8. Altair Group • 2 Bedford Farms Drive, Suite 102, Bedford • altaircpa.com
Top Employee Top Employee Engagement Survey Measures: Considering the office as a whole, the compensation system is managed equitably and fairly: 100% agree. Our benefits are at least as good as our competitors: 100% agree
Founding and Managing Partner: Pete Lachance
Years in Business: 7
Full-Time Employees: 13 (12 in NH)
Years on List: 2
Bedford-based CPA firm, Altair Group, has built its accounting practice around a simple idea: Creating a great workplace is just as important as delivering great client service.
Altair’s five core values—trustworthy, team player, inclusive, curious and thoughtful—guide everything from hiring to employee development. Rather than pursuing growth for its own sake, Altair seeks employees and clients who fit its collaborative culture. Leadership has even parted ways with clients who weren’t a good fit, reinforcing its belief that protecting employees comes before expanding the business.
Employees help shape the firm’s future through post-tax season debriefs, cross-functional committees and discussions with leadership. Staff ideas routinely become firmwide initiatives, including workflow improvements and new uses for artificial intelligence.
Professional development is equally important. Every employee is paired with a mentor, receives regular coaching and feedback, and has access to training, continuing education and reimbursement for CPA and enrolled agent credentialing. Reimbursements for earning professional licenses range from $2,500 to $5,000 and the company also issues “surprise bonuses” after tax season for going above and beyond.
Altair Group also offers benefits reflecting the realities of public accounting. During tax season, employees enjoy catered lunches, dinners before major deadlines and chair massages every other Saturday. After the season comes one of its most popular perks: half-day Fridays for 11 weeks during the summer.
Flexible hybrid schedules, generous paid parental leave that includes non-birthing partners, a private lactation room, paid community service time and personalized birthday celebrations further reinforce the firm’s family-oriented culture. Even part-time employees receive paid time off and retirement benefits, with full health benefits beginning at 30 hours a week.
For a profession known for long hours and high pressure, Altair has created something different: a close-knit workplace where employees can grow professionally while feeling valued as people.
