Payroll Specialist

About Strategic Legal Practices

Strategic Legal Practices, APC (SLP) is a leading plaintiff-side consumer protection and lemon law litigation firm headquartered in Century City. SLP fights for consumers against some of the nation's largest automakers, combining aggressive advocacy with cutting-edge legal technology, including government-grade AI tools, to deliver results at scale. We are growing rapidly and looking for talented professionals who want to do meaningful work in a dynamic, high-performance environment.

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist reports to the HR Manager and owns end-to-end payroll processing across salaried and hourly classifications, working closely with ADP and the firm's HRIS. The ideal candidate is detail-obsessed, thrives in a fast-paced legal environment, and can independently manage complex payroll cycles with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

•         Process semi-monthly payroll for attorneys and non-attorneys using ADP Workforce Now and IHHAudit payroll registers against HR update notes prior to each payroll run, verifying new hires, terminations, rate changes, retro pay, partial pay, bonuses, and leave statuses
•         Calculate and process retroactive pay for salaried employees resulting from merit increases or correctionsEnsure accurate payroll treatment for employees on modified schedules, LOA, or immigration-tied work authorization
•         Process final pay in compliance with California wage and hour law

  Compensation & Data Integrity

  Maintain and audit salary data in ADP against the HR master workbook (Excel), flagging discrepancies for HR Manager review
•         Administer year-end merit review cycle inputs including rate changes and effective datesReconcile compensation data for promotions, reclassifications, and internal transfers
•         Track and audit deductions, garnishments, and benefit contributions each pay period

  Compliance & Reporting

  Ensure payroll compliance with California labor law, including meal break premiums, overtime calculations, and final pay obligations
•         Support HR Manager on wage and hour audits, including meal break compliance communicationsPrepare payroll reports and summaries for leadership, finance, and benefits reconciliation
•         Maintain payroll records in accordance with record retention requirementsAssist with W-2 processing and year-end tax reconciliations

  HR Operations Support

•         Coordinate with HR Manager on onboarding and offboarding payroll actionsSupport benefits premium reconciliation between carrier invoices and payroll deductions
•         Assist with HRIS data integrity audits (ADP vs. Active Directory vs. HR records)

  Compensation: $80,000 - $110,000/per year

  Requirements

  Required

  3+ years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a professional services or legal environment
•         Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now (required)Advanced Excel skills — comfortable working in multi-tab workbooks, using formulas, and auditing data across large datasets
•         Working knowledge of California wage and hour lawExceptional attention to detail and accuracy under time pressure
•         Ability to handle confidential information with discretionStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple pay cycles, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously

  Preferred

•         Experience supporting a multi-department employer in a professional services or legal environmentFamiliarity with payroll for employees on H-1B, OPT, or other immigration-tied work authorization
•         Experience with benefits deduction reconciliationPrior work in a law firm or legal services environmentFPC or CPP certification a plus

  Benefits

  We’re committed to supporting the well-being and success of our team through a robust and thoughtfully designed benefits package, including:

  • 401(k) with Employer Match – Plan for your future with confidence and company support.
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Comprehensive coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
  • Short-Term, Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance – Financial protection for life’s unexpected events.
  • Paid Parking – Convenient and covered, so you can focus on your day.
  • Generous Paid Time Off – Ample time to rest, recharge, and take care of personal matters.
  • Employee Referral Program – Earn rewards for introducing talented individuals to our team.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Confidential resources for personal and professional support.
  • Employee Discount Program – Access to exclusive savings on a variety of products and services.
  • Coverage of bar dues and CLEs
  • Ongoing professional development opportunities