For the 17th year, Working Mother magazine has once again published its 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers list. All members of the Big Four accounting firms were included in this year's list. PricewaterhouseCoopers, although included on the Top 100 list, was no longer among the Top 10 as it had been in previous years.

Each year the staff of Working Mother analyzes eligible companies based on various criteria that are important to working women. This year's criteria include the culture of the companies, factors about the employee population, work/life policies, and advancement opportunities for women. In particular, attention is paid to the availability and tracking of programs as well as the accountability of those who oversee those programs.

Particular focus in this year's survey is on three significant issues: flexible scheduling, advancement of women, and time off for new parents.

To be considered for the survey, companies apply by submitting a comprehensive application and supplying documents such as benefits handbooks and the results of employee surveys.

To be considered for next year's list, contact Working Mother magazine by e-mail, fax (212-351-6420), or at the following address:

Working Mother
260 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10016