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.
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.
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.
Client Care Coordinator
Sheila joined The Walls Group in the fall of 2022. She loves interacting with people which makes her the perfect fit for her position as Client Care Coordinator. Her background includes retail, law enforcement and banking. Sheila and her husband have been married for 35 years and currently pastor a church in North GA. Sheila is devoted to her family and church and enjoys music, golf, and baking.
Tax 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Staff Accountant
Stay ahead of the January 1, 2025 deadline—to file your Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR)! See our newsletter at the link below on instructions and where to file electronically!