persuade more of them to become accountants.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bermuda is concerned about the shortage of Bermudians in the profession.

Of the 470 current members of ICAB, only 26.6 percent (125) are Bermudian -- a low percentage compared with other professions.

In 1992, Bermudians made up 86.7 percent (85) of 98 doctors and dentists on the Island, 63.3 percent (62) of 98 architects, and 71 percent (120) of 169 lawyers.

Ms Carolyn Hall, chairwoman of the ICAB committee which is sponsoring the reception, said: "There's an acknowledged shortage of young Bermudians in accountancy.

"As the figures show, there are currently 345 jobs occupied by non-Bermudians which locals could move into if they took the time to become suitably qualified.'' The reception starts at 5.30 p.m. and is being held at the Bank of Butterfield's Rosebank Centre offices in Hamilton.

Invitations to the reception have been sent out to everyone on the Government list of people studying overseas.

Students will have a chance to talk with chartered accountants and people who are studying for the qualification.