Human Resources & Payroll Coordinator

Higgs Fletcher & Mack, LLP; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Wellness program

Vision insurance

Life and AD&D insurance

Short-Term Disability

Paid holidays

On-site gym

Fresh fruit weekly

Building lounge access

Mothers’ room

Job summary

Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP, San Diego's established full-service law firm, seeks an HR Coordinator to handle payroll and general HR coordination. Approximately 50% payroll administration and 50% HR support, requiring confidentiality, organization, and client-focused service.

Responsibilities include semi-monthly payroll processing, onboarding, benefits administration, and HRIS maintenance, with ongoing collaboration across attorneys and staff. A California HR/payroll background is preferred.

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 is 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.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Administration – coordinate semi-monthly payroll processing and ensure accuracy.
• Maintain payroll records and reconcile payroll reports.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities and W-2 preparation.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding related to payroll.
• Support HR processes including recruiting, onboarding, and employee communications.
• Assist with benefits administration and compliance tracking.
• Support HR initiatives and audits as needed.

Skills

Payroll administration

California HR experience

Excel

Outlook

Communication

Tools

Paylocity

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are ready to advance your career with one of San Diego’s most highly regarded law firms?

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 support, 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.

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.

Required Experience

• 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

Featured Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Wellness program
• Vision insurance
• Employer paid Life and AD&D insurance
• Employer paid Short-Term Disability
• Paid holidays
• Free on-site gym membership
• Fresh organic fruit available weekly
• 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 and social events

About Higgs Fletcher & Mack

Founded in 1939, Higgs Fletcher & Mack is San Diego’s oldest full-service law firm. We make it our business to know our clients and their competition, constantly expanding and evolving in the areas where they have needs. We look for solutions, focusing on the economics of our clients’ issues. The firm’s lawyers, over 75 in number, are individually and collectively committed to the personal and professional values that make us exceptional in the legal services industry.

Equal opportunity Statement

Higgs Fletcher & Mack is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to these factors. We believe in creating an environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.