Decades of Dedication
Their commitment set the standard—our future builds on their legacy.
"Behind Every Successful Woman is Herself" - Unknown
Longevity in any career is an achievement, but when it comes with decades of dedication, industry expertise, and unwavering loyalty, it becomes a legacy.
At F&C CPAs, we take great pride in the individuals who have helped shape our firm over the years, and today, we are honored to spotlight three incredible women who have dedicated a combined 113 years to excellence.
Pam (45 years), Teresa (36 years), and Shelly (32 years) have each played a vital role in the firm’s success, demonstrating the lasting impact of hard work and commitment in a firm that values longevity and excellence.
Pam Reynolds – Tribal Gaming Senior Manager
45 Years at F&C CPAs
I am a storyteller.
I have many to tell and always want to include all the facts. My emails reflect that truth about me.
So how do you summarize a journey that has encompassed 45 years of a life? You have to hit the highlights, for sure.
I will tell you one thing about myself. I have never prepared a resume or had a job interview. I was sent to jobs by my teachers in High School.
I came to work at Finley & Cook in 1980 after Don Orr and I had a conversation in the church lobby. I then worked on a temporary project for a couple of months after which he and Drew Finley called and asked me to come on full time working with something new that was happening in our oil and gas department; the windfall profits tax.
Yep, about exciting as it sounds.
I knew nothing about anything involving oil and gas or taxes and I almost cried and called my husband to come and get me when they took me to a training class on the subject. I felt totally lost and confused. And yet, somehow, I figured it out. And I guess that’s just what I’ve continued to do.
What have I learned?
You might be wrong or there might be a better way. Sometimes you don’t really know what you CAN do until you try.
Don’t fear the unknown.
When you have no idea what to do, take the best first step that you can and see where it takes you.
Do what needs to be done without considering whether it is included in your job description. Just be sure to stay in your lane and follow the chain of command!
Work or family may sometimes tip the scales when it comes to setting priorities. Find a healthy balance.
Do everything as if the outcome matters because it does. Try to find a way to enjoy whatever it is you need to do.
No matter how much you know, the advice and opinions of others can make things even better. The heaviness of responsibility or deadlines is lessened when it is shared. Don’t be a Lone Ranger (says a former “Lone Ranger”).
When people around you don’t seem to “get it”, consider first that perhaps you are not communicating clearly rather than assuming that they are not capable.
Be respectful. Be on time. Be prepared. Be a contributor. Truly listen to others. You will learn something.
Don’t be a gossip. Don’t be a “pot stirrer”.
Investigate. Collect facts. Seek information. Develop answers. Validate the answers others provide. Desire to know more.
Do everything as if someone else will do it tomorrow. Be organized and keep good documentation.
Never be afraid to share what you know.
I’m not saying that all 45 years have been smooth sailing. I’ve had all kinds of leaders. I’ve had the privilege to work with a diverse group of amazing people; some who weren’t so easy to get along with. But I learned something from each of them.
There have been exciting opportunities and scary changes and it was in the worst situations where I learned the most, often from doing it wrong the first time!
I am on the downhill side now of this journey, but there are still so many things that remain to be done!
Teresa Roe - Document Quality Manager
36 Years at F&C CPAs
As one of F&C’s “long-tenure” team members (aka “old-timer”), I was asked if I would like to share some highlights about my time with Finley & Cook, CPAs. And, of course, I would be honored to.
I am currently employed with F&C as the Document Quality Manager for the Assurance Department. Today, as I look back to when I first became employed here around 36 years ago, I realize that it has been quite a memorable journey.
“The times, they have a‑changed” from when I first started working here (when the office’s timely dress code generally called for the ladies to wear dresses or business suits and for the men to wear neckties with their suits or sports jackets) to the present day (where now business casual is the norm for office wear, and many employees work partially remote). But I believe the most important things really haven’t changed.
Reflecting back on some of the most constant and significant things that I have experienced during my journey with F&C, the highlights that I have chosen to share are these:
The firm is:
- professional and reputable
- established and enduring
- traditional, as well as current
- secure
- quality-driven
- value-oriented
The people are:
- leaders, mentors, co-workers, and team members
- fair
- supportive
- compassionate, yet realistic
- moral
- good friends
Through the years, I have been fortunate (blessed, really) to have encountered F&C’s fine fusion of employer and community. Finley & Cook, CPAs is a truly unique place.
Shelly Welch - Bookkeeping Manger
32 Years at F&C CPAs
I began my career with Finley & Cook in July 1993, and over the past three decades, I have had the privilege of working with all of the firm’s partners—including Drew and Don.
Even after Don Cook retired, I continued handling all of his oil and gas work, and I traveled to Arizona four times a year to assist Drew with his companies there. Though I have always been part of the bookkeeping department, my work has extended across all departments and partners at various points throughout my career.
One of the most memorable aspects of my time at the firm has been the travel opportunities. I’ve had the chance to help establish businesses in states across the country, including California, Arizona, Michigan, Arkansas, and Georgia. Additionally, our department has attended conferences in major cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Dallas. These experiences not only broadened my professional expertise but also created lasting memories with my colleagues.
One of the biggest changes I’ve witnessed in my time here was the transition from in-house bookkeeping to working directly at clients’ offices. This was a significant shift for the firm, reshaping how we provided services. More recently, our department has taken on church accounting, introducing us to a new and unique industry.
What has always stood out to me about Finley & Cook is its deep-rooted commitment to family values. The partners have always been understanding and supportive, recognizing the importance of family time and personal matters. Within our department, we share that same sense of camaraderie—we celebrate birthdays, weddings, childbirths, graduations, and all of life’s milestones together.
Reflecting on my journey, I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of a firm that values both its employees and the clients we serve.
From helping with businesses in Arizona and Michigan to working with Richard and Drew on their ventures, every experience has been an important chapter in my career.
I look forward to continuing to grow alongside this incredible team.
