Accenture was warned that it could be liable for up to $40 million in back pay from staff working excessive hours and that its overtime system represented an “ongoing” underpayment risk, according to a former human resources executive.

Former Accenture employee relations head Donna Young is suing the professional services firm over her dismissal earlier this year for allegedly shutting down a review into non-compliance relating to overtime, following claims of a $3 million liability.