A whistleblower at a top accounting firm has slammed the organisation as a parliamentary hearing over claims client documents were misused.

A whistleblower who exposed allegations of the misuse of confidential client documents at KPMG has slammed the accounting firm’s culture and reputation, as a parliamentary hearing into the scandal is held on Friday.

Former chief executive Andrew Yates and audit partner Julian McPherson resigned from their roles in May over the handling of the allegations, which has also resulted in the corporate watchdog launching proceedings into the firm’s conduct.

It was also revealed in the hearing Mr Yates received a $1.7m in pay during his notice period despite the scrutiny placed on his role in the handling of the leaks.

During the hearing, Mr McPherson read from a statement that the whistleblower had given him on May 30, 2024, which described the firm’s “toxic culture” and cases of “retaliation” after exposing the allegations.

“(The) culture of fear, retribution, and revenue growth at all costs (within KPMG) is not acceptable,” the statement said.

“It is KPMG’s toxic culture and its thirst for improved partner remuneration at all costs that have resulted in them not being listened to or acted upon.

”It is unacceptable to be retaliated against for calling some of these actions and behaviours out, but is instead an obligation of all KPMG employees around the world.”

The whistleblower raised concerns with the firm’s senior leadership team in 2024...

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