AVP & Actuary

Principal Financial Group; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 179,000 - 243,000; Full time

Job summary

Principal Financial Group, based in Des Moines, IA, seeks an AVP & Actuary to lead the Benefits & Protection Financial Reporting team. You will drive financial projections, reserve valuation, reporting, and strategic investments to support growth and profitability for the Benefits segment.

The role requires strong communication, financial discipline, and a track record in budgeting and analytics. The role is hybrid, located at corporate headquarters with in-office days, and offers opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 15+ years of related experience preferred.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, problem solving, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong background in financial and budgetary matters; knowledge of group benefit products is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead Finance team and oversee financial processes for growth and profitability.
• Provide financial projections, analysis, and reserve valuation.
• Oversee financial reporting and internal/external communications of results and drivers.
• Drive process efficiencies and analytic improvements across the function.
• Partner with other functions to enable enterprise strategy.
• Manage capital, ALM and other financial models to support business.
• Develop talent and leaders; build bench strength within the team.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree

FSA designation

MAAA designation

Job description

What You'll Do

We’re looking for an AVP & Actuary to join our Benefits & Protection Financial Reporting team. In this role, you’ll lead and oversee key financial processes to obtain strategic growth and expected profitability for the Benefits & Protection Specialty Benefits segment. Support principles of balanced scorecard philosophy by (1) meeting financial goals (financial perspective); (2) ensuring highest quality customer service is provided (customer perspective); (3) focusing on internal process improvements (internal perspective); and (4) maximizing utilization of human capital (learning and growth perspective).

Support B&P Specialty Benefits Strategic Imperatives

1. Part of Worksite Benefits Leadership team driving strategic imperatives
2. Act as trusted and strategic advisor to Worksite Benefits segment
3. Drive financial outcomes and KPI measures of success
4. Influence and advocate for investments that drive value and future growth

Oversee Core CFO Financial Responsibilities for Specialty Benefits

1. Financial Projections & Analysis
2. Reserve Valuation
3. Financial Reporting
4. Internal and External communication of results and drivers
5. Drive continuous process efficiencies and analytic improvement.
6. Enterprise partnership and mindset

Capital Management and Financial Modeling

1. Capital Management
2. ALM
3. Other financial modeling to support business

Enable high performing teams:

1. Lead Specialty Benefits Finance team – team of 19
2. Build bench strength
3. Develop talent and leaders

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 or equivalent, plus a minimum of 15 years related experience preferred
• Must have excellent organizational, analytical, problem solving, presentation, and oral and written communication skills
• Ability to apply generalist skills such as strategic and long range visionary thinking
• Strong background and knowledge in financial and budgetary matters
• Knowledge of group benefit products a plus
• Prefer designations such as Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA)

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)

$179000 - $243000 / 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

Location & Work Environment

This role will be based in our corporate headquarters in Des Moines, IA and offers a hybrid work arrangement, with at least three in‑office days during a typical work week.

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

10/6/2026

Most Recently Posted Date

10/6/2026

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