The "Big 4" refers to the four largest global professional services and accounting networks, which continue to be Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG). These firms dominate the industry in auditing, tax, and advisory services, generating over $212 billion in combined revenue as of 2024.
That's the 212-billion-dollar question! 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). They're so big that their joint revenue in 2024 was—you guessed it—$212 billion.
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.
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 Big Four consulting firms are Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Deloitte), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG International (KPMG). They are grouped together due to their dominance in the professional services industry.
The top 10 largest accounting firms by revenue:
Compare company reviews, salaries and ratings to find out if McKinsey & Company or PwC is right for you. McKinsey & Company is most highly rated for Compensation and benefits and PwC is most highly rated for Culture. Learn more, read reviews and see open jobs.
In February 2025, PIF announced a wide-ranging ban on employment of PwC's consultants. The ban was brought into place shortly after PwC hired around 70 forensic investigators, mostly from Deloitte Middle East in a coordinated poaching operation in October (IO, 17/02/25).
The Big 4 includes Deloitte, PwC, Ernst&Young, and KPMG. Next to them are BDO, RSM, Grant Thornton, and Crowe.
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.
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.
KPMG is the smallest of the four and has not made similar acquisitions and also is not as strong in its consulting reputation.
Walt Disney company and PWC. We begin with Disney, in 2023 one hundred years old. At $180 billion, it is the largest entertainment corporation in the world and its auditor, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) is one of the Big 4 global accountant partnerships.
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.
There are millions of annual applicants to Big 4 firms in the US alone! As private companies, Big 4 firms don't publish their acceptance rates. However, some research exists that puts the chances of getting a Big 4 job between 0.85% and 4% depending on the firm.
Entry-Level Associates (Years 1-3)
On the one hand, this high pressure environment is what makes consulting such an interesting job with a steep learning curve. But on the other hand it's also a major reason why people leave consulting. After spending years in this high-pace environment, many consultants want to reduce their stress levels.