At KPMG Austria, we see responsible corporate governance as a central element of our corporate philosophy. As part of the global KPMG network, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct. Our management structures are designed to build trust and protect the interests of our clients, employees, and society.
KPMG worldwide is committed to corporate governance based on clear principles and guidelines. These principles form the foundation for our daily work and support us in developing sustainable solutions to complex challenges. In Austria, we implement these global standards and adapt them to the specific needs and requirements of the local market.
Our commitment to responsibility and corporate governance is reflected in our services, which aim to support companies in achieving their goals while fulfilling their social responsibilities. We are proud to be a trusted partner committed to a better future.
With our Code of Conduct, we not only ensure compliance with legal and regulatory guidelines and raise awareness of our social responsibility, but also take responsibility for a sustainable future by considering the protection of human rights and the environment to be essential elements of our corporate responsibility and expecting both ourselves and our suppliers to comply with social and environmental standards as part of our sustainability strategy.
As a company, we are not only an economic player, but also a social one. This gives rise to social responsibility for us. As an employer, sponsor, and trainer, we therefore want to go above and beyond our economic and social obligations. Through numerous partnerships and memberships, we promote social interaction, with long-term cooperation and regional ties being particularly important to us. This has led to the development and establishment of various projects.
Education is an essential factor for society and a key prerequisite for its future. That is why we are committed to making education accessible to all and have been supporting selected projects for many years.
Become part of our fundraising activities and let's shape the future together!
We have committed ourselves to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at an international level and are therefore clearly committed to making a corresponding contribution to their achievement. The 17 goals, covering environmental, social, and economic dimensions, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to ensure the sustainable development of global society by 2030.
In Austria, too, we support all 17 goals through our business activities, but would like to emphasize those SDGs to which we make a particular contribution through our key areas of activity.
As a responsible employer and part of society, we are actively committed to ensuring that all people have equal opportunities regardless of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and identity. We are convinced that an inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens our corporate culture in the long term. We recently established a Diversity Council to further promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and implement appropriate measures.
Our promise to act professionally with each other, with our clients and in the capital markets requires the integrity of our words and actions. We are clearly committed to the values set by KPMG in the form of a Code of Conduct. Questioning applicable laws or our values is unacceptable. To maintain our culture of integrity, KPMG has developed an ethics program that includes an internal whistleblower reporting office.
The internal reporting office enables the reporting of violations of the law or unethical actions and can be used by our current and former employees, but also by applicants, customers, subcontractors, suppliers and other persons who have a business relationship with KPMG.
Whistleblowers can generally submit reports to internal reporting offices or an external reporting office. KPMG Austria offers the following internal reporting channels for whistleblowers:
Information can be submitted via our web-based "Whistleblowing Hotline", which is operated by KPMG International. The whistleblowing hotline meets the legal requirements for an internal reporting office in accordance with the Whistleblower Protection Act (HSchG) and also enables completely anonymous reports on request.
In addition, whistleblowers can also submit their reports directly to the Risk Management Partner or the Ethics & Independence Partner. On request, a personal meeting can also be arranged by prior appointment.
The whistleblowing hotline should only be used if you suspect a violation of the law or want to report unethical behavior. This includes, in particular, reports and disclosure of information about violations within the meaning of § 3HSchG, such as violations of regulations in the areas of public procurement, combating money laundering and terrorist financing, environmental protection, public health, data protection or corruption offences pursuant to §§ 302 -309 StG.
The whistleblowing hotline can also be used to report other violations of the law or unethical behavior by KPMG employees, such as:
We encourage you to raise your concerns if it is
The whistleblowing hotline should not be used to officially lodge a complaint regarding the quality of the services offered or provided by KPMG in Austria. In these cases, please contact the responsible engagement partner.
KPMG is cooperating globally with Clear View Strategic Partners* in Canada, an independent provider of web-based hotline services, to operate the whistleblowing hotline website. Using an external vendor ensures confidentiality for those who submit reports and anonymity for those who do not wish to give their names.
Nevertheless, you should be aware that we may also need to involve third parties when carefully processing your report. Before you submit your report, you should take into account that in such a case you may become visible as the sender if you provide your name or other information (such as metadata in any attachments, photos) that allows conclusions to be drawn about you.
* KPMG Austria is cooperating with Clear View Strategic Partners in Canada, an independent provider of web-based hotline services. Please note the information in the reporting system, especially with regard to the possibilities for maintaining anonymity.
Clear View ConnectsTM is a registered trademark of ClearView Strategic Partners Inc.
Our whistleblowing hotline can be reached through a web-based reporting system provided by Clear View Strategic Partners* in Canada, an independent provider of web-based hotline services.
The web-based reporting system is available to you around the clock at the following link: Whistleblowing hotline.
The internal reporting office is operated by KPMG International (commissioned in accordance with § 13 (4) HschG). Therefore, when submitting your report, select KPMG International to submit a report to the KPMG International Hotline.
If desired, the report can be submitted anonymously or by stating the name. In any case, all reports will be treated confidentially. Of course, this only applies to the extent that it is legally permissible and meets the requirements of the investigation in accordance with KPMG's specifications. When submitting anonymous reports, we recommend access from outside the company network.
* KPMG Austria is cooperating with Clear View Strategic Partners in Canada, an independent provider of web-based hotline services. Please note the information in the reporting system, especially with regard to the possibilities for maintaining anonymity.
Clear View ConnectsTM is a registered trademark of ClearView Strategic Partners Inc.
Each report will be processed in accordance with the applicable legal requirements (in particular HSchG). The reports are only accessible to a narrow circle of specially designated employees in Quality & Risk Management at KPMG International. They evaluate the report, discuss the facts of the case with the whistleblower if necessary, and decide on the next steps to clarify and follow-up depending on the violations or anomalies discussed. If necessary, this is done with the involvement of the local risk management team in Austria. If reports are directed against the management in Austria or against the local risk management team in Austria, the processing is carried out exclusively by the risk management team of KPMG International in order to ensure independence.
The content of every report and every reporting person within the scope of application of the HSchG is subject to the protection of this Act. Reports will be treated strictly confidentially.
KPMG encourages reporting violations of laws and ethical principles. Whistleblowers and especially employees do not have to fear any negative consequences because of a report they have submitted in good faith. KPMG's Code of Conduct prohibits sanctions against anyone who, in good faith, reports a potential breach or participates in an investigation, even if insufficient evidence can be provided to substantiate the concerns raised.
Persons who knowingly submit false or misleading information are not covered by the protective provisions of the HSchG. Manifestly false or misleading information will be rejected. Such information can give rise to claims for damages and, if necessary, be prosecuted in court or as administrative offences. For this reason, it should always be ensured that reports are based on accurate and complete information.
