KPMG under government scrutiny over accusations that it misused confidential data

KPMG Australia chief operating officer Eileen Hoggett is stepping down from her executive role in the wake of the growing allegations against the Big Four firm that it misused confidential client documents.

Hoggett will remain as a full-time auditor, according to local media reports. KPMG chief financial officer John Sams will be taking over her executive position.

The COO's move comes as KPMG deals with growing allegations that it misused confidential client documents.

Among the accusations is the allegation that it misused Lendlease board papers to win audit work at Westpac and Dexus. It is also accused of using confidential information from Macquarie and Westpac to pursue other contracts.

Lendlease has publicly confirmed that KPMG had misused its documents, ABC News reported. The company is now putting its external auditing contract out to tender next year after being a long-time client of the Big Four firm.

The allegations were released by Labor Senator Deborah O'Neill under parliamentary privilege in March, according to the ABC report.

Hoggett was among the named individuals in accusations involving Lendlease, where a whistleblower alleged that the client's confidential board papers were taken by the COO and co-lead Paul Rogers and "physically secured in Ms Hoggett's locker."

KPMG has denied the allegations, the Australian Financial Review reported. It previously disciplined Rogers for...

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