Principal entities, handles regulatory filings, applies emerging accounting guidance, and supports SOX controls and reporting. This role provides exposure to multiple reporting areas and opportunities to contribute across projects and business needs.

The position supports monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, including journal entries, ledger analysis, financial statement schedules, and disclosures. It also involves analyzing data using Excel, general ledger information, and reporting or query tools; collaborating with team members and business partners to meet deadlines; improving processes through automation and AI tools; supporting regulatory filings and SOX controls; and researching accounting guidance with guidance from senior team members.

The role offers in-office or hybrid work from Des Moines, Iowa. Hybrid work blends at least three office days in a typical work week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of accounting or finance experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including lookups, pivot tables, and IF statements.
• Working knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and adapt to changing priorities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivation and willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

• CPA designation or active progress toward a CPA or other professional certification.
• Experience in public accounting or with financial reporting, regulatory reporting, or financial statement preparation.
• Exposure to SQL, query-based reporting tools, or SAS Enterprise Guide.
• Experience or interest in using AI and automation tools to improve accounting processes.
• Familiarity with insurance or financial services accounting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and support monthly, quarterly, and annual US GAAP and statutory financial reporting for Principal entities, including journal entries, ledger analysis, and financial statement schedules and disclosures.
• Use Excel, general ledger data, and reporting or query tools, including SQL or SAS Enterprise Guide where applicable, to analyze data and support reporting.
• Collaborate with team members and business partners to meet reporting deadlines and adapt to changing priorities and new transactions.
• Identify and implement process improvements, including automation and AI tools such as Copilot, to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist with regulatory filings and financial statement preparation.
• Support SOX controls by performing control activities and maintaining documentation.
• Research and summarize accounting guidance and emerging requirements, with guidance from senior team members.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) for salaried employees, with paid time away for vacation, personal needs, or short-term illness; employees do not accrue a bank of time and there is no set number of days.
• Bonus program opportunity for non-sales positions.
• Pension eligibility.
• Comprehensive, competitive benefits intended to support employees’ physical, financial, and social well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level