Accounting Internship 2027
About the Role
Principal is looking for Accounting Interns to join our 2027 Accounting Internship program. In this role, you’ll enhance and apply your accounting skills while continuing to develop professionally. Each internship opportunity will differ based on the needs of the business area, but generally, interns will be exposed to and responsible for the following:
- 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
Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help customers live better lives. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years.
Responsibilities
- 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
- Assisting in preparation of budgets and/or forecasts
- Supporting projects as needed
Requirements
- Working toward or have a bachelor’s or graduate-level degree in Accounting or Finance
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- For extended internships and co-ops: Minimum of 12 (extended) or 6 (co-op) hours of accounting or finance major coursework completed by the start of the internship
Skills
- Ability to solve problems using technology (e.g., Excel, SQL, SAS, Power BI)
- Meaningful involvement with community or school organizations and/or work experience
Internship Options
The 2027 Accounting Internships consist of three options:
- Summer Internship: May 2027 – August 2027
- Full-time (40 hours per week) at our Des Moines, Iowa campus
- Extended Internships:
- Spring (January 2027 – August 2027) or Fall (May 2027 – December 2027)
- Full-time (40 hours per week) during summer (May – August 2027)
- Part-time (15–20 hours per week) during January – May 2027 or August – December 2027
- Co-ops:
- Spring (January 2027 – August 2027) or Fall (May 2027 – December 2027)
- Full-time (40 hours per week) at our Des Moines, Iowa campus
Pay
- Summer Internship: $24/hour
- Summer Internship Stipend: $4,000 lump sum (net of taxes, with tax gross-up provided)
- Co-Op Internship Stipend: $7,000 lump sum (net of taxes, with tax gross-up provided)
Schedule
- Full-time (40 hours/week) during core business hours for summer and co-op internships
- Part-time (15–20 hours/week) for extended internships during the school year
- Hybrid or in-office work arrangements (minimum 3 office days per week during summer)
- Remote work available during the school year if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, or Charlotte, NC
Benefits
- Paid company holidays and any state-required time off
- Hands-on experience with dedicated teams and mentors
- Professional networking and collaboration across a global Fortune 500 company
- Access to events such as the Executive Speaker Series and career development opportunities
Work Authorization
At this time, we are not considering applicants who need immigration sponsorship (e.g., F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1) now or in the future to work in the United States.
Additional Notes
- For Principal Asset Management positions, adherence to an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct and trading activities is required.
- Principal values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and talents and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.