The boss of KPMG Australia has resigned after the firm admitted to severely mishandling a whistleblower report on client confidentiality breaches.
The scandal was prompted by a whistleblower who alleged that client documents were inappropriately shared with the senior leadership team, including the chief executive, which prompted an internal investigation.
But the investigation did not substantiate the claims, and an external law firm also supported the outcome.
However, after the whistleblower raised further complaints with the board, a different external law firm, Allens, was appointed to complete another investigation into the claims, which is ongoing.
On Friday, the firm released a statment confirming its treatment of the whistleblower and the probe “fell short” of the firm’s expectations.
As a result, chief executive Andrew Yates and the national managing partner of audit and assurance, Julian McPherson, have resigned effective immediately.
In his statement, Yates said: “I have been committed to a speak-up culture in our firm, it is clear that in this case we have let ourselves down and I take accountability.”
McPherson added: “Matters have arisen for which I am responsible, and I take accountability.”
The findings have been shared with impacted clients, professional bodies, regulators, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee.
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