Principal Financial Group Inc

Equity Analyst, Financials

Principal Financial Group Inc • $141K — $243K *
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years equity investment experience in financials, preferably 2+ years on the buyside
  • Experience in U.S. small- and mid-cap financials sector
  • Knowledge of banks, P&C and life insurance, asset/alternative managers, and diversified financials
  • Proven track record of consistently generating alpha
  • Familiarity with AI-enabled research tools for investment analysis

Responsibilities

  • Generate alpha through detailed analysis and investment recommendations
  • Interact with company management and industry experts for insights
  • Collaborate with financial sector team to drive stock selection and performance
  • Build and maintain financial models for forecasting and valuation
  • Communicate investment ideas and insights via reports and discussions
  • Maintain research coverage on existing financial investments

Benefits

  • Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and personal needs
  • Annual performance-based bonus eligibility
  • Opportunity to work in diverse locations including NYC, Seattle, Denver, or Des Moines
  • Access to comprehensive benefits focused on employee well-being
  • Involvement in a purpose-led team atmosphere at Principal Asset Management
Full Job Description
What You'll Do

Principal's Global Equity team is searching for an experienced U.S. small- and mid-cap Financials Equity Analyst to join our research team! This candidate will work with a diverse team of portfolio managers and dedicated sector analysts to deliver proprietary research and investment recommendations.

  • Generate alpha through investment recommendations based upon in-depth, detailed proprietary analysis of industrial companies, with a specific focus on small- and mid-cap (market capitalization under $20 billion) financial sector companies in the U.S.
  • Interact frequently with company management, industry experts, and other stakeholders to gather differentiated and high-conviction qualitative and quantitative insights
  • Partner closely with financial sector team lead, analysts, and portfolio managers to drive outperformance through stock selection while working within the framework of our research process and portfolio constraints
  • Build and maintain detailed financial models to forecast company performance and assess security valuation, incorporating macroeconomic and industry-specific factors
  • Generate timely, actionable investment ideas and communicate insights through written reports, models, presentations, and investment committee discussions
  • Maintain research coverage of existing investments within financials for multiple portfolios
Who You Are
  • 5+ years equity investment experience in financials, preferably with at least 2 years on the buyside
  • U.S. small- and mid-cap financials sector research and investment experience
  • Experience across multiple financial sub-sectors, such as banks, P&C and/or life insurance, asset/alternative managers, and diversified financials.
  • Proven track record of generating consistent alpha through actively covered investment recommendations
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage AI-enabled research tools (including agentic AI and coworking tools) to enhance idea generation, due diligence, analysis, and investment decision-making.
  • Ability to distill and communicate industry data and trends into actionable investment insights

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

  • MBA or CFA designation highly preferred
  • Possess best-in-class analytical skills, including extensive knowledge of the financials sector, fundamental company analysis, and financial modeling
  • Highly intellectually curious, with a clear passion for investing and public markets
  • Entrepreneurial mindset; self-starter with a desire to build out an individual franchise within Financials-dedicated team
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Willingness to travel for company visits, conferences, and research
Salary Range InformationSalary 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$141000 - $243000 / year Salary Details

We are willing to hire at various levels based on years of relevant experience. The base salary range of $141,000 - $243,000 reflects market-specific compensation for this position across multiple job levels. Candidates will be evaluated to determine the appropriate job level based on their skills and experience.In addition to the base pay, you are also eligible for an annual bonus based off performance.

Base pay estimated ranges for the various Analyst levels are:

  • 5+ years experience: $141,000-$191,0000
  • 8+ years experience: $179,000 - $243,000

The hiring team will decide based upon your experience, what level of Analyst you would be hired into.

Time Off ProgramFlexible 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 dont accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided. Pension EligibleNo Additional Information

Location(s)

Locations include New York City, Seattle, Denver, or Des Moines. Youll work with your leader to determine the arrangement which best suits our needs. Check out our global headquarters here:

Background

Principal Asset Management includes a market-leading, long-only focused equities platform with $161 billion AUM. Principal offers global asset management expertise across a diverse set of traditional and alternative asset classes totaling over $752.7 billion AUM. Learn more at: www.principalam.com

Consistent across all strategies, our approach is to evaluate and select stocks from a broad investment universe and construct portfolios in alignment with specific objectives and risk management parameters. Our conviction is built on differentiated fundamental insights we gather from conducting deep, company-specific research.

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, youll 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, were imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services 6 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.

Posting WindowWe 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)9/22/2026 Latest Post Date: Careers - US9/24/2026

About Principal Financial Group Inc

Principal Financial Group Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Principal Financial Group Inc, a global leader in investment management and retirement services. At Principal, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses achieve financial security and success, making now the perfect time to explore job opportunities with us.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career at Principal Financial Group Inc and contribute to our mission of empowering financial well-being across the globe. Our company offers a wide range of positions, from finance to technology, where your skills will help shape the future of financial services.

Innovate and Lead

At Principal, innovation and leadership go hand in hand. We provide a platform where your ideas can lead to groundbreaking financial solutions, driving growth and efficiency. Join our team and be at the forefront of industry-leading projects that redefine what is possible in the financial sector.

Grow Your Career

Principal Financial Group Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can grow professionally and personally. We support career advancement through professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities for networking and mentorship. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all team members have the opportunity to succeed.

Experience Our Culture

Our culture is built on collaboration, respect, and a commitment to excellence. We believe in fostering a supportive environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. Enjoy benefits that support both your professional and personal life, and work alongside colleagues who are passionate about making a difference.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Whether you're starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in your professional journey, Principal offers a range of internship and employment opportunities. Gain hands-on experience, work on real-world projects, and learn from leaders in the financial industry.

Join Our Team

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the job opportunities at Principal Financial Group Inc. We are hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead with integrity. Check out our open positions, tailor your resume, and prepare for an interview that could lead to your next great adventure.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Principal Financial Group Inc by following our careers blog. Get insider perspectives, tips for a successful interview, and the latest news on the financial industry that you can apply directly to your career.

Networking and Professional Development

At Principal, your growth is our priority. Enhance your professional skills through comprehensive training programs and connect with industry leaders and peers through our robust networking events. Our commitment to your development is unwavering, as we believe it is fundamental to our collective success.

Explore Careers at Principal Financial Group Inc

Discover the exciting career paths available at Principal. From internships to leadership roles, the opportunities for professional growth are abundant. Join us and contribute to a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse workforce dedicated to achieving exceptional results.

Apply Today

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the financial services industry? Search for open positions that match your skills and interests at Principal Financial Group Inc. We look for passionate, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Start your journey with us today and be part of a team that’s redefining the future of finance.

Principal Financial Group Inc—where careers grow, innovation thrives, and leaders are made.

Learn more about Principal Financial Group Inc
Size
18,600 employees
Market Cap
$20.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
5 Year Trend
+2.7%
Revenue
$14.7 billion
NASDAQ

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