This week, AICPA members began receiving their electronic ballots to vote on the proposal to create a new accounting association with The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) that would advance the entire accounting profession while preserving the existing AICPA and CIMA membership bodies.

Through this proposal, the AICPA and CIMA would maintain their respective membership bodies while integrating operations to deliver a stronger voice for the entire profession – both public and management accounting -- and leverage respective strengths to better serve all members.

The new association would represent more than 600,000 current and next generation accounting professionals, providing a stronger defense against onerous regulations that are increasingly originating overseas. With members in 91 percent of the world’s countries, the AICPA and CIMA would also have a broader platform to reach the next generation of talent and to explain all the career opportunities that accounting can unlock.

AICPA members would receive all the same benefits they have today and through the new association have access to even more resources and education opportunities to better serve their clients, firms and employers.  Meanwhile, the AICPA would remain steadfast in its commitment to working collaboratively with the state societies to promote, protect and grow the CPA and focus on core services such as audit, tax and financial reporting.

AICPA members have two ways to vote. The fastest is to access their personal and confidential ballot link sent from the third-party “AICPA Independent Tabulator” the week of April 18. If that link is not immediately accessible, please visit www.directvote.net/aicpa to enter or retrieve your unique voting credentials. Members can vote in the AICPA member ballot taking place through June 16.

The Georgia Society of CPAs Board of Directors, along with 51 other state CPA societies, has adopted a resolution in support of the AICPA’s proposal. AICPA committees representing small and medium firms, academics, business and industry, specialized credentials and government have all likewise voted in support.

For more information about the proposal and to hear the perspectives of others, visit www.aicpa.org/horizons.