Phillip Gagle, the new head of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bermuda (ICAB), is calling on Bermudians to enter the accounting profession.

?There are many opportunities for Chartered Accountants (CA?s) here. If more Bermudians students were aware of how difficult it is to find qualified CA?s and how well they are compensated, many more would consider the profession,? Mr. Gagle said.

?CA?s are well compensated because their skill level is considered graduate level knowledge and education.?

Mr. Gagle, appointed ICAB CEO in October, said public accounting firms are constantly recruiting employees locally and from overseas.

He also said the banking, investment and insurance sectors have a high demand for accounting services and there other opportunities in the local business sector.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants Bermuda is affiliated with the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) and is one of the largest organisations on the Island.

?Recently a compensation survey was performed by CICA and it showed that salaries of qualified CA?s are among the very highest in the business level both at the entry level and at progressive levels.?

The principal objectives of ICAB are to promote and increase knowledge, skills and proficiency of its members, and to regulate the discipline and professional conduct of its members and students.

ICAB also seeks to promote the highest standards of practice and codes of ethics in financial reporting and assists in the continuing professional development of its members.

?Our role in some ways to act as a clearing house for the recruitment of CA?s.

?We have programmes with middle and high schools such as Outstanding Student Awards and work with the Bermuda College and organise student receptions.?

ICAB has a programme for Co-op Students, a programme for students who are studying overseas and are able to return to Bermuda and work for local firms, contributing to their experience level when they graduate.

For more information on ICAB log on to its website at www.icab.bm.