Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Allentown or Houston | Human Resources

At Talen Energy, the Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for hourly and salaried employees, including those covered by multiple collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as union contract requirements, and serves as a key liaison within the HR function.

How You'll Power the Future

At Talen Energy, your work directly supports safe, reliable power generation. In this role, you'll move beyond day-to-day contributions to drive meaningful change by:

• Processing multi-state bi-weekly and any off cycle payrolls for union and non-union employees under several EINs.
• Ensuring accurate calculation of wages, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, garnishments, and deductions.
• Maintaining payroll records in compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to payroll processing.
• Managing union-specific pay rules including overtime rules and premiums, shift differentials and job classifications, vacation, holiday, and sick pay accruals, and retroactive pay adjustments.
• Calculating and processing union dues, fees, and benefit contributions accurately.
• Coordinating with HR Business Partners regarding payroll inquiries and discrepancies.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensuring compliance with FLSA, IRS regulations, state/local wage laws, and union agreements.
• Preparing and reconciling payroll reports, including tax filings, union reports, and certified payroll (if applicable).
• Supporting audits by providing payroll documentation and responding to inquiries.

Data Management & Systems

• Maintaining accurate employee payroll data in HRIS/payroll systems (e.g. Workday, Equifax, etc.).
• Verifying timekeeping system inputs and resolving discrepancies.
• Collaborating with HR Business Partners and Operations to ensure correct employee classification and pay rates.

What You Have

Minimum Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field preferred; additional years of directly related experience may be accepted.

Experience working with multiple union contracts preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of payroll experience, with direct union payroll experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of collective bargaining agreements and union payroll rules.
• Knowledge of payroll laws and regulations (FLSA, tax withholding, garnishments).
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) a plus.
• Workday experience a plus.
• May require occasional extended hours during payroll cycles, audits, or contract implementations.

Why Talen Energy?

Talen Energy is one of the largest competitive energy and power generation companies in North America. We operate power plants that use diverse fuel sources in the most attractive wholesale power markets and sell energy to wholesale and retail customers in selected competitive markets. Our passion for excellence grows value through safe and efficient operations. We have an inclusive, diverse, respectful, and collaborative workplace, and a strong commitment to innovation, teamwork, and integrity. We generate energy for a brighter tomorrow.

Collaboration

Our passion for excellence grows value through safe and efficient operations. We have an inclusive, diverse, respectful, and collaborative workplace.

Talen Energy offers an exceptional benefits program to its employees. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, vision, prescription plans, life insurance, and disability insurance. In addition, employees are eligible to participate in Talen Energy's 401(k) plan. Talen Energy also provides competitive vacation and sick time to its employees.

We are committed to providing a safe, drug and alcohol-free workplace. Consistent with applicable law and any collective bargaining agreements, positions may be subject to pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

Talen Energy is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to diversity and the strength it brings to the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, disability, perceived disability or any other protected characteristic as may be defined by applicable law.

If you need assistance with the application process, please email us at View email address on click.appcast.io

Please note that roles supporting Talen Energy's nuclear facilities are subject to rigorous background investigation and security clearance requirements consistent with federal regulatory standards.