Bungling penpushers in charge of millions of dollars of taxpayers' cash who fail to submit proper sets of accounts should get the boot, according to Bermuda's financial watchdog.

And Auditor Larry Dennis -- the Island's independent scrutineer of public spending -- warned: "I don't think there is any excuse.'' He added: "I think people are beginning to realise the depth and seriousness of the problem.'' The hard-hitting report recommended: "A review should be carried out to determine the reasons for the unavailability of the accounts for the 22 unpublished 1994 and 1995 financial statements.

"The review should include the adequacy of resources and the ability of accounting officers.'' Mr. Dennis was speaking after he revealed a staggering total of 22 annual reports from organisations entrusted with public money were as many as four years behind with their accounts as of last year.

He said: "There have been some advances -- but for too many years accountability has been taken too lightly and it's coming home to roost.'' Mr. Dennis added: "Accounting is fundamental to the efficient and effective operations of organisations.

"More than this, because of the special custodial relationship inherent in public sector operations, proper accounting is a moral imperative for all Government activities.'' The shock news came in the Auditor's offical report on Government's accounts for 1995 which was tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday.

But Mr. Dennis pointed out the report -- although for four years ago -- did have financial information as recent as November last year added in.

Mr. Dennis' report added: "For each of the 22 missing financial statements, the entities were entrusted with public money to expend in accordance with established terms and for specific purposes.

"In all cases, a portion of these monies was allocated towards the employment of an accountant or accounting officer to maintain proper accounts.

"The significant delays have resulted in inadequate accountability for the public monies and, it appears, at least in some cases, inadequate performance to merit the salaries paid.'' Among the accounts for 94 and/or 95 not available by June last year are the Contributory Pension Fund, the Hospital Insurance Fund and the Public Service Superannuation Fund.

Others who failed to produce a full set of books include six of the nine Parish Councils.

Mr. Dennis' report said: "Without the financial statements of fifteen organsations or funds, five of which I consider significant, the annual report of the Auditor becomes somewhat ambiguous, obviously less meaningful.

"We often hear of `Bermuda Inc.' to signify our Island's encompassing commitment to a progressive business environment.'' But he added: "I would have to say there are few `Incs.' in Bermuda which cannot present a proper set of accounts with sufficient supporting evidence more than three years after their year-ends -- even fewer which are still going concerns.'' Top auditor on the offensive Parish Councils slammed for being behind with their books are Devonshire, Smith's, Hamilton, Southampton, St. George's and Warwick.

Mr. Dennis said a lack of proper accounting at the parish level had worried him for some time.

And he blasted: "It is unacceptable. There is little more I can say about the problem other than summarizing it in quite common parlance -- the situation is ridiculous.'' But he pointed out three Parish Councils -- Paget, Pembroke and Sandys -- had provided sufficient information.

Mr. Dennis said: "The accounts of Paget Parish Council, in particular, are well kept and almost always submitted for audit on a timely basis.

"Considering what passes for acceptable accountability in other Parish Councils, I think the members of Paget Parish Council might deserve a commendation for setting the standard -- and proving that what should be done can be done,''