KPMG Australia said no decision has been made about job cuts following a report that up to one thousand employees will lose their jobs in response to the whistleblower scandal.

The Australian Financial Review reported that the firm, under the leadership of new chief executive John Sams, is preparing to shed around 10 per cent of its workforce and dozens of its 600 partners.

“As part of our planning for FY27, we are reviewing our operating model, cost base and workforce needs. It is important to note that no decisions have been made regarding any specific measures or potential impact on roles,” a spokesman said.

“We recognise these discussions can create uncertainty, and as decisions are made, we will communicate with our people first and in a respectful way. We are determined to make responsible decisions that position the firm for a sustainable future.”

KPMG International chairman Bill Thomas and his successor - former KPMG Australia boss Gary Wingrove – have been in the country this week to meet with local partners and help with damage control from the scandal and its ongoing repercussions.

“I can confirm the Global chairman and CEO Bill Thomas and COO Gary Wingrove are in Australia this week to support the new local leadership team, including KPMG Australia CEO John Sams,” the spokesman said.

“Gary and Bill will be meeting partners and clients during an important time for the firm. This strategic visit underscores the support provided by KPMG International as the Australian firm resets its approach to governance and culture and embeds new leadership.”

Since May, the firm has already lost its CEO Andrew Yates, chairman Martin Sheppard, and on Friday sacked former chief operating officer Eileen Hoggett after she lied about accessing sensitive board documents from client Lendlease and stored copies in her work locker.

The Lendlease allegation was one of the core whistleblower claims - that senior KPMG staff had shared data from blue-chip clients in order to win new business.

Independent directors are also walking away from KPMG with Patty Akopiantz quietly departing last month, following former NSW premier Mike Baird’s exit in September. Fellow independent director Jane Hemstritch is expected to resign once replacements have been found.

While other consulting firms have cut staff due to a slowdown in consulting business, KPMG faces the loss of its Lendlease audit contract, and Macquarie Group also confirmed last week that it is reviewing the process that led to KPMG winning its $70 million a year audit tender.

The Federal and Victorian governments have also banned KPMG from winning new contracts until the federal Treasury department concludes a review of the firm’s fitness to remain a government contractor.

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