PwC’s ‘rainmaker’ partners often pursue profits ahead of ethics, scathing review finds

Ziggy Switkowski found PwC’s ‘aggressive growth agenda overshadowed and occurred at the expense of the firm’s values and purpose’ after the sharing of confidential tax information. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

PwC partners who make the firm money are known as “untouchables” and “rainmakers” to whom “the rules don’t always apply”, according to a scathing cultural review that confirms the pursuit of profit often outweighed ethical responsibilities.

The review by former Telstra boss, Ziggy Switkowski, found many staff believe “revenue is king” and that partners who exceed financial expectations are considered “heroes” who are not always held accountable for their business practices.