In House Tax Counsel (International Tax)

What You'll Do

We're seeking a talented and motivated Tax Attorney with 5+ years of experience, including interest and experience in international tax matters, to join our legal team. This role will provide strategic tax advice impacting asset management, insurance, and related financial services businesses, support cross‑border business transactions, and ensure compliance with complex U.S. and international tax laws.

The ideal candidate has a strong technical tax background, excellent judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including finance, legal, and business units.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on U.S. federal income tax matters, with an emphasis on international tax, including transfer pricing, Subpart F, NCTI, BEAT, foreign tax credits, tax treaty interpretation, and global structuring.
• Support international business operations, cross-border transactions, and foreign subsidiary governance, including advising on uncertain tax positions and legal interpretations.
• Identify tax risks and develop practical mitigation strategies consistent with internal governance.
• Review and analyze tax implications of corporate transactions and intercompany agreements.
• Collaborate with outside counsel, auditors, and internal stakeholders aligning with business strategy, corporate treasury, and capital management on tax planning, reporting, and compliance.
• Monitor changes in U.S. and global tax laws including OECD Pillar 2 and advise on their impact on the company.
• Review, negotiate, and draft tax-related provisions in contracts and other legal documents.
• Assist with tax controversy matters, including audits, inquiries, and information requests.
• Partner with finance, accounting, actuarial, and compliance teams on global tax policy development, tax risk management, reporting obligations, and internal controls.

Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!

Who You Are

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
• Team‑oriented with a business‑minded approach to problem-solving.
• High standards of ethics and professionalism.
• 5+ years of legal and tax experience, preferably in a law firm, accounting firm, multinational corporation, or government roles with a background in asset management, insurance, or the broader financial services industry.
• Strong knowledge, experience, and/or interest in U.S. international tax rules and cross-border structuring.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and drafting skills.
• Willingness to learn and work across a range of tax issues as business needs evolve.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Note: A Tax LL.M. and/or an accounting degree is not required for this role. Candidates with diverse tax practice backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership on strategic international business initiatives.
• Collaborative, supportive legal team environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.

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

$141000 - $213000 / 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

Yes

Additional Information

Location & Work Environment

Role is based out of our corporate headquarters in Des Moines, IA and offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending at least three in‑office days during a typical workweek.

Job Level

We’ll consider talent at the next level with the right experiences and skills. The next level requires a J.D. and 8+ years of experience as an attorney.

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 employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.

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 Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.

Date First Posted (TTF)

4/30/2026

Latest Post Date: Careers - US

4/30/2026

LinkedIn Hashtag

#LI-MT1