Senior Analyst - Payroll Tax

Constellation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Constellation is seeking an experienced Payroll Tax Specialist to own the full lifecycle of U.S. payroll tax compliance across multi-state, multi-entity operations. You will lead filings, W-2 processing, and tax reporting while coordinating with HR, Finance, and external providers.

The role demands strong Excel skills, tax knowledge, and the ability to drive process improvements. You will monitor regulatory changes, implement updates, and develop robust payroll tax controls to support audit

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive US payroll tax experience in a multi-state environment.
• Experience with federal/state/local employment tax law (FUTA, SUTA, FIT, SIT).
• Experience with Form W-2c, amended filings and related reporting.
• Experience with third-party tax services (ADP, Ceridian or Vertex) and payroll platforms (Workday/Oracle/HCM/SAP/UKG/PeopleSoft).
• Strong communication skills and ability to present findings to managers and directors.

Responsibilities

• Own payroll tax compliance for federal, state, local and multi-jurisdictional needs.
• Lead year-end payroll tax reporting (Forms W-2, W-2c).
• Reconcile payroll tax liabilities and GL accounts for accuracy.
• Research and resolve payroll tax discrepancies and notices.
• Coordinate with external payroll tax providers for service delivery and issue resolution.
• Maintain tax configurations in payroll systems and support updates/regulatory changes.
• Provide SME guidance on complex tax matters to Payroll, HR, Finance and employees.
• Monitor changes in payroll tax legislation and implement updates as needed.
• Develop payroll tax procedures and internal controls to ensure audits readiness.

Skills

Multi-state payroll experience

Advanced Excel

Strong written/verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Workday

Oracle HCM

SAP

UKG

PeopleSoft

ADP

Ceridian

Vertex

Job description

Who We Are

As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest producer of clean and reliable energy, Constellation is focused on our purpose: lighting the way to a brilliant tomorrow for all. We have been the leader in clean energy production for more than a decade, and we are cultivating a workplace where our employees can grow, thrive, and contribute. Now integrated with Calpine, our portfolio includes 55 gigawatts of capacity from nuclear, natural gas, geothermal, hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 million homes.

Who We Are

As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest producer of clean and reliable energy, Constellation is focused on our purpose: lighting the way to a brilliant tomorrow for all. We have been the leader in clean energy production for more than a decade, and we are cultivating a workplace where our employees can grow, thrive, and contribute. Now integrated with Calpine, our portfolio includes 55 gigawatts of capacity from nuclear, natural gas, geothermal, hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 million homes.

Our culture and employee experience make it clear: We are powered by passion and purpose. Together, we're creating healthier communities and a cleaner planet, and our people are the driving force behind our success. At Constellation, you can build a fulfilling career with opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact. By doing our best work and meeting new challenges, we can accomplish great things. Join us in meeting the country's energy needs today and tomorrow.

TOTAL REWARDS

Constellation offers an extensive selection of benefits and rewards to help our employees thrive professionally and personally. We provide competitive compensation and a wide-range of benefits that support both employees and their families, helping them prepare for the future. In addition to highly competitive salaries, eligible employees are offered a bonus program, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase program; comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, including robust wellbeing programs; disability and life insurance benefits; paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick days; and much more.

Expected salary range

of $94,500 to $105,000, varies based on experience, along with comprehensive benefits package that includes bonus and 401(k).

Primary Purpose Of Position

Own the full lifecycle of U.S. payroll tax compliance for a multi-state, multi-entity employer. Serve as the subject matter expert on federal, state, and local employment tax matters and lead tax-related projects with high visibility across Payroll, HR, Accounting, Compensation, Tax, Finance, and Legal.

Primary Duties And Accountabilities

• Manage payroll tax compliance for federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions, ensuring timely and accurate filing of employment tax returns, tax payments, registrations, and account maintenance.
• Lead year-end payroll tax reporting, including preparation, validation, and distribution of Forms W-2, W-2c, and other required tax reporting documents.
• Review and reconcile payroll tax liabilities, taxable wages, payroll system activity, outsourced tax provider reports, and general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Research, analyze, and resolve payroll tax discrepancies, notices, penalties, and agency inquiries, including coordination of audit responses and corrective actions.
• Serve as the primary liaison with outsourced payroll tax providers, managing service delivery, filing compliance, issue resolution, and amended return processing.
• Maintain payroll tax configurations within payroll systems and support testing, validation, and implementation of tax updates, system enhancements, and regulatory changes.
• Provide payroll tax subject matter expertise and guidance to Payroll, HR, Finance, management, and employees on complex tax matters, including multi-state taxation, remote work, mobility, reciprocity, fringe benefits, and equity compensation reporting.
• Monitor changes in payroll tax legislation and regulatory requirements, assess business impacts, and implement necessary compliance and process updates.
• Develop and maintain payroll tax procedures, documentation, job aids, and internal controls to support compliance, audit readiness, and operational excellence.
• Partner with internal stakeholders, external consultants, and cross-functional teams to drive process improvements, automation initiatives, system implementations, and strategic payroll tax projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree & 5+ years of progressive US payroll tax experience in a multi-state environment.
• Hands-on experience with third-party tax services such as ADP, Ceridian or Vertex.
• Proficiency in at least one major payroll platform: Workday, Oracle HCM, SAP, UKG or PeopleSoft.
• Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, Copilot and data validation.
• Working knowledge of federal and multi-state employment tax law including FUTA, SUTA, FIT, SIT and local taxes.
• Familiarity with Form W-2c, amended 941 filings and SUI protest procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting findings to managers and directors.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC designation.
• CPA, EA or accounting degree preferred but not required.
• Experience with Oracle HCM USOPTE tax engine configuration.
• Exposure to equity compensation tax reporting (RSUs, stock options).
• Familiarity with data analytics tools such as Power BI, Alteryx or Tableau.
• Experience supporting a shared services payroll model.