19/08/2026
KPMG Australia has begun a major restructuring expected to affect around 500 people, including approximately 50 partners and 450 client-facing staff. CEO John Sams has confirmed discussions with affected partners are underway, while final staff numbers have not yet been determined.
Notably, audit and tax teams are reportedly being spared from this particular round of reductions. The restructuring comes as KPMG Australia deals with the fallout from a governance and audit scandal involving the misuse of confidential client information and concerns around auditor independence.
The controversy has also attracted parliamentary scrutiny and wider discussion about tougher regulation of Australia's Big Four firms. For accounting professionals, the development shows that even senior partnership positions can face pressure when firms undergo major reputational, governance and profitability challenges.
Disclaimer: Information is based on publicly available media reports and statements as of August 2026. Reported workforce figures are estimates, and final numbers may change as the restructuring progresses.