Yes, BDO is considered a very large, global audit and accounting firm, recognized as the world’s 5th largest accounting network behind the "Big Four" (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC). With over 97,000 employees, 1,600+ offices in 160+ countries, and global revenues surpassing $11 billion, BDO is a major player in the industry, often described as a top-tier mid-tier firm.
As one of the industry's largest associations of accounting and professional service firms, BDO Alliance USA has more than 800 independent Alliance firm locations representing nearly every state and offering a comprehensive range of services.
Yes, BDO is widely considered the fifth-largest accounting network globally, often referred to as the "next biggest" after the dominant Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and is sometimes included in discussions about a "Big Five" or "Big Six" tier, especially in markets like India, but it's technically the #5 global player by size and revenue.
The "Big 6" accounting firms refer to a historical group from the late 20th century that included Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, Arthur Andersen, and Coopers & Lybrand, though the industry consolidated, leading to the current dominant Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and a tier of large national firms like BDO, RSM, and Grant Thornton. The Big Four are the largest global networks, offering audit, tax, and consulting services, with the others serving as major players just below them.
Whilst the Big 4 are still Limited Liability Partnerships, they are much closer to a corporate than any of the Mid Tier firms below those at the top of the Mid Tier (such as BDO and Grant Thornton (GT)). This means that there are generally more established processes and systems within Big 4 firms than in the Mid Tier.
In the Accounting And Tax Services market, BDO has a 0.21% market share in comparison to Deloitte Audit's 0.03%. Since it has a better market share coverage, BDO holds the 12th spot in 6sense's Market Share Ranking Index for the Accounting And Tax Services category, while Deloitte Audit holds the 27th spot.
A Block Development Officer is qualified for salary by the norms of the Seventh Pay Commission. The BDO salary is Rs 18,500, without including DA, TA, or HRA. It may rise to Rs 45,500 and ultimately reach Rs 1,21,600 if the candidate is appointed as Deputy Development Commissioner.
BDO International stands at the fifth rank for providing the largest accountancy network in the world. It is a worldwide professional services network and one of the best public accountancy firms.
History of the Big 4 accounting firms
In the late 1990s, the Big 6 became the Big 5 when Price Waterhouse merged with Coopers and Lybrand to form PricewaterhouseCoopers (later stylised as PwC). Five became four in 2001 after the insolvency of Arthur Andersen due to the firm's involvement in the Enron scandal.
BDO is a fine firm but no where close to the Big4 in terms of client base or breadth/depth of opportunity and services. Anyway if you are in audit it will be similar to EY but with less variety of clients.
BDO – $14 billion (BDO Accounting Firm Information) RSM $10 billion. Grant Thornton – $8 billion. Crowe $ 5.8 billion.
Is BDO a good company to work for? BDO has an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5, based on over 14,664 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has decreased by 2% over the last 12 months. 66% of employees would recommend working at BDO to a friend and 60% have a positive outlook for the business.
Mid-tier accounting firms combine global expertise with localized, relationship-driven service. They deliver cost-effective and agile accounting solutions tailored to SMEs and fast-growing businesses. Leading firms in 2025 include BDO, Aone Outsourcing, RSM, Grant Thornton, Crowe Global, and Mazars.
Ranking after the Big 4 are: BDO Global, the 5th largest accounting firm with 97,000 employees in more than 150 countries and 2021 revenue of $11.8 billion. RSM International's revenues jumped to $7.3 billion in 2021.
BDO partners with Validis on accounting technology. Quintessentially and BDO to cut audit ties. SAP to become BDO's biggest international audit client.
Of the Big 4, KPMG is the smallest and also the only one operating outside of London—the firm's headquarters is in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
The FRC has published its annual review of audit quality of the largest (tier 1) audit firms (BDO, Deloitte, EY, Forvis Mazars, KPMG and PwC).
India's corporate audit market is experiencing unprecedented consolidation, with the so-called “Big 6” accounting firms-Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Grant Thornton, and BDO-increasing their stranglehold on India's largest listed companies.
How much does a Bdo make? As of Jan 15, 2026, the average annual pay for a Bdo in the United States is $155,270 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $74.65 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,985/week or $12,939/month.
Really long hours, very tense atmosphere with people being overworked as the company culture. Their progression plan is secretly based on how much overtime you do, without questioning it.
BDO's investment totalled closer to £60 million this year, meaning partners could share in more of the spoils. On average BDO's 466 equity partners were paid £681,000 for their work over the past year. It was their first pay increase since 2021.