Job Description

What You'll Do:

Principal is looking for Accounting Interns to join our 2026 Accounting Internship program! In this role, you’ll be able to enhance and apply your accounting skills and continue to develop professionally!

Our Accounting Internship consists of 3 options that include:

Spring Co-Op : January 2026 – August 2026

Summer : May 2026 – August 2026

Fall Co-Op : May 2026 – December 2026

Candidates considered for these internships will be available to work full-time (40 hours per week during core business hours) from May – August 2026.

Additionally, Co-Op candidates will also be available to work either part-time (15-20 hours per week during core business hours) or full-time (40 hours per week during core business hours) from January – May 2026 (Spring Co-Op) or August – December 2026 (Fall Co-Op) to be considered for these positions

What You’ll Do

Each intern opportunity will differ based on the needs of the business area. Generally, interns will be exposed to and be responsible for:

• Preparing internal or external financial reports and/or tax returns
• Participating in the financial statement close process
• Testing and documentation of internal controls for SOX compliance
• Variance and trend analysis
• Assistance in preparation of budgets and/or forecasts
• Assistance with projects

Who You Are:

• Working towards or have a bachelor’s or graduate level degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

Spring/Fall Co-Op Intern Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6 or more hours of accounting or finance major coursework completed by the start of the internship.

Summer Intern Qualifications:

• Minimum of 12 or more hours of accounting major coursework completed by the start of the internship.

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

• • Ability to solve problems using technology, such as Excel, query language (SQL, SAS), Power BI, etc.
  • Meaningful involvement with community or school organizations and/or through work experience.

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: $24 - $24 / hour Time Off Program: Paid company holidays and any time off required in your state. Pension Eligible: No Additional Information:

Our Internship Culture

Join an established program that provides hands-on experiences for 200+ interns each year! You'll learn new skills with dedicated teams and mentors, build your professional network and collaborate across a global Fortune 500 company. We care about offering you diverse experiences and exciting challenges that push you to reach for bigger life goals, all while enjoying our flexibility and work life balance. Join us for events such as our Executive Speaker Series, gain career direction, and much more!

Availability

While we are hiring for 2026 interns, we may consider candidates for Summer/ Spring/ Fall 2027 Co- Op or intern positions depending on business need.

Summer Internship Stipend

You will receive a lump sum stipend of $3,000 (net of taxes). This amount is intended to support incidental expenses you may incur as part of your internship. The Company will provide a tax gross-up on this stipend amount listed above as a financial benefit but is not intended to compensate for all tax liabilities.

Co-Op Internship Stipend

You will receive a lump sum stipend of $6,000 (net of taxes). This amount is intended to support incidental expenses you may incur as part of your internship. The Company will provide a tax gross-up on the stipend amount listed above as a financial benefit but is not intended to compensate for all tax liabilities.

Work Environments

This role offers in-office and hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) work arrangements between May-August. Remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, or Charlotte, NC) available during school year (January-May for Spring Co-Op or August-December for Fall Co-Op). 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 interns.

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 be accepting applications for at least 3 days from when the job was originally posted, after which we may keep open or remove the posting based upon applications we receive. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond 3 days of the original posting date.

Date First Posted (TTF): 8/18/2025 Latest Post Date: Careers - US: 8/18/2025

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Work experience placement, Summer work, Summer internship, Work at office, Remote work, H1b,

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