The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Governing Council on Monday approved a proposal that would move approximately 400 jobs functions to Durham, North Carolina beginning in August 2006. The New York and Washington D.C. offices will only be minimally affected by the move. Every effort is being made to mitigate any disruption of service to AICPA during the transition.

“We recognize that change is not easy, and we will do everything possible for our members and for our staff to ensure a smooth transition,” Barry C. Melancon, AICPA President and CEO said in announcing the move.

“No other factor is as critical as maintaining effective ongoing membership service,” Melancon continues. “For this reason we are planning a significant period of duplicate operations for impacted functions. In addition we have brought an experienced project management firm on board to drive the highest quality planning and execution of the move.”

The AICPA will provide relocation assistance and a comprehensive separation package for those who do not remain with the association but help through the transition.

The relocation is expected to provide the AICPA with an annuity savings of approximately $10-11 million per year over a 15-year period.

“We believe this is the right long-term decision for the AICPA,” Melancon concludes. “The Raleigh-Durham area offers a premier labor market and significantly lower operating costs, as well as an exceptional quality of life for our staff.”