Payroll Compliance Analyst - Chicago, IL

Job Description Payroll Compliance Analyst – Chicago, IL

Reports To Director HR Operations

The Payroll Compliance Analyst – Section 45Z Credits is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for employees performing work that qualifies for federal tax credits under Section 45Z of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This role ensures that all payroll‑related requirements tied to credit eligibility are met, including the tracking of qualifying work tasks and hours, application of applicable prevailing wage and fringe benefit rates, monitoring for ongoing compliance, and calculation and payment of any underpayment interest.

The position plays a critical role in protecting the organization’s eligibility for Section 45Z credits and supporting audit readiness.

• Process payroll accurately and in compliance with Section 45Z requirements for employees performing qualifying work.
• Ensure payroll records clearly segregate and identify hours attributable to eligible and non-eligible work.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations as they relate to credit‑eligible work.

• Establish and manage systems and controls to track qualifying work tasks and the number of hours each employee performs eligible work.
• Partner with Operations, HR, and Project Management teams to validate task eligibility and ensure accurate time capture.
• Review and reconcile timekeeping data to confirm completeness, accuracy, and consistency with Section 45Z requirements.

• Determine and apply the appropriate prevailing wage rates for eligible work classifications.
• Apply, track, and monitor fringe benefit rates to ensure they meet or exceed required thresholds.
• Conduct periodic reviews to confirm continued compliance with prevailing wage and fringe benefit requirements.

• Identify wage or fringe underpayments related to Section 45Z‑eligible work.
• Calculate required corrections, including any applicable underpayment interest.
• Ensure timely payment of wage adjustments and interest to affected employees in accordance with statutory and regulatory timelines.

• Maintain detailed, organized, and auditable payroll records supporting Section 45Z credit claims.
• Prepare documentation and schedules required for internal reviews, external audits, and government examinations.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert during audits, inquiries, or reviews related to payroll and credit eligibility.

• Coordinate with Tax, Legal, Finance, HR, and Operations to align payroll practices with Section 45Z credit strategy.
• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on payroll, timekeeping, and compliance requirements tied to eligible work.
• Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and internal controls related to Section 45Z payroll compliance.

• Monitor regulatory guidance and interpretive updates related to Section 45Z and prevailing wage requirements.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Support system enhancements or implementations related to payroll, time tracking, and compliance reporting.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in payroll processing, payroll compliance, or wage and hour administration.
• Demonstrated experience with prevailing wage and fringe benefit requirements.
• Strong understanding of payroll controls, compliance documentation, and audit support.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage complex, regulated payroll environments.

• Experience supporting federal tax credit programs or incentive‑based payroll compliance.
• Familiarity with government contracting, energy, manufacturing, or other industries subject to prevailing wage rules.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or similar…