The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is providing a free online job finder to make it as easy as possible for accounting employers and employees to find opportunities during the current U.S. economic recession.

"With some firms downsizing while others are adding professional staff, we are in a unique position to be able to help firms to work together in resolving their staffing challenges," said Barry Melancon, president and CEO of the AICPA. "Because of our relationship with firms and members, the AICPA is able to help fulfill each firm's staffing objectives, while simultaneously assisting accounting professionals affected by layoffs with immediate employment opportunities."

The CPA Job Finder is a cost-effective and efficient way for employers and job seekers to connect with each other. AICPA member firms should begin posting any open professional positions to CPA Job Finder immediately. At the same time firms are strongly encouraged to suggest to professional staff affected by layoffs that they upload their resumes to the CPA Job Finder as soon as possible. Listings on the CPA Job Finder are free of charge to AICPA members and firms. Corporate employers and recruiters will continue to be charged a standard posting fee. CPA2Biz, a subsidiary of AICPA, manages the site.

The AICPA announced the launch last week of a new Economic Crisis Resource Center designed to be a comprehensive online resource for the CPA profession in this economic environment. The CPA Job Finder is a critical component of the Economic Crisis Resource Center initiative.