What You'll Do

We’re looking for an Associate to join our Corporate Strategy and Development team. In this role, you’ll prepare, analyze, research, and communicate financial, strategic, and innovative information in support of recommendations to senior executives and execution of transactions and strategic projects. Use technical skills to do financial research and calculations. Explore, build, experiment, and iterate with innovative ideas to drive growth and enhance competitiveness in our rapidly changing market. Influence stakeholders in other departments. With minimal supervision and when appropriate as project manager, identify, develop, and execute analyses for strategic initiatives, M&A transactions, and innovation projects. Act as a liaison between business partners, technical areas, and external advisors (i.e., accountants, lawyers, bankers, strategy consultants, actuaries, and venture capitalists) to advance the enterprise strategy and development needs.

• Identify, develop, and execute analyses in support of merger, acquisition, and disposition (MA&D) projects including due diligence, valuation, and negotiations; and organize and lead selected related internal and external workstreams, including accounting, tax, actuarial, HR, and legal.
• Identify, develop, and execute analyses in support of Business Development activities by leveraging external advisors and partnering the business unit leaders and strategists to define and prioritize inorganic priorities (i.e., M&A targets, potential JV partners).
• Identify, recommend, and lead strategy initiatives to drive desired financial outcomes and create sustained competitive advantage for the enterprise. This includes conducting external market analysis of the macro environment (political, economic, social, technological), performing internal reviews of our business model, markets served, clients, and delivery gaps. Identify and create strategy planning tools, applications, and share best practices to facilitate these efforts. Consult with strategy community and business leaders to organize and lead strategy reviews and strategic leadership meetings including idea generation, recommendations, next steps, and conclusions.
• Develop and direct specific innovative efforts aligned with strategy to drive future growth. Support and lead the organization to drive transformational innovation outcomes, processes, culture, and mindset. Work collaboratively with cross-disciplinary teams of peers, leaders, and stakeholders to bring ideas to life. Conceptualize the design for new products, services, and consumer experiences that differentiate the company from its competition.
• Actively develop as a Corporate Strategy & Development professional, influencing more junior and senior team members, peers across the organization, and externally with insights and recommendations.

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 required; achieved or pursuing advanced degrees and/or certifications (e.g., MBA, CFA, CPA, etc.) are a plus
• 4-years of relevant experience required
• FINRA registration may be required
• Must have strong problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, and analytical skills
• Ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions
• Good oral and written communication skills required
• Must have good interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills
• Demonstrates the ability to accept and adapt to a changing environment
• Willingness to take on new challenges and adapt to changing priorities and business needs
• High level of motivation and a proactive approach to learning and professional development
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Team player with positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to balance and integrate qualitative and quantitative data to support strategic decision-making
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for long hours as required
• Broad knowledge of financial services industry and skilled in conducting market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and industry trend identification
• Ability to self-direct, analyze, evaluate, and form independent judgments
• Ability to effectively interact and build relationships with senior management and global stakeholders
• Commercially savvy with ability to exercise discretion with respect to highly confidential/sensitive information
• Integrity, ethical standards, and sound judgment
• Advanced skills with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) and financial software (e.g., Oracle) is advantageous
• This position may be subject to SEC restrictions on personal political contributions

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)

$77350 - $182400 / 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
Additional Information

Location(s)

We'll consider candidates in Des Moines, IA or New York, NY.

Work Environments

This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, or New York, NY). You’ll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.

Job Level

We’ll consider talent at the next level with the right experiences and skills.

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.
Original Posting Date

7/23/2024
Most Recently Posted Date

7/23/2024

LinkedIn Remote Hashtag

#LI-Remote

Salary : $77,350 - $182,400