Human Resources & Payroll Coordinator

Job Description

Founded in 1939, Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP is one of San Diego’s most established and respected full-service law firms. With more than 70 attorneys across 20+ practice areas, the firm provides sophisticated legal counsel to businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout California. Known for its commitment to excellence, collaboration, and client service, Higgs Fletcher & Mack combines the depth and expertise of a large law firm with the personalized attention of a boutique practice. The firm fosters a culture of professionalism, integrity, diversity, and community involvement, offering employees the opportunity to build rewarding careers while contributing to meaningful client outcomes and lasting community impact.

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The HR Coordinator provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Human Resources department. This position is responsible for coordinating and administering payroll processes while also supporting a broad range of day-to-day HR activities, including employee records, onboarding, benefits administration, recruitment, safety, and employee communications.

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The position is approximately 50% payroll administration and 50% general HR coordination and requires a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, organization, and customer service.

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Essential Responsibilities:

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Payroll Administration – Approximately 50%

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• Coordinate and administer the firm's semi-monthly payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
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• Review payroll information for accuracy, including hours worked, overtime, PTO, bonuses, deductions, reimbursements, and other payroll adjustments.
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• Maintain accurate employee payroll and timekeeping records.
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• Review and reconcile payroll reports and identify and resolve discrepancies.
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• Process employee changes affecting payroll, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, status changes, and deductions.
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• Coordinate payroll-related onboarding and offboarding activities.
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• Respond to employee questions regarding payroll, timekeeping, deductions, and pay-related issues.
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• Maintain accurate payroll documentation and records in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
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• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation.
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• Coordinate with the firm's payroll provider and other vendors as needed.
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• Maintain confidentiality of payroll information and sensitive employee data.
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• Assist with payroll audits, reporting, and other payroll-related projects.
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Human Resources Coordination – Approximately 50%

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• Support the full employee lifecycle, including recruiting, onboarding and offboarding.
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• Prepare new-hire paperwork, personnel files, onboarding materials, and employment documentation.
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• Coordinate background checks, employment verifications, and other pre-employment processes.
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• Maintain accurate and confidential employee personnel records and HRIS information.
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• Assist with benefits administration, including new-hire enrollments, qualifying life events, and employee questions.
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• Support the HR team with recruitment activities, including posting positions, scheduling interviews, communicating with candidates, and maintaining applicant records.
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• Prepare and distribute employee communications, HR forms, policies, and other materials.
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• Assist with employee engagement activities, firm events, and HR programs.
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• Track required employee training, certifications, paralegal MCLE’s and other compliance-related requirements.
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• Support the administration and communication of HR policies and procedures.
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• Serve as a professional and responsive resource for employees regarding routine HR questions and requests.
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• Assist the HR Director with special projects, process improvements, audits, and other HR initiatives.
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Qualifications

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• 2+ years of experience in human resources, payroll, or a combination of related experience.
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• California human resources or payroll experience required.
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• Experience with Paylocity a plus!
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• Previous experience processing or coordinating payroll is required.
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• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.
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• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
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• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
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• Strong customer service orientation and professional demeanor.
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• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with attorneys, staff, management, and external vendors.
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• Previous experience in a law firm or professional-services environment is preferred but not required.
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Preferred Skills

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• Familiarity with California wage-and-hour requirements and payroll practices.
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• Experience with benefits administration and employee onboarding.
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• Familiarity with Paylocity or other HRIS systems
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• Intermediate Excel skills, including sorting, filtering, formulas, and basic reporting.
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• Ability to identify discrepancies and resolve routine payroll and HR issues independently.
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Job Type: Full-time

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Anticipated base salary: $55,000-$65,000.00 DOE

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Benefits & Perks

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• 401(k)
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• Health insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• Vision insurance
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• Employer paid Life and AD&D insurance
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• Employer paid Short-Term Disability
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• Unlimited Paid Time Off (Attorneys)
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• Paid San Diego County Bar Associate Membership (Attorneys)
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• Paid State Bar if California dues (Attorneys)
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• Paid holidays
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• Offices overlooking San Diego Bay & Downtown San Diego
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• Free on-site gym membership
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• Access to building lounge featuring indoor & outdoor terrace decks that include Bevi Water, Social Game Room (pool tables, golf simulator), mothers’ room and more!
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• Ongoing on-site workshops & continuing education programs
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Schedule : Monday to Friday

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Work Location: Hybrid, onsite three days per week following training period

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