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Principal Financial Group

Engaged employer

Great Pay & Benefits, Ethical & Growing Company, Enjoyable Work Environment - Associate Accountant Principal Financial Group Employee Review

5.0
11 Oct 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I actually love my job and enjoy going to work every day - that happens so rarely in life. Flex time off, work from home capabilities, higher than average pay, annual bonus, affordable healthcare program, 8% 401k match, pension plan, updated/newly renovated office space, flexibility to do my job when and where it works best for me, free financial counseling, free fitness center, free parking, free DART bus pass, fantastic CEO and leaders. Challenging and rewarding job. Reimbursed college tuition and CPA exam fees. Expected 3-5 weeks off per year minimum. Downtown Des Moines location. Incredibly ethical & charitable company. Encouraged to move across the company every few or so years, leaders prefer that you move to stay interested, motivated, and use your skills to the best capabilities.

Cons

Just like any Accounting job - the hours can be 40+, for me it rests in the 45-50 range. Large company means slow to change directions and meetings on meetings to get there - but open hearing ears are helpful.

Explore other reviews about Principal Financial Group

5.0
28 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Three years in and still LOVE it. Great leadership. Work-like balance. Principal invests in their employees with training and professional development. It's very telling when literally thousands of employees have been there for 20-25-30+ years.

Cons

First time in a large company. Sometimes it is tricky to find the right internal partner to get the answer you need.

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Principal Financial Group Response
4d
We appreciate your feedback! Hearing that you felt supported reinforces what we're proud of—the strong community we've built together.
2.0
4 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Decent work life balance and benefits. Principal offers a pension which is unheard of in today’s age.

Cons

Pay is below average and Principal does not offer inflation raises. Once you hit the midpoint of your salary, you will get a 0% raise until you’re promoted, which will take multiple years regardless of performance. Performance reviews are vague and often used against employees to avoid promotions. At least in my department, I’ve yet to see any of the remote workers be promoted. This is starting to affect attrition and we’re already starting to see people leaving. It’s well known at this point that the best way to get promoted is to leave Principal and get rehired, which even leadership has stated publicly. This is a huge frustration and blow to morale, as it starts to feel like employees need to compete against their co-workers for raises.

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