What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer, Benefits & Protection position at Principal Financial Group?
What You'll Do:
Work Authorization/Sponsorship
Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants
Investment Code of Ethics
Experience Principal
Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Assistant Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer (AVP & CAO) is responsible for overseeing the complete accounting and internal control functions of a major business unit, ensuring compliance with corporate minimums, professional standards, and regulatory requirements. This senior leadership role drives financial integrity, operational efficiency, and strategic insight to support the profitable and effective operation of the business.
In addition:
Internal Controls & Compliance
- Establish, direct, and maintain policies for internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls for material financial information.
- Ensure design, operation, and ongoing effectiveness of internal control systems to safeguard assets, authorize and record transactions accurately, and maintain records that fairly reflect financial activities.
- Oversee compliance with professional accounting standards, business-specific reporting requirements, and all relevant external laws and regulations.
- Ensure application of ethical accounting practices, sound estimation and allocation methodologies, and accurate financial representation.
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Direct policy-setting for financial reporting standards and ensure adherence to corporate minimums.
- Provide actionable insights to senior management through trend, variance, and value-added analysis.
- Lead the identification, collection, and tracking of key financial data to drive business performance and compliance.
Leadership & Staff Development
- Lead and manage all aspects of accounting staff performance, including recruiting, retention, development, motivation, and deployment.
- Provide technical accounting guidance, management reporting solutions, and recommendations for system enhancements.
- Foster a high-performance culture emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Strategic & Operational Planning
- Advise on the development of optimal financial models, budgets, and projections.
- Contribute to the creation and execution of near-term tactical and long-range strategic business plans.
- Provide technical and compliance perspectives on potential business activities and investments.
Risk Management & Organizational Contribution
- Participate in organization-wide activities to identify, assess, and manage accounting and control risks (e.g., Corporate Accounting Officer Working Group).
- Lead or contribute to special projects and initiatives as required.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, actuarial or related field and 10 years relevant experience required.
- CPA designation required
- In-depth understanding of a variety of accounting disciplines (US GAAP, statutory, foreign, IFRS, etc.) and accounting systems
- Strong analytical, problem solving and communication skills required
- Excellent financial analysis ability and strategic/long-range visionary thinking required
- This position may be subject to SEC restrictions on personal political contributions
Work Environments
This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) in our Des Moines, Iowa corporate office. You’ll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.
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 and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants
Investment Code of Ethics
For Principal Asset Management positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.
Experience Principal
At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.
Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Posting Window: We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline. Date First Posted (TTF): 8/21/2025 Latest Post Date: Careers - US: 8/29/2025Salary : $174,000 - $236,000
