Wayne Harding, VP of Channel Development for the AICPA's CPA2Biz portal, has resigned to take on the role of CEO for US operations for Acctrak 21.

Acctrak 21, an Australian-based developer of accounting software that competes with Microsoft Small Business Manager, recently entered the US market by giving away 50,000 copies of their software to US accounting firms. Wayne Harding's role as CEO of the US division will play to his experience with channel development for software reseller programs. Prior to CPA2Biz, Harding helped build the Great Plains reseller network in the US.

Mr. Harding will establish AccTrak21’s U.S. office in Denver, Colorado, and will recruit a team of sales, marketing and technical professionals.

Mr. Harding will continue to serve as a key spokesperson for CPA2Biz, and will also serve in a lead role on a new CPA Advisory Council for CPA2Biz. "I remain a true believer in the vision and goals of CPA2Biz, and look forward to continuing an association with that organization," said Harding. He will maintain a consulting contract with CPA2Biz two days a month.

CPA2Biz has suffered a series of layoffs and high-level departures in recent months following the termination of its contract with the state CPA societies. No new progress on contract negotiations is reported.