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Audit Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Audit & Assurance Growth

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

If so, Deloitte's Audit & Assurance (A&A) Growth Team is looking for someone like you. Predictable, sustainable, and profitable revenue growth requires a consistent, proactive, solution-based mind ...

Manager, Audit & Assurance Growth

Davenport, IA · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

If so, Deloitte's Audit & Assurance (A&A) Growth Team is looking for someone like you. Predictable, sustainable, and profitable revenue growth requires a consistent, proactive, solution-based mind ...

Temporary AML IT Audit Consultant Location: Remote Employment Type: Temporary RSM is seeking an ... The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous ...

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Temporary AML IT Audit Consultant Location: Remote Employment Type: Temporary RSM is seeking an ... The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous ...

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Temporary AML IT Audit Consultant Location: Remote Employment Type: Temporary RSM is seeking an ... The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous ...

New

Temporary AML IT Audit Consultant Location: Remote Employment Type: Temporary RSM is seeking an ... The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous ...

Temporary AML IT Audit Consultant Location: Remote Employment Type: Temporary RSM is seeking an ... The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous ...

New

Temporary AML IT Audit Consultant Location: Remote Employment Type: Temporary RSM is seeking an ... The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous ...

Temporary AML IT Audit Consultant Location: Remote Employment Type: Temporary RSM is seeking an ... The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous ...

New

Temporary AML IT Audit Consultant Location: Remote Employment Type: Temporary RSM is seeking an ... The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous ...

New

Temporary AML IT Audit Consultant Location: Remote Employment Type: Temporary RSM is seeking an ... The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous ...

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Showing results 21-40

Audit Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$23.5K

$67.4K

$101.4K

How much do audit associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for audit associate in Iowa is $67,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $76,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an audit associate?

An audit associate provides technical and clerical support for a lead auditor to help examine and verify an organization’s processes or financial information. Under the supervision of an audit department, your duties as an associate auditor include planning and carrying out aspects of an internal audit aimed at improving the efficiency or financial health of a company. In addition to providing accounting assistance, you may conduct interviews with employees and create reports of findings for the auditing department. Qualifications for a career as an audit associate include a bachelor’s degree in accounting, statistics, or a related field, as well as relevant job experience. Audit associates also need excellent attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills, and advanced math ability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an audit associate?

To thrive as an Audit Associate, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, analytical skills, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Familiarity with audit software (such as CaseWare or IDEA), Microsoft Excel, and sometimes a CPA track or certification is highly valued. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help Audit Associates excel in client interactions and team environments. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring accurate financial assessments and maintaining the integrity of audit processes.

What is the difference between Audit Associate vs Staff Auditor?

AspectAudit AssociateStaff Auditor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in accounting or related field; CPA preferredBachelor's degree in accounting or related field; CPA often preferred
Work EnvironmentPublic accounting firms, corporate finance teamsPublic accounting firms, internal audit departments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in accounting firms and corporationsCommon in accounting firms and internal audit roles
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding entry-level audit rolesClarifying audit job responsibilities and career path

Both Audit Associate and Staff Auditor roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and certifications. They often work in similar environments within accounting firms or corporate finance departments. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers, with 'Staff Auditor' sometimes indicating a slightly more experienced position. Both roles serve as entry points into the auditing profession, focusing on financial review, compliance, and internal controls.

What are some common challenges audit associates face during busy season, and how can they effectively manage their workload?

Audit Associates often experience heavier workloads and tight deadlines during busy season, which can be both challenging and rewarding. Managing multiple client engagements, adapting to changing priorities, and handling large volumes of data are typical hurdles. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and leveraging audit software for efficiency are key strategies to stay organized. Seeking guidance from senior associates and maintaining a collaborative mindset can also help in successfully navigating peak periods.

What are the most commonly searched types of Audit jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Audit jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Audit Associate jobs in Iowa?

For Audit Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Audit Associate jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Audit Associate job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Audit Associate jobs in IA?

For Audit Associate jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Audit Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,416 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Senior Director - Internal Audit

Principal Financial Group

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

What You'll Do
We’re looking for a Senior Director to join our Internal Audit & Risk Consulting team. In this role, you’ll provide executive leadership for Internal Audit coverage of one or more core businesses, enterprise functions, regions, or regulated legal entities. As a direct report to the Chief Internal Auditor, the Senior Director shares accountability for the strategy, performance, quality, operating effectiveness, talent, and sustained credibility of the Internal Audit function. The role converts enterprise strategy, business and regulatory developments, and emerging risk into a dynamic portfolio of independent assurance and advice; delivers clear audit opinions and enterprise insight; and exercises significant judgment and delegated authority in matters affecting executives, boards, regulators, and the company’s control environment.
 
For assigned businesses or legal entities, serves as the senior Internal Audit executive and delegated representative of the Chief Internal Auditor, with direct access to and interaction with subsidiary boards, board and management committees, executive leadership, external auditors, and regulators, as applicable.
 
You'll have the opportunity to:
  • Strategic Leadership, Functional Direction & Audit Planning
  • Set and execute multi-year strategy for the assigned portfolio and materially contribute to the strategy, operating model, priorities, performance measures, budget, workforce plan, and transformation agenda of the overall Internal Audit function.
  • Own the risk assessment and audit-planning process for the assigned portfolio, integrating enterprise and business strategy, regulatory expectations, business change, data, stakeholder perspectives, and current and emerging risks.
  • Translate strategy into clear functional priorities, operating decisions, capability investments, and measurable outcomes; lead department-wide initiatives and make decisions for the long-term effectiveness of Internal Audit, not solely the assigned portfolio.
  • Determine and continually recalibrate the nature, timing, scope, sequencing, and resourcing of assurance and advisory coverage as risk conditions and strategic priorities change.
  • Identify cross-business themes and systemic risks, connect insights across portfolios, and elevate matters that warrant enterprise action or attention.
  • Audit Portfolio Accountability, Quality & Production
  • Hold end-to-end executive accountability for the relevance, quality, timeliness, throughput, and impact of a high-volume portfolio of audit opinions and advisory work, including complex, cross-business, technology-enabled, and regulatory engagements.
  • Exercise final review and approval authority delegated by the Chief Internal Auditor for engagement scope, risk and control assessments, significant judgments, issue ratings, reports, audit opinions, and escalation decisions.
  • Ensure work conforms with the Global Internal Audit Standards, the Internal Audit Charter, department methodology, quality expectations, and applicable legal or regulatory requirements.
  • Drive reliable execution of the audit plan through direct and indirect leadership: anticipate risks to planned engagements and opinion delivery; balance priorities and capacity; deploy and redeploy talent and external resources; resolve quality or schedule barriers; align stakeholders; and hold leaders accountable for production, without compromising independence, objectivity, or professional judgment.
  • Board, Regulatory & Executive Accountability
  • Serve as the primary Internal Audit relationship leader for assigned executive teams and, where designated, subsidiary boards and board or management committees—including audit, fiduciary, risk, compliance, governance, finance, and other committees relevant to the assignment.
  • Provide clear, candid, and forward-looking reporting on the audit plan, significant risks, control themes, audit opinions, issue remediation, Internal Audit performance, and the adequacy of governance, risk management, and internal control.
  • Represent the Chief Internal Auditor in regulatory examinations, meetings, and ongoing supervisory interactions for assigned entities; coordinate timely, accurate, and well-supported responses and follow-through. Where required by law, regulation, charter, or appointment, may hold direct, named personal accountability to a regulator for defined aspects of Internal Audit’s mandate, performance, reporting, or responsiveness.
  • Escalate significant risk exposures, overdue remediation, resource constraints, quality concerns, or threats to Internal Audit independence to the appropriate executive, committee, board, or regulatory level.
  • Talent, Succession & Operating Leadership
  • Lead and develop a high-performing organization of leaders and audit professionals; establish clear accountability, provide candid feedback, and build a culture of professional courage, curiosity, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous learning.
  • Own succession, organization design, capability, and capacity planning for the assigned portfolio, including recruiting, performance management, development assignments, recognition, and deployment of internal and external resources.
  • Develop next-generation leaders and deepen business, regulatory, technology, data, and audit expertise needed to address the evolving risk profile.
  • Model enterprise leadership and shared accountability across Internal Audit, resolving tradeoffs and allocating resources in the best interests of the overall function and company.
  • Enterprise Partnership, Influence & Advisory Leadership
  • Build trusted, appropriately independent relationships with executive management, first- and second-line leaders, Legal, Compliance, Risk, Finance, Technology, external audit, and other assurance providers.
  • Provide effective challenge, negotiate difficult issues, and influence sustainable actions while preserving Internal Audit’s independent assurance role and avoiding ownership of the business activities, risks, controls, or remediation decisions being evaluated.
  • Advise on significant business initiatives, transactions, operating-model changes, and control design when Internal Audit involvement can add value without impairing independence or objectivity.
  • Represent the Chief Internal Auditor and the function on enterprise and business governance forums and lead enterprise or department priorities as assigned.
  • Innovation, Data & Continuous Improvement
  • Sponsor practical use of data, analytics, automation, and responsible AI to improve risk sensing, coverage, testing, insight, quality, productivity, and the speed of opinion delivery.
  • Lead continuous improvement in methodology, reporting, talent models, and ways of working; translate lessons learned and external developments into scalable department practices.
  • Maintain current knowledge of assigned businesses, regulation, industry developments, technology, and the internal audit profession; act as a visible thought leader internally and externally.
     
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
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Typically 15 or more years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk, compliance, finance, technology, or a closely related field, including 6+ years experience leading leaders and broad, complex portfolios in a regulated or similarly complex organization.
  • Demonstrated experience in record keeping and banking preferred.
  • Demonstrated success setting functional strategy, converting strategy into operating priorities and measurable outcomes, and influencing enterprise decisions on complex or sensitive matters.
  • Deep knowledge of internal audit, governance, risk management, and internal control; working knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards and accepted control frameworks such as COSO. Specialized frameworks may be required based on assignment.
  • Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to understand strategy, operating models, technology, data, and the legal and regulatory environment of assigned businesses or entities.
  • Substantial experience communicating with executive management and boards or board committees. Experience interacting with regulators and leading audit coverage of regulated financial-services businesses is strongly preferred for applicable assignments.
  • Demonstrated independence, objectivity, integrity, sound judgment, professional courage, and authority to provide effective challenge at the highest levels of the organization.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the ability to synthesize complex matters into clear opinions, implications, decisions, and actions.
  • Proven ability to lead through ambiguity and change, manage competing enterprise priorities, and deliver sustained results through layers of direct and indirect leadership.
  • One or more relevant professional certifications—such as CIA, CPA, CISA, or an equivalent designation—strongly preferred and may be required based on assignment.
  • Travel may be required.
 

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 (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)
$157000 - $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
Work Environments
This role offers hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) in our corporate office in Des Moines, Iowa.
 
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.
Original Posting Date
8/7/2026
Most Recently Posted Date
8/7/2026
 

Principal uses artificial intelligence tools to assist in reviewing and evaluating job applications, fraud prevention, and candidate matching and comparisons. These AI tools support our human recruiters in the initial review process but do not make final hiring decisions without human involvement. By submitting your application, you acknowledge this use of AI in our recruitment process. Please review our Workforce (U.S.) Privacy Notice for more details on our practices and your data privacy rights.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Typically 15 or more years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk, compliance, finance, technology, or a closely related field, including 6+ years experience leading leaders and broad, complex portfolios in a regulated or similarly complex organization.
  • Demonstrated experience in record keeping and banking preferred.
  • Demonstrated success setting functional strategy, converting strategy into operating priorities and measurable outcomes, and influencing enterprise decisions on complex or sensitive matters.
  • Deep knowledge of internal audit, governance, risk management, and internal control; working knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards and accepted control fram...