Bookkeeping and accounting job posting by Redbrick Associates

Looking for a job in bookkeeping or accounting? Check out this job posting from Redbrick Associates. 

Thanks to the Cañada College Career Center for sending this out:

We are looking to hire two full time equivalents. Redbrick Associates, a growing consulting firm that supports venture capital funds and startup companies, is looking to fill an entry level position that will initially focus on bookkeeping and accounting utilizing a variety of software applications. Experience with Excel is essential.Beyond the initial responsibilities, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow into any of the areas of operation that we engage with our clients. Ideally we would like full time applicants, however we can also work with part time based on their level of long term interest; and also part time leading to full time. We also have flexibility to work around the college schedule. It is a paid position (rate and hours are flexible depending on the candidate). The applicant should be over 18 years old with a driver’s license. An accounting knowledge is needed but no other specific office skills (other than excel). Quickbooks is a big plus but not essential. The candidate will not be interacting with clients, but rather the partners of Redbrick, and we will be providing training across a broad set of business skills (focused on finance, of which accounting is a subset and the initial area where the person will be working). Initially the accounting will be focused on record keeping and reconciliations. Responsibilities will expand to meet the interests of the application.

We are in the fortunate position of having a broad set of clients – ranging from venture funds with hundreds of millions that we track, to companies involved in digital health through space travel. We deal with private companies, public companies, foreign companies. Again, we provide the training and would love to find a great fit with someone that would like to expand their resume.

Send your questions and resume to: kate@redbrickassociates.com

6/22/16 Jonathan Wax

Student Success Story: Elise McClure

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Elise McClure

Backwater owners, and former Cañada College
 students, Ryan Verzaal and Elise McClure.
Photo Credit: http://spacecoastliving.com/

Elise McClure was a San Francisco resident who attended Cañada College between 2012-2014. She was working towards her Associate's degree in Business Administration. While she was a full-time student at Cañada College, she was also working full-time as a manager at a restaurant in San Francisco's Mission district, and had a part time job on top of that.  In 2015 she relocated to Melbourne, Florida, with her partner Ryan Verzaal (who also attended Cañada College) and they opened up Backwater. Their restaurant has become the area's premiere brunch restaurant. Elise McClure has worked very hard and accomplished a lot in a short amount of time since her time at Cañada College. We caught up with Elise and asked her about her time at Cañada College, and this is her story.

You became a small business owner and opened Backwater after attending Cañada College, tell us about your restaurant.

After spending quite some time in California we became homesick for our southern roots. I love comfort food like pulled pork, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes. It only seemed fitting that we would serve our favorite foods that we missed for so long. Backwater, like its namesake, is meant to be a place where one can relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Where you can sit back and sip on some sweet tea. We offer eight tables with built in griddles where you and the family can get creative with DIY pancakes. We couldn't forgot our love for the vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurants in San Francisco, so we made sure to offer the majority of the menu with a vegan option. 

Your restaurant is very unique, and offers such a special experience for customers, especially with your DIY pancake table griddles. Where did you get the idea for your business?

On our second date we made pancakes. So we thought it would be fun to provide that same ice breaker for others, and who are we kidding, pancakes are amazing! We always say people love to cook, but they want someone else to clean up after them. 

Backwater is in Melbourne, Florida which is where Elise relocated to in 2015.

Photo credit: http://www.backwaterflorida.com/  

What has been the most rewarding thing about being your own boss and having your own small business?

The feeling! I don't really know how to put it in words, but on a daily basis I find myself over a hot griddle table cleaning away, and I just have this moment of peace when I realize that I'm cleaning this table because I have a two page waitlist! It is just so surreal. I usually have to hold back getting teary eyed when I think about how lucky we are. I just can't even believe that this many people want to eat at our restaurant! I just say in my head "We're doing it!!" Overall it is just nuts how much popularity and success we have gained in such a short period of time. We already have regulars!!! It's rewarding to know we did it on our own!

What were some unexpected challenges you've encountered while being a small business owner?

We have been lucky so far to be supported by such a wonderful community. We even had city hall checking in on us during our build out. Asking if we had any questions or needed any help with our permits. There are some days when I miss being able to pass the buck to a supervisor but it is nice knowing that if you need something done all you have to do is do it.

What classes in the Business and Accounting Department did you take while you were a student at Cañada College?

I took the core requirements for an Associate's degree in Business Administration. 

Any Interior shot of Backwater. Elise and Ryan designed and decorated the restaurant themselves.

Photo credit: http://www.backwaterflorida.com/  

Were any of your classes online? Did that make it easier for you to take classes while working full time?

All of my classes were either online or hybrid, actually. Having that kind of flexibility made a world of difference. I was able to keep my full time job and live in the city. I even picked up two part time jobs. The hybrid classes were great for the subjects I needed a little extra help with.

You lived in San Francisco while attending Cañada College, why did you take classes at Cañada College rather than somewhere else in the Bay Area? 

I was luckily enough to have met a former Cañada College student who guided me to the school. They could not say enough about how great their experience was. The drive is easy and beautiful. It was nice to get out of the city and focus.

What advice would you give students considering taking classes at Cañada College in the Business and Accounting Department?

To go for it! I have attended a few other community colleges when I lived in Florida the first time around, and nothing compares to the experience I had at Cañada College. The teachers were so supportive, and always there for you when you needed them. The counselors made life a breeze, and their availability was something I had never encountered at other schools. Cañada College wants you to succeed, they want you to graduate, and be the best student possible.  They do not shy away from doing whatever it takes to provide what is needed for their students.

Interview conducted in May 2016
Jonathan Wax

jonathanwax@my.smccd.edu