What is the Big 4 in accounting?

Asked by: Elsie Lowe  |  Last update: September 30, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (18 votes)

The "Big 4" refers to the four largest accounting firms and includes Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY. All four companies provide audit, assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, and tax compliance services.

What does Big 4 mean in accounting?

What is the Big 4? The Big 4 are the four largest international accounting and professional services firms. They are Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC. Each provides audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services to major corporations.

Is it Big 4 or big 5 accounting firms?

Thus, in 2002, Arthur Andersen, the fifth member of the then Big 5, was dissolved. Since then, Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG have been known as the Big 4 and dominate the market for auditing, accounting and consulting. The majority of listed companies in particular rely on the Big 4, both nationally and internationally.

Which of the Big 4 is best for accounting?

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) is often regarded as a leading firm among the Big Four accounting firms--alongside Deloitte, EY (Ernst & Young), and KPMG--for several reasons: Global Reach and Resources: PwC has a vast global network, allowing it to serve clients in numerous countries with local expertise.

Who are the Big 4 accountants?

The Big Four are the four largest professional services networks in the world: Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC. They are the four largest global accounting networks as measured by revenue.

quitting my big 4 job

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Who is Big 5 accounting?

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.

What is the highest paying Big 4 accounting firm?

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.

Which Big 4 is hardest to get into?

Deloitte and PwC are described as more competitive.

What accounting is most in demand?

What finance and accounting roles are in demand?
  • Accounts receivable specialist.
  • Bookkeeper.
  • Corporate controller.
  • Payroll specialist/administrator.
  • Senior accountant.
  • Senior financial analyst.
  • Staff accountant.
  • Senior financial analyst.

What GPA do you need for Big 4 accounting firms?

We would, however, say that the minimum GPA required is 3.0. But if you find that yours is a bit lower than that, just work on your GPA for grad school, gain work experience, or take on leadership roles during your academic career.

Who is the most famous accountant?

The 3 Most Famous Accountants Throughout History
  • Luca Pacioli – the 'Father of Accounting' Luca was the first person to publish detailed material on the double-entry system of accounting. ...
  • J. P. Morgan. ...
  • Josiah Wedgwood – the first cost accountant.

What are the Big 4 scandals?

Freddie Mac Scandal (2003) – PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) American International Group (AIG) Scandal (2005) – PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Lehman Brothers Scandal (2008) – Ernst & Young (EY) Satyam Scandal (2009) – PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Which Big 4 is best for taxes?

The Big 4 Details
  • Deloitte is the tax/audit/accounting market leader and is the largest professional services firm in the world, both in terms of revenue and number of employees. ...
  • PwC enjoys a strong second place in market share amongst the Big 4 accounting firms.

How stressful is Big 4 accounting?

During "busy seasons," such as tax filing periods or year-end audits, employees may work well beyond the typical 40-hour week, often clocking in 60-80 hours. Why it's stressful: Consistent overtime: Employees are expected to work long hours during busy periods, with little downtime in between.

How long should you stay at a Big 4 accounting firm?

Whether you joined a Big 4 as a springboard for your career or were set on making partner, we generally advise professionals to make a move around three to six years of experience, in order not to leave either too early or too far into their Big 4 career.

How do you break into Big 4 accounting?

Gain relevant work experience: While some Big 4 firms may hire fresh graduates, having relevant work experience can greatly increase your chances of getting a job in the Big 4. Start by gaining practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions at accounting firms.

What's the highest paid accountant?

Highest Paying Accounting Jobs and Careers in 2025
  • Chief Financial Officer. ...
  • Vice President of Finance. ...
  • Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) ...
  • Fund Controller. ...
  • Finance Manager. ...
  • Investment Banker. ...
  • IT Auditor. ...
  • Chief Accountant.

What is the hardest field of accounting?

Tax Accounting: The intricate tax laws and constant updates make this a traditionally challenging class. Tax accounting requires a deep and consistent understanding of complex legislation and its application.

Why are so many accountants quitting?

The alarming trend of accountants leaving their profession in droves is a complex issue with multiple underlying factors. Accountants face numerous challenges, from increasing workloads and stress levels to technological advancements and changing job expectations.

Which Big 4 is most prestigious?

PwC is considered the most prestigious due to its position as the largest professional services firm in the world by revenue. Some key facts about PwC: Generates over $43 billion in annual revenue. Employs over 295,000 people across 157 countries.

Is it hard to get hired by Deloitte?

Deloitte is a hard company to get a job at, so it is crucial to have an impressive resume. Connect with your school's career counselors, or hire a professional career adviser that will help you apply with an excellent resume.

What majors do the Big 4 hire?

If you are applying to be an analyst in AI offering, you'll probably need to be studying Statistics or Computer Science – something quantitative or computational. And from what I know, an Accounting degree is favored in the Risk & Financial Advisory offering, as well as Finance, undergrad Business, and Economics.

What is the average salary of a partner in the Big 4?

So, how much do these partners really make? Of course, as we've explained, it can vary, but we're going to give you some hard numbers below. The average across all partners will land right around $650k – $850k each year.

How long does it take to become senior manager in Big 4?

Sometimes it can be done in 8 if you get an early promotion, but most times it's 2–3 years to make senior accountant, 3–4 years to make manager, and 3–4 years to senior manager. Some people on larger, high profile accounts tend to move up quicker because those teams are often given more say on ...

How much do Big 4 auditors make in NYC?

As of Dec 31, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Big Four Accounting in New York is $39.48 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $104.67 and as low as $11.57, the majority of Big Four Accounting salaries currently range between $23.12 (25th percentile) to $39.95 (75th percentile) in New York.