Holly D. Ferguson

CPA

Principal

Areas of Specialization

Education and Designations

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Thomas College
Master of Business Administration, Thomas College
Certified Public Account (CPA)

Holly Ferguson, CPA, is a Principal with ARB where she provides audit, accounting, and advisory services to closely held businesses and organizations, with a particular focus on manufacturing companies. She brings a strategic, relationship-driven approach to helping clients navigate complexity, strengthen financial reporting, and build sustainable operations.

With nearly 30 years of public accounting experience, Holly advises manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and other commercial businesses, as well as credit unions, on audit and accounting matters, financial reporting, and operational efficiency. She is known for her ability to translate complex accounting and regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance that supports informed decision-making and long-term success.

In addition to her client work, Holly plays a significant leadership role within ARB. She serves as the firm’s Audit & Accounting Lead, providing oversight of professional standards, quality management, and firmwide education. She also leads key internal functions, including information technology, resource management, and operational process improvement, helping to strengthen the firm’s infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and support high-quality client service.

Holly has been with ARB for more than two decades and brings deep experience helping clients navigate change, manage risk, and position their organizations for long-term success. Her approach combines technical expertise with practical insight, allowing clients to move forward with confidence.

Holly is based in Maine and is a graduate of Thomas College. She values strong relationships, thoughtful leadership, and contributing to a strong business environment across New England. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family, spending time outdoors, and staying engaged with organizations that support the region’s business and manufacturing economy.

Specialties

Manufacturing – Leads audit, accounting, and advisory engagements for manufacturing companies, advising on financial reporting, strategic planning, and key business transitions, including succession planning, evaluating lender and financing terms, and supporting acquisitions and business sales.
Wholesale, Retail, and Commercial Businesses – Advises privately held wholesale, retail, and other commercial businesses on financial reporting, cash flow planning, and operational decision-making, supporting growth, financing needs, and ownership transitions.
Credit Unions – Provides audit and accounting services to credit unions, advising management and boards on financial reporting, regulatory expectations, governance considerations, and risk awareness in a changing financial services environment.

Professional Associations

Manufacturers Association of Maine (MAME), Manufacturing Excellence/Legislative Committee, Former Chair
Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants (MECPA), Member
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Member
Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB), Member

Advisory Boards

Thomas College, Board of Trustees and Finance Committee, Chair

Firm Involvement

Audit & Accounting (A&A) Practice Leader – Provides firmwide leadership for the Audit & Accounting practice, overseeing professional standards, methodology, and quality. Leads the firm’s Quality Management System to ensure AICPA compliance while fostering a strong culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
IT Partner Lead – Directs ARB’s information technology strategy, including cybersecurity and systems infrastructure. Guides technology investments that enhance security, efficiency, and service delivery in alignment with the firm’s long-term strategy.
Resource Management Lead – Leads firmwide resource management and workforce planning, aligning staffing with client needs, strategic priorities, and sustainable growth objectives.
Operations and Process Improvement Lead – Champions operational and process improvement initiatives, strengthening workflows that support efficiency, scalability, and a consistently high-quality client experience.