Human Resources & Payroll Coordinator (San Diego)

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.

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.
• California human resources or payroll experience required.
• 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.

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