Melissa Dickens

Accounting Operations Manager
BS of Accountancy & BS in Business Management | Central Methodist University

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
Bonne Terre, Missouri

WHEN & WHY DID YOU JOIN BEC?
About five years ago, I was hired by BEC to do contract accounting work. One project turned into another, and before I knew it, I’d been involved in everything from special assignments to building an overseas bookkeeping team. So, when Marcus invited me to join BEC permanently, it just felt right. I’m grateful every day to be part of such a collaborative, innovative company.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR CAREER?
I’ve been a “numbers person” for as long as I can remember. Even as a teenager, I was the go-to “tax person” for my entire family. I started my professional life in hospitality, but I always seemed to find my way into handling the bookkeeping wherever I worked. In 2008, I decided it was time to make it official and pursue accounting and bookkeeping full time—and I’ve never looked back.

WHAT ARE YOUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE/PASSIONS?
I love tackling challenges and turning chaos into order. Real estate accounting is full of moving pieces, and I enjoy using my critical thinking skills to connect those dots. My true passion, though, is helping small business owners understand their finances in a way that empowers them to make confident, informed decisions. I firmly believe small businesses are the heartbeat of America.

FUN FACT
As a kid, I used to grab paper tax forms from the post office, spread them out on the table, and “play” accountant—reading the instructions and figuring them out was my idea of fun.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB
I love the variety in my work, but my favorite part is collaborating with others. Seeing how different people think, problem-solve, and approach challenges is endlessly inspiring—there’s always more than one way to reach a solution.