I have a weird situation here. I am currently working in tax department of
Fortune 100 company in Midwest. KPMG is the auditor of my company. I
recently applied to a KPMG tax manager position in NYC. The recruiter e-
mailed me and set up a phone interview. When the recruiter called me, the
first thing he asked is whether if my current employer knows I am looking
for a job. I was confused by his question. Then he explained to me that
there is a non compete agreement between KPMG and my current company, and
because my current company is a major audit client of KPMG, in order for my
application process to continue with KPMG, I have to inform my current
employer that I am looking for a job!!!!! Basically, if KPMG steal
employees form their audit clients, the audit clients can actually bring
legal action against KPMG.
I am aware of the non compete agreements among CPA firms, because people
leave and they might take clients with them. But is it common to have non
compete agreements between auditors and audit clients? Can anyone give me
any advice on this issue?Thanks