KPMG is the smallest of the Big 4 accounting firms in terms of both annual revenue and employee count. While still a massive global organization operating in over 150 countries, it typically generates lower revenue (approx. $38.4 billion in 2024) compared to Deloitte, EY, and PwC. It is headquartered in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and is often considered to have a stronger focus on audit and tax, with a slightly smaller consulting footprint than its peers.
KPMG is the smallest and most European-focused of the Big Four, although it still operates in 143 countries (so it's hardly a start-up!).
BDO – $14 billion (BDO Accounting Firm Information) RSM $10 billion. Grant Thornton – $8 billion. Crowe $ 5.8 billion.
PwC is definitely the best of the Big Four in terms of pay, training and organizational culture. It is after all the world's leading and largest professional services firm. It has also been ranked as the leading graduate employer for 8 years in a row.
KPMG is much better than Deloitte, PwC and EY! Best in work life balance, amazing culture and people centric firm ✨ KPMG best!!!!
4️⃣ 𝐊𝐥𝐲𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐆𝐨𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫 (𝐊𝐏𝐌𝐆) Among the Big 4, KPMG is the oldest firm, with its earliest parent company founded in 1818. In 1911, William Barclay Peat & co merged with Marwick Mitchell & Co to form Peat Marwick.
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.
The single most important certification needed for a Big 4 career is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Why Is Big 4 Consulting Considered an Industry Leader?
PwC employees say that it's great because it's “the most prestigious firm.” It has “very smart people.” It's the “industry standard” and is the equivalent of “going to Harvard” when you work in accounting.
The Big 4 are the four largest global professional services networks that dominate audit and assurance, tax, and advisory work for companies and governments worldwide. They are Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG.
Understanding the Big 4 Companies in India
The global firms are PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG. They are seen as the top CA firms in India.
To be in the top 1% of US earners, you generally need an income well over $700,000 nationally, with figures around $794,000 cited for recent years, but this varies significantly by state, requiring over $1 million in places like Connecticut and Massachusetts, while being around $400,000-$450,000 in lower-cost states like West Virginia and Mississippi.
Clients rely heavily on the advice and deliverables provided by Big 4 professionals, which can create a lot of pressure to produce high-quality work under tight deadlines. The expectation to consistently perform at a high level, meet client demands, and manage the intricacies of complex projects can lead to stress.
Big 4 Stereotypes & Culture
In one forum, a user described Big 4 firms in his location as: “EY is regarded as the elitists, PwC the sweatshop, Deloitte the frat stars and surfer bros, and KPMG is the party firm”.