The 4 biggest auditing companies in the world, often called the "Big Four," are Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG). These firms dominate the global market by auditing the majority of public and private companies, with a combined 2024 revenue of over $212 billion.
The Big 4 are the largest accounting and auditing firms in the world: Deloitte LLP (Deloitte), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY) and Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG).
Big Five
Financial Controller , ACA @ BW Energy | Energy… We all now know it as the big four, but actually it was the big 5. Arthur Andersen was once a symbol of excellence in the accounting profession, standing tall among the prestigious "Big Five" firms alongside PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG.
Size. If the size is an issue for you then it's worth noting that MBB is around a tenth of the size of the Big 4. As of 2022, McKinsey employs over 37,000 people working across 130+ offices in 65+ countries. BCG has over 90 offices in more than 50 countries around the world and also employs about 25,000 people.
The Big 4 accounting firms salary ranges from $55,000 for associates to $390,000+ for directors, with partners earning $250,000 to $5 million. Consulting roles pay the most, while audit and tax salaries start lower, showing function is more important than the firm.
The "Big Five" (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo) are called that because they were the most difficult and dangerous animals for big-game hunters to hunt on foot in Africa during the colonial era. The term was coined by these hunters to describe the five most challenging animals to stalk and kill, but today it's used by tourists and conservationists to refer to the most sought-after animals to see on safari.
The key difference is that Deloitte is more strategy-oriented through its Strategy and Analytics practice, while KPMG focuses more on implementation, risk management, and operational transformation projects. Both firms are global powerhouses with thousands of consultants across multiple industries.
The Big 8 Accounting Firms History
Deloitte India is a top choice for businesses looking for reliable audit services. They use global methods and understand the local market well. Their work sets high standards for financial assurance. Deloitte India has offices in big cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai.
AI juggernaut Nvidia, is being audited by PwC for its 2026 fiscal year, ending January 31, 2026, according to the Nvidia Corporation Annual Review. PwC has audited Nvidia since 2004, the report notes.
A. Deloitte & Touche LLP is Microsoft's independent auditor.
(Ceratotherium simum)
Interesting Fact: There are two sub-species of African rhino, the 'white rhino' and 'black rhino'. Traditionally, the black rhino was the only species of rhino considered to part of the Big 5, but both the white rhino and black rhino are now equally placed on Africa's list of Big 5 wildlife.
We are using the Big Five because they are commonly accepted to be major dimensions of personality (McCrae & Costa, 1994). “Personality state” assessment assesses the degree to which each Big Five trait content is manifest in behavior at any moment (Fleeson, 2001; Fridhandler, 1986).
The single most important certification needed for a Big 4 career is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Becoming a CPA shows that you have the skills and knowledge to offer top services, plus the authorization to perform any needed task for the firm.
Big 4 Exit Opportunities:
You're Tired of Working Late
The Big Four are notorious for their late nights. When it comes to work-life balance, they typically score low on employee satisfaction surveys. This is because their hours are long, and they tend to demand a lot. While a good job is a challenging one, there is a limit.
A high salary is relative, but generally, it means earning significantly above the median income, often placing you in the top 10% or 5% of earners, which can range from over $100,000 to several hundred thousand dollars or more, depending heavily on location, cost of living, and household size. For example, reaching the top 5% in the U.S. might require earning around $336,000, while an "upper-middle class" household might earn $110,000-$170,000+.