Processing Specialist I

Principal Financial Group; United States; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Principal Financial Group is seeking an associate-level retirement plan processor to maintain detailed computerized records for customers. You will perform calculations and process transactions with precision, review correspondence to determine actions, and assist in training and development of team members.

The role requires 2+ years of experience, basic PC skills, and comfort with pension accounting systems.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of work experience or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, or education.
• Associate or Bachelors degree a plus
• Must have strong math and 10-key skills
• Requires ability to understand basic plan and contract provisions, manuals and procedures
• Basic PC skills and knowledge of mainframe and PC software such as Pension accounting, recordkeeping systems, word processing and spreadsheets
• Must adapt to frequent change and have good interpersonal skills
• Must have effective communication/documentation skills, be professional and diligent, a team player, and customer service oriented

Responsibilities

• Perform calculations and process transactions to establish and maintain accurate computerized retirement plan records for customers, ensuring compliance with established timing and quality standards.
• Review and analyze both internal and external correspondence to determine the appropriate course of action, seeking assistance when necessary.
• Assist in the training, leadership, and professional development of team members, offering expertise and support for problem-solving, and assisting with procedural updates.
• Communicate in writing with customers regarding record-keeping needs and routine employee data, including information about plan administrative procedures.
• Utilize available resources, including technical documentation, system help features, colleagues, and subject matter experts, to efficiently complete daily tasks and suggest procedural improvements.
• Perform other job related duties or special project as required.

Skills

Math skills

10-key skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Team player

Customer service oriented

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Pension accounting

Recordkeeping systems

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Job description

What You'll Do

Perform calculations and process a variety of transactions to develop, update, and maintain detailed computerized retirement plan records for customers. Ensure all activities are completed with a high degree of precision, within established timelines, and in compliance with rigorous quality standards and regulatory requirements.

• Perform calculations and process transactions to establish and maintain accurate computerized retirement plan records for customers, ensuring compliance with established timing and quality standards.
• Review and analyze both internal and external correspondence to determine the appropriate course of action, seeking assistance when necessary.
• Assist in the training, leadership, and professional development of team members, offering expertise and support for problem-solving, and assisting with procedural updates.
• Communicate in writing with customers regarding record-keeping needs and routine employee data, including information about plan administrative procedures.
• Utilize available resources, including technical documentation, system help features, colleagues, and subject matter experts, to efficiently complete daily tasks and suggest procedural improvements.
• Perform other job related duties or special project as required.

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

• 2+ years of work experience or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, or education
• Associate or Bachelors degree a plus
• Must have strong math and 10-key skills
• Requires ability to understand basic plan and contract provisions, manuals and procedures
• Basic PC skills and knowledge of mainframe and PC software such as Pension accounting, recordkeeping systems, word processing and spreadsheets
• Must adapt to frequent change and have good interpersonal skills
• Must have effective communication/documentation skills, be professional and diligent, a team player, and customer service oriented

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)

$18.17 - $32.31 / hour

Salary Details

Below are examples of salaries across different geographies.

• Dubuque, IA / Grand Island, NE / Waterloo, IA / Mason City, IA (M10): $18.17/hr - $24.23/hr
• Des Moines, IA / Cedar Rapids, IA / Waco, TX (M05): $19.18/hr - $25.58/hr
• Phoenix, AZ / Charlotte, NC / Raleigh, NC / Dallas, TX / Spokane, WA / Atlanta, GA (National): $20.19/hr - $26.92/hr
• Chicago, IL / Houston, TX / Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN / Philadelphia, PA (P10): $22.21/hr - $29.62/hr
• Los Angeles, CA / New York City, NY (P20): $24.23/hr - $32.31/hr

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

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, Charlotte, NC, and Raleigh, NC). You’ll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.

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

8/13/2026

Most Recently Posted Date

8/13/2026

Principal uses artificial intelligence tools to assist in reviewing and evaluating job applications, fraud prevention, and candidate matching and comparisons. These AI tools support our human recruiters in the initial review process but do not make final hiring decisions without human involvement. By submitting your application, you acknowledge this use of AI in our recruitment process. Please review our Workforce (U.S.) Privacy Notice for more details on our practices and your data privacy rights.