Payroll Accountant

Fairchild Imaging, headquartered in San Jose, California is a specialty image sensor design and manufacturing company with deep experience in developing leading edge performance CMOS image sensors. Our portfolio of image sensors can be found in many high-performance imaging applications like space exploration, medical x-ray, sciences, quantum computing, machine vision, low light, and 360 situational awareness.

We are looking for a Payroll Accountant to manage all payroll and related accounting functions. This is a hybrid role, with the primary focus (70%) on ensuring accurate payroll processing and compliance for our workforce of 70 employees. The remaining 30% of responsibilities will cover broader accounting tasks, such as managing the complete accounts receivable lifecycle (credit applications, terms, collections, and reconciliations), bank reconciliations, employee expense reporting, and prepaid schedule maintenance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the end-to-end multi-state payroll process for approximately 70 employees, including direct deposits, garnishments, benefits, 401(k), and other deductions.


• Ensure compliance with California labor laws (overtime, meal/rest breaks, sick leave) and federal payroll regulations.


• Prepare and reconcile payroll journal entries to the general ledger; resolve discrepancies.


• Manage payroll tax filings (941, DE 9/9C, W-2, ACA, etc.) and support annual audits.


• Maintain accurate employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, and changes.


• Implement payroll controls and process improvements to ensure accuracy and efficiency.


• Partner with HR to implement payroll policy changes and maintain confidentiality of sensitive data.


• Stay current on payroll best practices, California wage and hour updates, and employment law changes related to payroll.


• Respond to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, and payroll policies.

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years of progressive hands-on payroll experience in an exempt and non-exempt workforce.


• Strong knowledge of California payroll regulations, multi-state payroll experience.


• Background in payroll accounting: journal entries, accruals, reconciliations.


• Proficiency with Excel and ability to prepare payroll reports for Finance and HR.


• High attention to detail, integrity, and ability to work independently in a small-company environment.


• Detail-oriented with strong confidentiality and ethics.


• Able to work independently in a small-company environment where everyone “wears many hats.”


• Comfortable collaborating across HR, Finance, and Operations to resolve payroll issues quickly.


• Flexibility to document processes and support improvements.


• Excellent communication and customer service skills.


• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred.


• CPP or FPC certification preferred.

Fairchild Imaging provides our employees with a range in benefits offerings that includes:

• 9/80 Schedule - You get every other Friday off!


• Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with multiple plan offerings


• Health Savings Account with an employer contribution annually


• 401(k) retirement plans with Employer matching


• Tuition Reimbursement


• Generous Paid Time Off policy

The compensation salary range for this role is $85,000 to $105,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications.

Fairchild Imaging is an equal opportunity employer. We foster a culture where everyone has an opportunity to succeed regardless of their race, color, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, union membership, and political affiliation, or any other legally protected group.