PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) LLP
PwC is widely considered to be the world's most prestigious and progressive accounting firm.
Within the Big 4 firms, Deloitte is generally considered to be the most prestigious and KPMG the least prestigious. PwC and EY are at a similar level of prestige.
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.
Highest-paying positions for accountants
Licensed CPAs can pursue various career paths. Executives and directors in top-tier accounting positions can earn upward of $200,000 annually, more than four times the average starting salary for a general accountant.
Deloitte and PwC are described as more competitive.
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.
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. These are called compensating factors.
We're the global leader in professional services
In Brand Finance's Global 500 2021, Deloitte is recognized as the strongest and most valuable “commercial services” brand in the world for the 3rd consecutive year, ranking ahead of all major professional services competitors.
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) LLP is the best accounting firm to work for in the U.S., according to a new ranking.
The only other firm besides PwC and Deloitte to be named “most prestigious” was EY in 2007. In its 19th annual prestige ranking, which was published on April 15, Vault said PwC took over the top spot once again with a score of 8.858 out of 10, just edging out Deloitte, which had a score of 8.840.
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)
Deloitte stands out from its peers in the Big 4 due to its exceptional focus on diversity, social impact, and innovation. With the right approach, showcasing your cultural fit, your ability to make an impact, and your commitment to continuous learning, you can land a role at Deloitte.
Big 4 Partner Salary
A large part of partner compensation is tied to equity. For reference, however, you can expect to make somewhere between $250,000 and $5 million a year. It's a lot of money but it also takes roughly 13 to 17 years to get there!
KPMG, the smallest of the Big Four by most metrics, is tougher to parse. According to careers advice site thecambridgeconsultant, the firm received around 50,000 applicants to 3,900 roles in the USA, an acceptance rate of around 7.8%.
We can estimate that based on job openings for students, Deloitte's acceptance rate is around 3.7% (which makes sense, considering it's also the biggest of the Big Four), based on 2,500 entry level job openings and 250,000 total applicants (which includes applicants to non-entry level roles).
Only a small fraction of CPAs make $500k a year, but it is possible. And it is faster to achieve in your own firm than by working for a large public accounting firm or getting a corporate job in the industry. To make big money in a solo practice or a small firm, your strategy will differ greatly from the big firms.
With enticing salaries ranging from INR 6 Lakh to INR 10 Lakh for new entrants, and reaching lucrative heights of INR 8 Lakh to INR 15 Lakh per year for experienced professionals, the growth trajectory of CPA careers in India is truly exciting.
In general, a CPA can expect to make between $65,000-150,000 per year. Obviously, this is a wide range that features a lot of determining factors. Location, experience, and the type of accounting work will make a difference in CPA compensation.