About Us
At The Walls Group, small business is our passion.
We focus on small and mid-sized businesses at all stages from inception to exit. Our experienced team of professionals can help you navigate today’s increasingly complex business environment with the knowledge, energy, and careful attention to detail that your business deserves, nurturing growth and shielding you from pitfalls – freeing you from accounting headaches to focus on doing what you love.
- Accounting system development
- Budgeting and cash flow analysis
- Business planning services
- Business startup services
- Cash management services
- CFO services
- Financing services
- Financing analysis
- Fraud services
- Litigation support
Our Team
Mellanee Walls, CPA
Founding Partner
Mellanee Walls, CPA and founding partner of Hutchinson & Walls now The Walls Group, is our fearless leader. She has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1994 after graduating from Tennessee Temple University in 1992 with her BS in accounting. Since founding the firm in 2001, her life has changed in some ways, but in others it’s just the same. She’s still devoted to her family and active in her church. Currently, she maintains her CPA license in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Tennessee Society of CPAs and the Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute. She is a strong supporter of small business and is dedicated to helping business owners achieve their financial goals.
Merilee Daniels, PAFM
Firm Manager
Merilee joined the Walls Group in the fall of 2020. She serves alongside the firm partner and CPAs to ensure the entire company is working towards a unified goal. Prior to joining The Walls Group, Merilee worked in the Events and Catering industry as a director over a large convention center. Her background in organization and execution make her a perfect fit for this roll. She is a University of Tennessee alumni (Go Mocs!) with a Degree in Business Marketing and Data Analytics with a minor in entrepreneurship. Merilee spends most weekends at home with her two young boys and husband enjoying each other’s company.
Beth Siggers
Tax Administration & Processes Supervisor
Beth always goes the extra mile to assist our clients while also ensuring project set up and processes are done correctly. Beth is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Before joining The Walls Group, Beth held various accounting and financial positions. This extensive background has made her an invaluable member of our team. Beth lives in Ringgold with her husband, Mike. After hours, you may find Beth in a Zumba class or running down a road. She hopes one day to add “Marathon Finisher” to her list of accomplishments.
Sonya Keller, EA
Staff Accountant & QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program Elite
Sonya has been with the firm since 2007. She is an accountant with a QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program Elite certification. She graduated from Chattanooga State with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting Technology and the Outstanding Accounting Graduate Award. Before completing her degree in accounting, she managed restaurants for 10 years in Johnson City and Chattanooga, TN. Management comes easy with a Marine Corps background “using that oorah attitude”. On her off days you will find her with her family at many local sporting events, serving the Red Bank Community Pantry, or helping with church activities.
Charlotte Dennis
Staff Accountant, QuickBooks Online Advanced ProAdvisor
Charlotte joined our team in 2020. Her career includes 18 years co-owning a local business with her husband and software implementations with accounting system integration. Charlotte is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and a small business advocate. She loves spending free time with her family and watching college football.
Bernadette Bales
Staff Accountant, QuickBooks Pro Advisor
Bernie guides her clients to worry-free processes and reporting. Bernie began her career in Mechanical Drafting and made the switch to accounting in 2001. She is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and has been with the firm since 2007. She loves making and fixing things and excels at building strong relationships with the small business clients to whose success she is devoted.
Melanie Eller
Staff Accountant
Melanie Eller joined The Walls Group in 2021. Melanie is a Staff Accountant with Office Manager experience coupled with 30 plus years of bookkeeping and accounting experience in the construction industry. Prior experience includes co-owning a business, tax returns for individuals, implementation of accounting software, rental property management. Melanie is devoted to assisting small to medium businesses achieve their financial goals. She would be happy to assist you with your accounting needs so you can focus on what you love! On the weekends, you will find Melanie & her husband enjoy boating, nature walks, golf & pickleball.
Curt Sayre
Staff Accountant
Curt is one of our seasonal tax preparers who has been with us for 8 years. He has the heart of a teacher & the brain of a mathematician. He is a retired pastor & educator who enjoys traveling with his wife & puppy.
Angela Christian
Tax Accountant
Angela Christian joined our group in the spring of 2022 with 30 years of experience in the tax preparation field. She moved to the Chattanooga area in 1991 and is married with 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. On weekends she loves to cook, paint, and spend time with her family.
Lydia Hall
Staff Accountant
Lydia Hall became a part of The Walls Group family in 2021 as an intern. Since then, she has graduated from Lee University, where she was the school mascot for 4 years, with her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 2022, and became a Staff Accountant at our firm. When Lydia is not in the office, she enjoys staying active, being outdoors, watching college football, and spending time with family and friends.
It's Time for the 2023 Tax Season!
Follow the link below to the current Tax Letter and Engagement Letter!