Senior Accounting Analyst

** What You'll Do*
* 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 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.

** 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!

** Who You Are*
* + Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance or equivalent experience required

+ 6+ years of relevant experience required

+ CPA or other applicable certifications preferred

+ Advanced accounting expertise, strong analytical abilities, and a collaborative mindset to support high‑impact financial work and influence strategic decision‑making across the organization.

** Skills That Will Help You Stand Out*
* +

Experience with implementing accounting guidance

+ Regulatory reporting experience

** Salary Range Information*
* Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

** Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)*
* $110200 - $145000 / year

** Time Off Program*
* 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*
* Yes

** Work Environments*
* This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical work week) from Des Moines, IA.

** Work Authorization/Sponsorship*
* At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.

Nonimmigrant Workers (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).)   
** and
* * Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants…