Associate, Underwriter​/Direct Lending

Principal Financial Group Inc is hiring an Associate Underwriter for Direct Lending in Des Moines, IA. The role involves evaluating private debt transactions, conducting due diligence, building financial models, and preparing investment materials. Candidates should have a finance-related degree and at least one year of relevant experience. The position offers competitive salary and flexible time off but does not specify remote work options.
Position: Associate, Underwriter (Direct Lending)
What You'll DoPrincipal Alternative Credit (Direct Lending) launched in 2020 and is rapidly growing, achieving a record-breaking year in 2024. Our success is driven by the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees - individually and all of us together. We welcome fresh perspectives and are looking for someone with the skills, work ethic and positive attitude to inspire change and help us through our next phase of growth.

You will gain a ton of meaningful experience with a team that's invested in your personal success. As an Associate, you'll support the origination, due diligence, credit underwriting, execution, and portfolio monitoring of private debt investments. You'll work closely with senior underwriters to evaluate new investment opportunities, develop financial models, and prepare investment committee materials. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience across all stages of the investment process in a dynamic and growing platform.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist in evaluating and underwriting new private debt transactions Conduct due diligence, industry research, and business analysis Build detailed financial models and scenario analyses Support preparation of investment committee materials and presentations Monitor portfolio company performance and flag concerns Collaborate with internal teams including marketing, product, and client services Take on additional projects and responsibilities as needed Who You Are Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related technical field (minimum of 3.50 GPA) 1+ years' experience within leveraged finance, private debt and/or related transactional experience Ability to construct financial models such as three statement financial models and leveraged buyout models Intellectually curious, collaborative, able to build and maintain strong relationships, manage expectations, detail-oriented, with ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively Strong financial modeling, valuation and accounting skills Knowledge of financial markets and investing strategies, including a general knowledge of bond mechanics and pricing calculations is preferred This position may be subject to SEC restrictions on personal political contributions 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 $123000 - $167000 / year

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 No Additional Information Location We're open to considering talent in New York City, Chicago, and Des Moines Work Environments This role offers the ability for in-office or four days in-office and one day remote. 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 candidates 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.working-in-the-united-states/temporary-nonimmigrant-workers and green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics For Principal Global Investors 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 While our expertise spans the globe, we're bound by one common purpose: to foster a world where financial security is accessible to all. And our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees - individually and all of us together. Explore our core values, benefits and why we're an exceptional place to grow your career.

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 accept applications for 3 full days following the…