Exhibit 23 (a)

            CONSENT OF BAIRD, KURTZ & DOBSON, INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-4) and the related Prospectus for the registration of 785,000 shares of common
stock of Simmons  First  National  Corporation  of our report dated  February 2,
1999,  with respect to the  consolidated  financial  statements of Simmons First
National Corporation as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and for each of the years
in the three-year period ended December 31, 1998,  included in its Annual Report
(Form  10-K) for the year  ended  December  31,  1998.  We also  consent  to the
reference to our firm under the caption "Experts"  appearing in the Registration
Statement.


                                            /s/ Baird, Kurtz & Dobson CPAs 

Pine Bluff, Arkansas
April 21, 1999