Associate Spotlight

Beall Barclay: How many years have you been with Beall Barclay?  

Paula Grissom: I have been with Beall Barclay for over 30 years now.

BB: What is your role within Beall Barclay?  

Paula: I work as a bookkeeper at the firm's Fort Smith office. My job consists of working to generate financial statements, payroll tax reports and sales tax reports. In addition, I assist in preparing Arkansas and Oklahoma franchise tax reports, registration forms and dissolutions.

BB: How have you contributed to the success of Beall Barclay?  

Paula: I have helped in the success of Beall Barclay by always striving to produce quality work in a timely matter.

BB: What did you do prior to joining Beall Barclay?

Paula: Prior to joining the firm, I worked in the general office of an auto parts retailer in their accounting department.

BB: Are there any memorable experiences you’d like to share that typify what it’s like to work at Beall Barclay?  

Paula: Every day is different and each project is different. There is always something to learn, which keeps me on my toes.

BB: Talk about the culture at Beall Barclay. What makes this a unique place to work?  

Paula: At Beall Barclay, we all respect and care about each other. With each of us specializing in our own areas, we help each other to produce quality work for our clients.

BB: Beall Barclay prides itself in enabling associates to maintain a strong life/work balance.   How has this approach impacted you?  

Paula: With aging parents, there have been issues that have had to come before work at times. Also, I have been allowed to work my schedule around doing some things for fun such as taking special trips or college art classes.

BB: What's your favorite part of northwest Arkansas to explore?  

Paula: I enjoy going to any state park in the area, especially Devil's Den State Park.

BB: What does the name Beall Barclay mean to you? 

Paula: Beall Barclay is a firm that turns out quality work while maintaining a friendly and caring atmosphere.

BB: How do you see your future at Beall Barclay unfolding?  

Paula: I plan to stay here until I retire. With changing technology and a wide variety of tasks, there is always something new around the corner!

BB: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed at Beall Barclay?  

Paula: A potential employee needs to be one who is detail oriented, able to work with others and has a desire to turn out a good product, yet enjoy life outside of work.

BB: What do you like to do outside of work?

Paula: Reading non-fiction and learning various art or craft projects has always been a big part of my life. My favorite hobby is working with stained glass, which includes anything from jewelry or sun catchers to lamps or kaleidoscopes! I love just being at home with my husband and our cats. Gardening and hiking or going for walks are also ways in which I like to relax.