Human Resources & Payroll Coordinator

<p>Founded in 1939, Higgs Fletcher &amp; 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 &amp; 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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>The position is approximately <strong>50% payroll administration and 50% general HR coordination</strong> and requires a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, organization, and customer service.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Essential Responsibilities:</strong></p><p><strong>Payroll Administration – Approximately 50%</strong></p><ul><li>Coordinate and administer the firm's semi-monthly payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely processing.</li><li>Review payroll information for accuracy, including hours worked, overtime, PTO, bonuses, deductions, reimbursements, and other payroll adjustments.</li><li>Maintain accurate employee payroll and timekeeping records.</li><li>Review and reconcile payroll reports and identify and resolve discrepancies.</li><li>Process employee changes affecting payroll, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, status changes, and deductions.</li><li>Coordinate payroll-related onboarding and offboarding activities.</li><li>Respond to employee questions regarding payroll, timekeeping, deductions, and pay-related issues.</li><li>Maintain accurate payroll documentation and records in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.</li><li>Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation.</li><li>Coordinate with the firm's payroll provider and other vendors as needed.</li><li>Maintain confidentiality of payroll information and sensitive employee data.</li><li>Assist with payroll audits, reporting, and other payroll-related projects.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Human Resources Coordination – Approximately 50%</strong></p><ul><li>Support the full employee lifecycle, including recruiting, onboarding and offboarding.</li><li>Prepare new-hire paperwork, personnel files, onboarding materials, and employment documentation.</li><li>Coordinate background checks, employment verifications, and other pre-employment processes.</li><li>Maintain accurate and confidential employee personnel records and HRIS information.</li><li>Assist with benefits administration, including new-hire enrollments, qualifying life events, and employee questions.</li><li>Support the HR team with recruitment activities, including posting positions, scheduling interviews, communicating with candidates, and maintaining applicant records.</li><li>Prepare and distribute employee communications, HR forms, policies, and other materials.</li><li>Assist with employee engagement activities, firm events, and HR programs.</li><li>Track required employee training, certifications, paralegal MCLE’s and other compliance-related requirements.</li><li>Support the administration and communication of HR policies and procedures.</li><li>Serve as a professional and responsive resource for employees regarding routine HR questions and requests.</li><li>Assist the HR Director with special projects, process improvements, audits, and other HR initiatives.</li></ul><p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p><ul><li><strong>2+ years of experience in human resources, payroll, or a combination of related experience. </strong></li><li>Experience with Paylocity a plus!</li><li>Previous experience processing or coordinating payroll is required.</li><li>Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.</li><li>Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.</li><li>Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.</li><li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills.</li><li>Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.</li><li>Strong customer service orientation and professional demeanor.</li><li>Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with attorneys, staff, management, and external vendors.</li><li>Previous experience in a <strong>law firm or professional-services environment is preferred but not required.</strong></li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Preferred Skills</strong></p><ul><li>Familiarity with California wage-and-hour requirements and payroll practices.</li><li>Experience with benefits administration and employee onboarding.</li><li>Familiarity with Paylocity or other HRIS systems</li><li>Intermediate Excel skills, including sorting, filtering, formulas, and basic reporting.</li><li>Ability to identify discrepancies and resolve routine payroll and HR issues independently.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Job Type:</strong> Full-time</p><p><strong>Anticipated base salary:</strong> $55,000-$65,000.00 DOE</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Benefits &amp; Perks</strong></p><ul><li>401(k)</li><li>Health insurance</li><li>Dental insurance</li><li>Vision insurance</li><li>Employer paid Life and AD&amp;D insurance</li><li>Employer paid Short-Term Disability</li><li>Unlimited Paid Time Off (Attorneys)</li><li>Paid San Diego County Bar Associate Membership (Attorneys)</li><li>Paid State Bar if California dues (Attorneys)</li><li>Paid holidays</li><li>Offices overlooking San Diego Bay &amp; Downtown San Diego</li><li>Free on-site gym membership</li><li>Access to building lounge featuring indoor &amp; outdoor terrace decks that include Bevi Water, Social Game Room (pool tables, golf simulator), mothers’ room and more!</li><li>Ongoing on-site workshops &amp; continuing education programs</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Schedule</strong>: Monday to Friday</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Work Location:</strong> Hybrid, onsite three days per week following training period</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>