<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THE COMPANY'S 10-K FOR THE TWELVE
MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                             971
<SECURITIES>                                     7,673
<RECEIVABLES>                                   83,124
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                95,829
<PP&E>                                          15,788
<DEPRECIATION>                                   6,562
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 174,450
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           30,034
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           158
<OTHER-SE>                                      70,487
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   174,450
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               262,970
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  172,248
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 760
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 22,832
<INCOME-TAX>                                     8,743
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             14,089
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    14,089
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.90
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .88