Benjamin A. Lord
Principal

Areas of Specialization
Education and Designations
- Bachelor’s Degree, Accounting, University of Southern Maine
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)
Ben Lord, CPA, is a Principal with Albin, Randall & Bennett who is known for delivering practical, straightforward solutions to complex business challenges—without unnecessary noise. With more than 23 years of experience, Ben provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to contractors and other commercial clients, serving as a trusted advisor to business owners navigating growth, transition, and risk.
Ben’s contractor expertise is grounded in real-world experience. Beginning his career in the Construction industry, he has been part of the contracting community for more than three decades. This background allows him to connect authentically with clients and understand the realities they face. His client relationships are built on long-term partnerships, where he helps owners balance competing priorities while keeping their businesses—and their lives—as simple and effective as possible while pursuing extraordinary goals.
In addition to his work with contractors, Ben leads ARB’s Employee Benefits Group and the firm’s ESOP Advisory Services Group. His ESOP expertise developed organically, beginning with a single client transaction more than a decade ago and expanding significantly as ESOPs became a more prevalent ownership solution. Today, he is recognized for his ability to identify potential issues and opportunities early, helping clients navigate ESOP complexity with clarity and confidence.
Ben began his public accounting career in 2002. From 2008 to 2009, he broadened his perspective through private industry experience as Controller for a group of affiliated commercial real estate, hotel development, and management companies. In that role, he oversaw financial reporting and cash management for multiple entities and led a successful conversion of corporate and project accounting systems, streamlining reporting and operational efficiency. He joined ARB in 2013, becoming a Partner in 2024.
Ben grew up in “the County” and now lives in Gorham, Maine, with his wife and their youngest son. His roots in Maine’s working communities continue to shape his practical approach, strong relationships, and commitment to helping clients build lasting success.
Specialties
- Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs): Advises companies on ESOP feasibility, structuring, and ongoing compliance, helping clients identify risks and opportunities while simplifying complex ownership transitions.
- Contractors: Brings both hands-on industry experience and more than two decades of advisory expertise to construction and contracting businesses.
- Employee Benefit Plans: Works closely with plan sponsors and ARB specialists to deliver smooth, efficient, and low-friction benefit plan engagements.
Professional Associations
- Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants (MECPA), Member
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center, Designated Audit Quality Partner
- Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), Member
- Maine Employee Benefits Council (MEBC), Member
- National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO), Member
- The ESOP Association, Member
Publications
- “SECURE 2.0 Act Current Timeline for ESOPs, KSOPs, and 401(k)s.” October 16, 2025, ARB Blog
- “Federal ESOP Legislation Update: Key 2025 Bills and What They Mean for Employee-Owned Companies.” October 14, 2025, ARB Blog
- “ESOP Succession Planning: Securing Long-Term Success for Your Employee-Owned Business.” May 1, 2025, ARB Blog.
- “Selling an S-Corp to an ESOP Trust: A Path to Employee Ownership.” October 17, 2024, ARB Blog.
- “Energy Efficiency Incentives for Maine ESOP-owned Companies: Strategies for Success.” July 29, 2024, ARB Blog.
- “Employee Benefit Plan Roundup: What to Expect in 2024.” December 15, 2023, ARB Blog.
- “Roles of Employee Benefit Plan CPAs, TPAs & Attorneys.” June 8, 2022, ARB Blog.
- “How Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Buyer/Seller 401(k)s.” February 7, 2022, ARB Blog.
- “Have You Considered the ESOP Route for Your Succession Plan?” November 5, 2021, ARB Blog.





