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, is the founding partner and fearless leader of The Walls Group, formerly Hutchinson & Walls. She has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1994, after earning her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Tennessee Temple University in 1992. Since founding the firm in 2001, Mellanee has remained deeply committed to her family and church while expanding her professional impact.
She maintains her CPA licenses in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, and is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Tennessee Society of CPAs, and the Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute. Mellanee is passionate about supporting small businesses and helping business owners achieve their financial goals.
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.
Sheila Thomas
Client Care Coordinator
Sheila joined The Walls Group in the fall of 2022. With a diverse background in retail, law enforcement, and banking, she thrives in her role as Client Care Coordinator thanks to her genuine love for connecting with people. Sheila and her husband have been married for 35 years and currently pastor a church in North Georgia. She is devoted to her family and community and also enjoys music, golf, and baking in her free time.
Sonya Keller, EA
Tax Accountant & QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program Elite
Sonya has been a valued member of The Walls Group since 2007. She holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting Technology from Chattanooga State, where she received the Outstanding Accounting Graduate Award. As a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program Elite member, Sonya brings expert-level knowledge and a hands-on approach to her work. Before entering the accounting field, Sonya spent 10 years managing restaurants in Johnson City and Chattanooga, building strong leadership skills rooted in her background with the U.S. Marine Corps. Her "oorah" attitude continues to shine through in her dedication and discipline. Outside of the office, Sonya enjoys supporting local sports with her family, volunteering at the Community Pantry, and participating in church activities.
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.
Angela Christian, EA
Tax Accountant
Angela joined our group in the spring of 2022 with over 30 years 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.
Pam Riggins
Staff Accountant
Pam Riggins joined The Walls Group in August 2022, bringing with her more than 20 years of accounting experience across a wide range of specialties. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Pam holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to accuracy, integrity, and financial excellence. Outside of work, Pam enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially at concerts and sporting events.
Susan Cole
Senior Staff Accountant
Susan joined The Walls Group in March 2024. She recently graduated with her Master of Accountancy from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is pursuing her CPA license. Additionally, she is working towards achieving QuickBooks ProAdvisor status. Susan has a background that includes 10 years of accounting experience with a local manufacturer. She is married and has a daughter who resides in Arizona. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor hiking, bonfires, volunteering at her church, and playing with her three dogs.
Curt Sayre
Staff Accountant
Curt is one of our seasonal tax preparers who has been with us for many years. He has the heart of a teacher & the brain of a mathematician. He is a retired pastor and educator who enjoys traveling with his wife and puppy.
Jessica Vaughn
Administrative Assistant
Jessica Vaughn is a valuable member of the administrative team at The Walls Group, CPAs. She joined the firm in August 2024 and brings over 12 years of administrative experience with backgrounds in the Healthcare and nonprofit ministry sectors. Jessica is a talented client care professional with expertise in data entry, organization, and social media management. She is a team player who is always willing to help out her colleagues and clients. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two beautiful children. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, vacationing, and singing on the praise team at church.