It is the most coveted auditing role in the country, covering a global financial services and infrastructure investment giant operating in 31 countries.

Now the gig to verify the Macquarie accounts, worth almost $75 million in fees every year, is up for grabs. KPMG and EY are the clear frontrunners to take over from PwC, according to seven people familiar with the discussions but prohibited by their firms from publicly commenting on the matter.