Our Team
Meet the Heart and Mind Behind Carnes Bookkeeping Services
FOUNDER
Hi, I’m Melissa R. Carnes
With more than 20 years of experience in bookkeeping and office management, I founded Carnes Bookkeeping Services to give business owners something I felt was missing: dependable financial support paired with clear communication and a personal connection.
Today, I lead a dedicated team providing bookkeeping and fractional controller services that help owners understand their finances, stay organized, and make informed decisions. Whether we’re untangling years of overdue books or supporting a growing business, our approach is hands-on, judgment-free, and tailored to each client.
I hold an A.S. in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University, and I’m proud that Carnes Bookkeeping Services was voted Best of the South Shore for Bookkeeping in both 2025 and 2026. Above all, I value the trust our clients place in us and the relationships we build along the way.
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family. I’m a proud mom of four, and married to my best friend, Jason. I love my dog, Maisy, listening to music, a good podcast, and anything that makes me laugh. Dessert and a good margarita are always welcome, too!
“At the end of the day, I’m passionate about helping clients navigate their finances in a way that makes sense.”
CLIENT COORDINATOR
Linda
I’m Linda Balser, the Client Coordinator for Carnes Bookkeeping. I’ve worked in the transportation industry for over 20 years doing billing, accounts payable/receivable and office operations. I love helping people get organized and I love numbers. I’m excited and proud to be a part of this amazing company.
I’m a mom of one amazing girl, married to my best friend who I’ve worked side by side with for 20 years and we have a spoiled rotten dog who is our second child. I absolutely love music, dancing, TV/Movies and reading.
BOOKKEEPER
Elizabeth
I am very excited to have recently joined Carnes Bookkeeping Services as a bookkeeper! After spending the majority of my career in the corporate financial world working for a large company, this is certainly a refreshing new start that I needed. Working for a smaller company where I can see the direct impact/results that my daily job has, is the best part! I hold a B.S. in Accounting from Bridgewater State College and have over 20 years of experience in mutual fund accounting. In my spare time (when I am not crunching numbers), my hobbies include traveling, reading and spending time with my 3 amazing children and husband. I love country music, Taylor Swift, Court TV & crime documentaries! (I was a criminal justice major before switching to accounting - go figure!). I look forward to working with my clients and helping them with all of their bookkeeping needs!
SENIOR BOOKKEEPER
Erin
I’m Erin, and I’m so excited to be starting a new career path with Carnes Bookkeeping, LLC! I’m a proud UMass Lowell double-riverhawk with my B.S. in Business Administration (Accounting and Management concentrations) and my Masters in Accounting. Since graduating college, I’ve been working for a public accounting firm, focusing in outsourced accounting. I’m looking forward to applying my knowledge to new clients, and helping them grow!
In my personal time I volunteer for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, coach high school cheerleading, and just enjoy relaxing with my fiancé and our fur baby, Juju. I love watching dancing with the stars, attending concerts (I’ve been to 89 to date!), and reading.
SENIOR BOOKKEEPER
Samantha
I bring over 20 years of bookkeeping and business operations experience across the hospitality, service, and professional industries. I've helped businesses stay organized with full-cycle bookkeeping, payroll, and financial reporting.
Outside of work, I'm a wife and mom to two daughters, and have two cats and my golden retriever, Zoey. You'll find me out on a hiking trail with Zoey by my side, camping with the family, digging in the garden, or curled up with a good book. I also love working with my hands — quilting, painting, and experimenting with my 3D printer.
Accounting Quality Specialist
Nicola
I’m thrilled to have recently joined Carnes Bookkeeping Services as a part-time bookkeeper! I earned my B.S. in Accounting from Northeastern University and bring over 20 years of experience working for both private as well as publicly held companies. I’m looking forward to being a part of a smaller team that provides expertise and solutions to a variety of clients with a more personal, hands-on approach.
My full-time job is being the best mom (and wife) I can be to our amazing three young boys, including a set of identical twins! I enjoy anything outdoors with family, going to Dave Matthews Band concerts with my brothers (40-something and counting) and dinner dates with my husband and friends.