Human Resources & Payroll Coordinator

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.

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

Essential Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration – Approximately 50%

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

Human Resources Coordination – Approximately 50%

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

Qualifications

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

Preferred Skills

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

Job Type: Full-time

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

Benefits & Perks

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

Schedule

Monday to Friday

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