Associate Accountant - Tax Withholding and Reporting

Title: Associate Accountant (Tax Withholding & Reporting)

Location: Des Moines United States

Job Description:

What You'll Do

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically proficient Associate Accountant (Tax Withholding & Reporting) to join our Corporate Tax team. You'll support U.S. tax compliance related to customer payments. You will be responsible for accurate and timely withholding and payment of tax deposits to federal and state governments. You will prepare and file withholding tax returns and utilize OneSource and MasterTax platforms for reporting and compliance management. The position works in coordination with a global service center teams in Des Moines and in Pune, India, who assist with data preparation and processing.

Additional Responsibilities

Withholding Tax Compliance

• Monitor deposit schedules and thresholds to maintain compliance and prevent penalties.
• Reconcile withholding amounts with payments and filed returns.

Tax Return Preparation & Filing

• Prepare and file periodic customer withholding returns (e.g., Forms 1042, 1099-related).
• Prepare and file periodic tax returns (e.g., Forms 941, 945, state filings).
• Review and validate data from business units, government agencies, and team members for accuracy.
• Resolve discrepancies and assist in responding to tax authority notices.

Technology & Systems

• Ensure accurate integration between ERP systems and tax platforms.
• Support system updates and process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Collaboration & Support

• Partner with Accounting, Treasury, Legal, IT, and Business Units to ensure correct tax treatment, documentation, and process alignment.
• Support internal audits and compliance reviews related to withholding.

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
• Partners with colleagues across global time zones, with standard office hours beginning at 6:00 AM CST
• This position may require successful completion of a criminal background check

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

• Attention to detail: Demonstrates strong accuracy in data management, tax calculations, and financial reporting.
• Analytical and compliance expertise: Proven ability to interpret rules and regulations, identify discrepancies, recommend compliant solutions, and effectively prioritize tasks to consistently meet filing and remittance deadlines.
• Intermediate Excel & data analysis: Proficient in using excel including, PivotTables, and related functions to analyze, interpret, and summarize complex datasets.
• Continuous learning: Actively stays up to date on evolving tax laws, regulations, and industry best practices.

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)

$24.20 - $32.42 / hour

Time Off Program

Personal Time Off (PTO) is provided to hourly (non-exempt) employees and provides a set amount of accrued time earned each pay period. Employees can use their PTO for vacation, personal or short-term illness.

Pension Eligible

Yes

Location

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

Hours

This role partners with colleagues across global time zones and operates during typical office hours starting at 6:00 AM CST.

 

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.

 

About Principal Asset Management 

Principal Asset Management is the global investment solutions business for Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG), managing $579.8 billion in assets including $102.2 billion in real estate assets, and recognized as a “Best Places to Work in Money Management” for 13 consecutive years. We are a global leader in data center investment and asset management, with $11 billion in assets under management. Since entering the data center sector in 2007, we have completed 28 transactions across 19 markets and 6 countries. Our strategy spans development, value-add acquisitions, disciplined market selection, and partnerships with leading operators and investors. 

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.