We’re looking for a Senior Associate Accountant to join our Investment Accounting team supporting Private Alternative Credit Fund Reporting (PAC). In this role, you’ll apply knowledge of accounting standards and expertise to tackle business problems, seeking guidance for new or complex situations. This role will be expected to interact with the various functions across the organization, including portfolio management, underwriting, and the parent company balance sheet portfolio managers and finance staff. Incumbents can independently research and document sophisticated accounting decisions. 

• Apply sophisticated accounting analysis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), tax regulations, or other regulatory guidance. Perform complex transaction processing and exception handling. Provide oversight and/or execution of month-end accounting processes including cash flow analysis, reconciliations, and general journal entries. Interpret financial reports and accounts, identify and evaluate risks and opportunities and present findings to management for decision making. 

• Partner with fund administrators to execute timely and accurate NAV calculation of funds which includes accounting for purchases, sales, income accruals and expenses, to ensure timely and accurate reporting. 

• Act as the subject matter expert and work with project owners to ensure accounting objectives are met through the design and implementation of new processes and/or systems. Carry out testing to ensure the system or process is operating as intended. Escalate any findings/variances/issues as needed. Identify and implement operational excellence projects, providing business requirements for new systems or improvements. 

• Assist with new client structures and PAC fund formation activities across multiple functions, including the setup and launch of new funds and financial products. 

• Assist in the development and implementation of governance frameworks and financial controls. Monitor control structure and escalate issues as vital. Drive remediation plans for control deficiencies. Coordinate with external auditors as part of the planning and execution of the annual external audits. 

• Produce recurring investor reports and ad hoc investor requests. 

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance or equivalent experience is required 
• 2 + years relevant accounting experience required 
• Understanding basic accounting principles, ability to interpret financial statements, and efficiently and effectively research, compile and analyze information 
• Must be detail oriented, able to maintain a high degree of accuracy, work independently, meet established deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and prioritize effectively 
• Ability to learn systems and applications used within the firm required, proficiency with system and applications strongly preferred 

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out 

• Private asset accounting experience and fund admin background helpful but not required.   
• CPA or other applicable certifications preferred 
• Public Accounting Experience is preferred 
• Experience with Allvue, PAM and Alterx is preferred  

Work Environments

This role offers an in-office and hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) work arrangement in 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 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.