Retirement Benefit Analyst V

Principal Financial Group; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, IA is seeking a Retirement Benefit Analyst V to update Defined Benefit participant records and develop tools for an evolving retirement services landscape. You will collaborate with internal partners, perform benefit analyses, and mentor team members while maintaining data accuracy and applying complex plan provisions.

The role requires strong mathematical/analytical skills, integrity, and the ability to manage a large workload.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (preferably analytical fields)
• 5+ years of work related experience in defined benefit pension field
• 3+ years of previous experience using defined benefit systems
• Must be able to interpret complex plan provisions
• Strong mathematical, technical and analytical skills with keen attention to detail
• High integrity and discretion to ensure the confidentiality of client information
• Must have strong decision making and organizational skills
• Must have strong mentoring, interpersonal and listening skills
• Must be a team player and a positive influence in a team environment
• Knowledge of spreadsheet and database or similar PC software packages is required

Responsibilities

• Complete assigned projects, including gathering and organizing information/data, processing benefit calculations and analysis. Identify and implement areas for improvement including the development of new tools and processes.
• Provide pension technical assistance to business partners involving research, calculation analysis and solving questions and problems. Articulate technical benefit information to internal and external parties.
• Analyze and review of benefit information; may involve performing quality reviews.
• Mentor team members and act as a SME expert to all defined benefit areas. Write and maintain procedures, as needed.
• Performs other job-related duties and special projects as required.

Skills

Defined benefit knowledge

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Mentoring

Team player

Spreadsheet

Database software

Decision making

Interpersonal skills

SQL

XML

VBA

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SQL

XML

VBA

Job description

What You'll Do

As a Retirement Benefit Analyst V, you will be responsible for updating and maintaining accurate Defined Benefit participant records. This is a great opportunity for those with strong Defined Benefit knowledge and attention to detail.

We are looking for someone who thrives on using their analytical skills, enjoys collaborating with a wide variety of internal partners, and can develop tools and processes to meet the needs of an evolving retirement services landscape.

Other types of things you’ll do:

• Complete assigned projects, including gathering and organizing information/data, processing benefit calculations and analysis. Identify and implement areas for improvement including the development of new tools and processes.
• Provide pension technical assistance to business partners involving research, calculation analysis and solving questions and problems. Articulate technical benefit information to internal and external parties.
• Analyze and review of benefit information; may involve performing quality reviews.
• Mentor team members and act as a SME expert to all defined benefit areas. Write and maintain procedures, as needed.
• Performs other job-related duties and special projects 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

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (preferably in a major related to analytical fields, including Math, Actuarial Science, Statistics)
• 5+ years of work related experience in defined benefit pension field required
• 3+ years of previous experience using defined benefit systems preferred
• Must be able to interpret complex plan provisions
• Strong mathematical, technical and analytical skills along with keen attention to detail
• High integrity and discretion to ensure the confidentiality of client information.
• Must have strong decision making and organizational skills
• Must have strong mentoring, interpersonal and listening skills
• Must be a team player and a positive influence in a team environment
• Knowledge of spreadsheet and database or similar PC software packages, is required

Skills that will help you stand out:

• Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of SQL, XML, VBA, or other programming languages.
• Must be able manage a large workload and prioritize accordingly with willingness and flexibility to work overtime, as needed.

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)

$69300 - $145400 / year

Salary Details

The following levels and locations are examples of market-specific salary ranges across different job levels and geographies. Candidates will be evaluated to determine the appropriate job level based on their skills and experience.

Retirement Benefit Analyst V:

• Wichita, KS: $69,300 – $87,500 / yr
• Des Moines, IA: $73,150 – $92,750 / yr
• Charlotte, NC: $77,000 – $98,000 / yr
• Chicago, IL / Minneapolis, MN: $84,700 – $108,500 / yr
• Los Angeles, CA / New York City, NY: $92,400 – $119,000 / yr

Senior Retirement Benefit Analyst:

• Wichita, KS: $84,600 – $107,300 / yr
• Des Moines, IA: $89,300 – $113,650 / yr
• Charlotte, NC: $94,000 – $120,000 / yr
• Chicago, IL / Minneapolis, MN: $103,400 – $132,700 / yr
• Los Angeles, CA / New York City, NY: $112,800 – $145,400 / yr

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

Work Environment

This role offers 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 Charlotte, NC.). 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

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.

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.