Both PwC and Deloitte are exceptionally competitive to enter, with acceptance rates often below 3% in competitive regions, making both equally challenging depending on the specific service line. However, some data suggests Deloitte has a slightly lower acceptance rate ( ≈ ≈ 0.85%) compared to PwC ( ≈ ≈ 2.5%), making it potentially harder.
PwC: A Times article published in 2023 cited that PwC received 304,000 applicants for 7,500 positions2—about 2.5% acceptance rate. Deloitte: Deloitte has nearly 2 million applicants in the US per year, with about 17,000 new hires, for an acceptance rate hovering around 0.85%.
KPMG is probably the lowest tier and I would say they start you off with a lower base than other firms. The ranking among the other three is usually Deloitte, PwC and EY, though in financial services, EY is probably 2nd. Deloitte has the strongest digital practice and it's strongest in digital transformation.
New hire onboarding experience
Be fresh graduates or have no more than two years of professional experience; Have a minimum GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00; Have strong interpersonal and communication skills; and.
Why Is Big 4 Consulting Considered an Industry Leader?
PwC is one of the most competitive Big 4 firms, and getting through its technical and HR rounds requires more than just academic knowledge - you need clarity, confidence, and the ability to connect concepts to real-world audit or finance cases.
Choosing among the Big 4 consulting firms—whether as a client or an aspiring consultant—depends heavily on your strategic priorities, industry, and desired service line. Deloitte leads in innovation and transformation. PwC blends audit depth with strategic consulting.
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.
Which big 4 accounting firm pays the most? Well it depends on which practice you want to go into. If you want to make the most money in consulting, Deloitte pays the best. However if you want to make the most money in auditing or tax PwC is likely your best bet.
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.
Here are some points to keep in mind: PwC is particularly prestigious and the people working there know it. The firm's reputation and solid audit business create a sense of stability.
The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) may eventually lead to fewer entry-level graduates being hired, the boss of accountancy giant PwC has told the BBC.
PwC starting salaries vary significantly by role and location, but entry-level US associates often see base pay around $70,000-$90,000+ (or $40-$50+/hour for interns), with higher figures in High-Cost-of-Living (HCOL) areas like NYC or SF, and bonuses contributing to total first-year compensation. For example, Associates might start around $75k-$90k in MCOL areas and over $90k in HCOL cities, while some specialized roles or consultants could start higher, reflecting location and service line.
Q: What GPA does Deloitte require? A: Deloitte generally looks for GPAs in the 3.3 to 3.6 range, with specific expectations varying by team, role, and office location.