Update from the CPA Australia Board 20 June 2023

The board wrote to members to provide an update on the breach of confidentiality matter involving PwC Australia.

I am writing to provide an update on the breach of confidentiality matter involving PwC Australia.

Upholding the ethics of our profession is fundamental to the CPA designation. The ongoing revelations about the confidentiality breach by PwC are deeply concerning for CPA Australia and the broader accounting profession. The reported actions do not reflect the overwhelming majority of accounting professionals who act with integrity in their dealings with clients, colleagues and employers.

Further to the board update on 30 May, I can advise that we have been in contact with PwC Australia to seek reassurance on whether any CPA Australia members are involved in the confidentiality breach. PwC have confirmed that “no one in the firm who is a member of CPA Australia breached their confidentiality obligations or was knowingly involved”.

PwC also advise that they have asked all implicated personnel to disclose whether they are, or were at the relevant time, a member of CPA Australia. If so, they should notify us immediately in accordance with their obligations as a CPA Australia member.

We will continue to take action to protect the integrity of the profession. As previously highlighted, all CPA Australia representatives involved in confidential consultations are made aware of their professional obligations.

In addition, after consultation with the Council of Presidents and Divisional Councils, we will consider further measures to safeguard the integrity of the CPA designation and the profession. This includes the introduction of mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) training in ethics and integrity for members, which will complement our existing CPD offering on ethics.

We will continue to keep members informed of any further developments in this issue.

Yours sincerely,

Merran Kelsall AO FCPA
President and Chair
On behalf of CPA Australia’s Board of Directors