Accountant programs have hardly disappeared. But right now there seems to be a renewed interest in using accounting professionals for their ability to refer business to software vendors. In this category is Cougar Mountain Software’s recent revitalization of its program. Growing accountant relations was also part of the goal discussed with Acumatica’s acquisition of funding. And with Avalara’s hiring of Brian Austin as director of accountant and industry relations, the sales-and-use tax vendor said it is building its accountant programs.