Introduction to Principal Financial Group, Inc.

Principal Financial Group, Inc., headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, is a premier global financial services institution with over 140 years of expertise in retirement planning, asset management, and insurance solutions. As a Fortune 500 company with more than $760 billion in assets under management (as of 2024), Principal serves individuals, businesses, and institutional clients across 80+ markets worldwide. Recognized for its stability, innovation, and strong corporate governance, Principal Financial Group, Inc. has earned top rankings from industry watchdogs and consistently ranks among the best employers in finance. The company’s commitment to financial security and inclusive growth has made it a trusted partner for millions of plan participants, employers, and advisors. With a workforce of over 20,000 employees, Principal fosters a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, making it an ideal environment for finance professionals seeking impact and career advancement.

Company History and Business Evolution

Founded in 1879 as the Bankers Life Association, Principal Financial Group, Inc. began as a life insurance provider for bankers and their families. Over the decades, the company expanded into group insurance, pensions, and mutual funds. A pivotal milestone occurred in 1965 when it introduced one of the first variable annuities. The 1990s saw aggressive expansion through acquisitions, such as the purchase of the retirement services business of Wells Fargo in 1996. In 2000, the company rebranded to Principal Financial Group and went public on the NASDAQ (PFG). Subsequent decades brought global growth into Latin America, Asia, and Europe through organic expansion and strategic partnerships. The 2019 acquisition of Wells Fargo’s Institutional Retirement and Trust business added $170 billion in assets. Today, Principal Financial Group, Inc. continues to innovate with digital retirement platforms, ESG investing, and personalized financial wellness tools, solidifying its position as a top financial services employer.

Principal Financial Group, Inc. at a Glance

• HQ Location: Des Moines, Iowa, USA
• Founded: 1879
• CEO: Daniel J. Houston (as of 2025)
• Revenue: $16.5 billion (2023)
• Assets Under Management: >$760 billion
• Employees: 20,000+ worldwide
• Stock Symbol: PFG (NASDAQ)
• Industry: Financial Services / Asset Management / Insurance
• Key Products: Retirement plans, mutual funds, life insurance, annuities, investment management
• Global Presence: 80+ countries
• Fortune 500 Rank: #259 (2024)
• Awards: World’s Most Ethical Companies (Ethisphere, 2024), Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality (HRC, 2024)
• Client Base: 60 million plan participants, 80,000 employers, 20,000 financial professionals
• Technology Investments: Digital advice platform (Principal® SmartRetire), blockchain-based benefit solutions
• ESG Commitment: Net-zero by 2050, $1B in impact investments
• Community Involvement: Principal Foundation donated $20M+ in 2023
• Top Competitors: Fidelity, Vanguard, BlackRock, MetLife
• Employee Satisfaction: 87% believe in company mission (Glassdoor survey)
• Innovation Hub: Principal Innovation Lab in Silicon Valley
• Diversity Goal: 50% women in management by 2030

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Principal Financial Group, Inc.’s mission is to empower financial well-being by providing access to retirement plans, investment tools, and insurance products that help people and businesses thrive. The vision is to become the global leader in retirement and financial security solutions, leveraging technology and partnerships to create inclusive growth. Core values include: Customer-Centricity – putting clients’ needs first; Integrity – upholding the highest ethical standards; Innovation – continuously improving products and processes; Inclusion – fostering a diverse and equitable workplace; Collaboration – working across teams and geographies to deliver results. These values guide every decision, from product development to employee engagement, and are quantified through annual metrics reported in the company’s ESG report.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Principal Financial Group, Inc.’s growth strategy centers on three pillars: (1) Expanding its core retirement and asset management franchise through organic growth and selective acquisitions; (2) Accelerating digital transformation to improve participant outcomes and operational efficiency; (3) Building a sustainable, diversified global platform by entering new markets and deepening existing relationships. The roadmap includes launching AI-driven financial wellness tools, expanding in Asia-Pacific through joint ventures, and scaling its private markets investment capabilities. By 2030, Principal aims to increase assets under management to $1 trillion and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and investment portfolios. The company is also investing in distributed ledger technology to streamline benefit administration and reduce costs for employer clients.

Products, Technologies, and Services

Principal Financial Group, Inc. offers a comprehensive suite of financial solutions: Retirement Plans (401(k), 403(b), pension administration) with recordkeeping and participant education; Asset Management (mutual funds, ETFs, separately managed accounts) across all major asset classes; Insurance (life, disability, dental, vision) for individuals and groups; Annuities (fixed, variable, indexed) for guaranteed income; Digital Tools including Principal® Retirement Readiness Calculator, mobile app with biometric login, and Robo-advisor Principal® SmartRetire; ESG Solutions such as the Principal Impact Fund and climate-transition strategies. The company’s technology stack integrates machine learning for fraud detection, blockchain for benefit verification, and cloud-based platforms for real-time reporting. A dedicated innovation lab focuses on emerging tech like decentralized finance (DeFi) and generative AI for personalized planning.

Industries and Markets Served

Principal Financial Group, Inc. serves a diverse range of industries: Corporate – large and mid-sized employers seeking retirement and benefit plans; Healthcare – hospitals and medical groups needing affordable insurance options; Education – public and private schools, universities offering 403(b) and 457 plans; Government – state and local agencies requiring pension administration; Nonprofit – charitable organizations with 401(k) plans; Financial Advisors – independent broker-dealers and RIAs who use Principal’s investment platform; International – institutions in emerging markets seeking stable asset management. Geographically, North America generates 80% of revenue, with growing contributions from Latin America (Chile, Mexico), Asia (China, Malaysia), and Europe (UK, Netherlands).

Leadership and Management Philosophy

The executive team at Principal Financial Group, Inc. is led by CEO Daniel J. Houston, a 30-year veteran of the company known for his focus on digital transformation and inclusive leadership. The management philosophy emphasizes servant leadership, transparency, and accountability. Leaders are expected to foster a high-performance culture where employees are empowered to challenge the status quo. Regular town halls, open-door policies, and 360-degree feedback are standard. The company invests heavily in leadership development programs, including the Principal Leadership Institute and executive coaching. Diversity at the top is a priority: 40% of board members are women or ethnic minorities. The management style is collaborative, with cross-functional teams working on strategic initiatives like the Principal 2030 roadmap.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Principal Financial Group, Inc. hosts and participates in over 50 industry events annually, including the Principal Retirement Summit (annually in Des Moines), Plan Sponsor Council of America Conference, and World Economic Forum. The company’s Principal Foundation drives community engagement through financial literacy programs, volunteer grants, and a $20M+ annual charitable budget. Signature initiatives include “Principal Financial Well-Being Challenge” (a global employee fundraising event) and partnerships with organizations like Junior Achievement and United Way. Employees are encouraged to use 40 hours of paid volunteer time per year. Additionally, Principal sponsors the Principal Charity Classic, a PGA Champions Tour event that raised $2M for local nonprofits in 2024.

Employees and Workplace Culture

Principal Financial Group, Inc. is consistently recognized as a top workplace by Fortune, Glassdoor, and Great Place to Work. The culture is built on inclusion, flexibility, and professional growth. Employees enjoy hybrid work models (remote/office), generous parental leave (up to 16 weeks), tuition reimbursement, and a robust wellness program. The company’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) cover diverse dimensions: Women @ Principal, Black/African American Network, LGBTQ+ Prism, Veterans, and more. The company has a high retention rate (85%+), attributed to competitive compensation, clear career paths, and a supportive environment. Annual engagement scores consistently exceed 80%. The company also invests in internal mobility through the Principal Career Development Center, offering workshops, mentoring, and cross-functional rotations.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Role: Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis Manager

We are seeking an experienced financial professional to lead the FP&A team at Principal Financial Group, Inc. This role reports to the VP of Corporate Finance and is responsible for budgeting, forecasting, long-term planning, and strategic analysis to support executive decision-making. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial modeling, business partnering, and process improvement.

• Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and maintain financial models for revenue projections, expense management, and capital allocation.
• Lead the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting cycles across business units.
• Partner with department heads to identify cost savings and growth opportunities.
• Prepare board-level presentations and ad hoc analysis for M&A, investments, and strategic projects.
• Drive automation of FP&A processes using tools like Adaptive Insights, Tableau, and Alteryx.
• Mentor a team of 5 analysts, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics; MBA or CFA preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in FP&A, corporate finance, or investment banking.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, financial modeling, and ERP systems (SAP/Oracle).
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in financial services or insurance industry highly desired.
• Why Join Principal Financial Group, Inc.?
• Competitive salary range: $120,000 – $150,000 base + bonus and equity.
• Comprehensive benefits: 401(k) match up to 6%, health/dental/vision, 3 weeks PTO, parental leave.
• Opportunity to work at a Fortune 500 company with a global footprint.
• Access to Principal’s employee stock purchase plan and tuition reimbursement.
• Be part of a company recognized for ethical leadership and diversity.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Glassdoor

Principal Financial Group, Inc. holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Glassdoor based on 4,000+ reviews. Employees praise the work-life balance (average 4.4 rating), supportive management, and strong benefits. Common positive themes include “great culture,” “meaningful work,” and “good pay.” Criticisms include slow internal advancement and bureaucracy in some departments. CEO approval rating stands at 88%, well above industry average.

Indeed

On Indeed, Principal has a 3.9 out of 5 rating with over 3,500 reviews. Employees highlight the collaborative environment and company stability. Many mention the generous 401(k) match and comprehensive insurance. Negative feedback often relates to workload intensity during peak periods, but overall sentiment remains positive with 70%+ would recommend to a friend.

Gartner Peer Insights

Principal’s retirement and asset management solutions receive a 4.5 out of 5 rating from Gartner Peer Insights users. Clients appreciate the user-friendly digital platform, robust reporting, and responsive customer support. Some users note that implementation can be complex for smaller employers, but the overall satisfaction in terms of value and reliability is high.

Trustpilot

Principal Financial Group, Inc. has a 4.0 rating on Trustpilot, with mixed reviews. Positive reviews highlight excellent customer service and easy-to-use retirement tools. Negative reviews mainly concern claims processing delays in insurance products. The company actively responds to feedback, demonstrating commitment to improvement.

G2

On G2, Principal’s SmartRetire robo-advisor scores 4.3 out of 5. Users find the algorithm-based advice accurate and insightful. The mobile app receives high marks for simplicity and security. Critiques include limited customization for advanced investors.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews show a 4.1 star average across multiple office locations. Employees and clients alike remark on the professionalism and ethical reputation. The Des Moines headquarters gets specific praise for its modern amenities and community involvement.

LinkedIn Reputation

Principal Financial Group, Inc. has over 500,000 followers on LinkedIn. The company regularly posts thought leadership articles on retirement trends, ESG investing, and employee well-being. Engagement rates are above average for the financial sector, indicating a strong brand presence. Employees often share positive experiences and career milestones.

Why Organizations Choose Principal Financial Group, Inc.

Organizations partner with Principal for its proven track record in retirement plan management, with a client retention rate of over 95%. Key differentiators include: custom plan design, integrated wellness solutions, and a dedicated relationship manager. Principal’s proprietary technology simplifies compliance and participant communication, reducing administrative burden for HR teams. Additionally, the company’s commitment to sustainable investing aligns with the growing demand for ESG-focused options. Independent awards from J.D. Power (Highest Customer Satisfaction) and PlanSponsor reinforce its market leadership.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Principal Financial Group, Inc. using the following contact details:

Address: 711 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50392, USA
Contact Number: +1 800-986-3343
Support Number: +1 800-247-8000
Helpdesk Number: +1 515-247-5111
Website: www.principal.com

Official Social Media Presence

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/principal-financial-group
• Twitter/X: @Principal
• Facebook: facebook.com/Principalfinancialgroup
• YouTube: youtube.com/user/PrincipalFinancialGrp
• Instagram: @principal_fg

Frequently Asked Questions

Principal Financial Group, Inc. is headquartered at 711 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50392, USA.

Principal Financial Group, Inc. provides retirement plans, asset management, insurance, annuities, and financial wellness tools for individuals, businesses, and institutions.

Yes, Principal Financial Group, Inc. is listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol PFG.

Principal Financial Group, Inc. employs over 20,000 people worldwide.

Salaries for experienced financial analysts range from $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience and location.

Visit the careers page on principal.com or check LinkedIn for open positions.

Yes, many roles at Principal Financial Group, Inc. offer hybrid or fully remote options.

Principal Financial Group, Inc. fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture with strong work-life balance and commitment to diversity.

Benefits include competitive 401(k) match, health insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and employee stock purchase plan.

Yes, it has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies and a top workplace by Fortune and Glassdoor.

The CEO is Daniel J. Houston, who has led the company since 2019.

As of 2024, Principal Financial Group, Inc. manages over $760 billion in assets.

Yes, the company is committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and has a $1 billion impact investment target.

Employees often move between departments and locations through internal mobility programs and leadership development courses.

Principal offers wellness programs, gym reimbursement, mental health resources, and flexible scheduling.

Principal Financial Group, Inc. was ranked #259 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list.

Yes, it has offices in over 80 countries, including major hubs in Hong Kong, London, and Santiago.

Principal offers a 401(k) plan with a 6% company match and an additional 4% non-elective contribution.

Through the Principal Foundation, the company donates millions annually to financial literacy, education, and health initiatives.

Principal Financial Group, Inc. has a business casual dress code, with casual Fridays.

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