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5 B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 1 6 SMALL COMPANIES [ 15 - 49 employees ] The culture at Albin, Randall & Bennett—one of Maine's oldest full- service CPA and business consulting fi rms—stems from a philosophy of working hard, having fun and leading a balanced life. "In public accounting, working hard certainly comes with the territory, but we also make it a point to have a little fun along the way," said Principal Barton Haag. The fi rm's "fun committee" organizes special events. A big one, naturally, is the "After Tax Season Event," including such things as casino nights, going to the comedy club, and bowling. The committee coordinates Red Sox Day—on opening day!—for team- spirited, hot-dog-loving employees. Then there are annual summer trips to watch a Portland Sea Dogs game from the comfort of refreshment-fi lled, private-box seating, as well as harbor cruises, bonfi res and lobster bakes. Most activities come from employee suggestions. Between hard work and good times, the firm cultivates work/life balance, both through an atmosphere of openness and flexibility and by deploying a paperless policy a n d c l o u d - b a s e d workflow tracking system. These offer employees the ability to work remotely— an incalculable asset for anyone, especially parents. Scheduling doctor's appointments, school trips, recitals… no problem. All i n f o r m a t i o n i s a c c e s s i b l e b y employees anytime, a n y w h e r e . T h i s fl exibility attracts and retains top employees. "For example, a long-term team member recently told us she was moving to Portugal so she and her husband could fulfi ll a lifelong dream of living abroad," said Haag. "We didn't want to lose her, so we'll now have an offi ce in Portugal, where she can work remotely." Albin, Randall & Bennett's perks include four weeks of paid vacation. "We think it's important that our team has time with friends and family away from work," said Haag. There's an array of bonus and incentive plans. The fi rm pays for CPA exams—both fee and time away from work—plus a bonus for passing and pay increase upon certifi cation. The fi rm aids in obtaining advanced degrees, and pays CPE costs. Employees are well-rewarded for new business and clients, receiving 10% of the fi rst two years' fees. Gift certifi cates, internal celebrations, summertime 35-hour workweeks, chair massages, dinners, luncheons and more round out the year—especially the rush of tax season. "We're proud of our hard-working team!" said Haag. Albin, Randall & Bennett Work hard, then have fun Albin, Randall & Bennett employees take part in a management retreat in 2016. Albin, Randall & Bennett 130 Middle St., P.O. Box 445, Portland 04112-0445 Top Local Executive: Cheri Walker, managing partner Year Established: 1929 Maine Employees: 45 Website: www.arbcpa.com Human resources contact: Kim Adams 207-772-1981 kadams@arbcpa.com Albin, Randall & Bennett # 1 At Apothecary By Design, our goals are pure and simple with a single focus: you. We're passionate about our work and it shows. And we're honored to be one of "The Best Places to Work in Maine." HELPING PEOPLE LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES. WE LOVE WHAT WE DO, Thank you to our dedicated staff. And to you, our inspiration. 141 Preble Street, Portland, Maine 04101 877.814.8447 www.abdrx.com 2016