Who are the big four in auditing?

The "Big Four" in auditing are the four largest professional services networks globally: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG, known for auditing most large public companies and offering extensive tax, consulting, and advisory services. These firms dominate the accounting industry, handling audits for the vast majority of U.S. public companies and generating billions in revenue.

Who are the Big 4 in audit?

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).

Is Deloitte or PwC more prestigious?

PwC and Deloitte are consistently neck-and-neck for prestige, with PwC regaining the top spot for most prestigious accounting firm in Vault's 2025 rankings after a brief hold by Deloitte in 2024, though Deloitte often leads in overall revenue and consulting prestige within the Big Four. Prestige often depends on the specific service line (audit vs. consulting) and location, with PwC traditionally strong in audit and Deloitte often seen as a consulting powerhouse, making them generally interchangeable at the top tier of the Big Four. 

Why KPMG and not other Big 4?

Overview: KPMG is often considered the most conservative and audit-heavy of the Big 4. However, its consulting division—particularly in risk, forensic, and cyber—is respected and growing steadily.

Why are they called the Big 4?

The four are often grouped because they are comparable in size relative to the rest of the market, both in terms of revenue and workforce; they are considered equal in their ability to provide a wide scope of professional services to their clients; and, among those looking to start a career in professional services, ...

Who are the Big Four firms and what do they do?

Which Big 4 firm is most prestigious?

There's no single "most" prestigious Big 4 firm, as prestige varies by service line and individual perception, but PwC and Deloitte are often cited as the top contenders for overall prestige, followed closely by EY and KPMG, with PwC strong in audit/assurance and Deloitte leading in consulting revenue, while EY excels in tech/tax and KPMG is competitive in transaction advisory, according to insights from Prosple and Management Consulted, Vault's rankings, and Big 4 Bound. 

Is a CPA required to work at Big Four?

The single most important certification needed for a Big 4 career is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

What is the highest salary at KPMG?

The highest salary at KPMG consulting can exceed $400,000 annually at the director level, with total pay influenced by base salary, performance bonuses, and profit sharing. In rare cases, senior leaders or partners may earn higher, depending on business generation and long-term firm contributions.

Is PwC more prestigious than KPMG?

PwC and Deloitte are the most prestigious

If you ask most people about prestige, they'll probably rank PwC/Deloitte > EY > KPMG. This is reflected in pricing, for example.

Which Big 4 firm is the hardest to get into?

While it varies, Deloitte and PwC are often cited as the toughest Big 4 to get into, especially for consulting roles, due to massive application numbers and strong reputations, though all Big 4 are highly competitive, with KPMG sometimes seen as slightly easier for audit/tax but difficult for Strategy&, and EY also extremely selective in key areas like its UK student programs. Overall, acceptance rates are very low (often under 3%), but it heavily depends on the specific service line (Audit, Tax, Consulting), location, and your qualifications, with some sources pointing to Deloitte's consulting arm and PwC Strategy& as peak difficulty. 

Does PwC look good on CV?

- Highly regarded in industry: The PwC name carries weight in the corporate world. People are genuinely impressed when they see the name on my CV / mentioned in conversation.

What's the difference between accounting and audit?

Accounting is the daily process of recording financial transactions, managing data, and maintaining records. Auditing is a periodic process that focuses on ensuring the accuracy and legality of financial statements.

Who audits Nvidia?

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.

Who audits Microsoft?

Deloitte & Touche LLP is Microsoft's independent auditor.

Who is the youngest partner at KPMG?

Jamil Khatri is widely cited as becoming the youngest partner at any Big 4 firm in India, including KPMG, at the age of 28, a remarkable feat achieved in 2011, though he later stepped down to pursue other ventures, while Melissa Geiger became KPMG's youngest female equity partner in the UK in 2008. Khatri's rapid rise involved exceptional performance in audit and accounting advisory, gaining global exposure early in his career, and later leading KPMG India's Audit Head and Global Head of Accounting Advisory Services before starting his own firm. 

What is the lowest salary at KPMG?

KPMG's minimum salaries vary significantly by role, location, and experience, but entry-level roles like Interns might see salaries starting around $60k-$90k+, while some H1B minimums are around $55k, and consultant roles begin higher, with junior consultants potentially starting at $91k; overall, expect ranges from intern to managing director salaries spanning from under $60,000 to over $300,000 annually, depending heavily on the specific position and department. 

How much does a CFO make at PWC?

Estimated average pay

The estimated middle value of the base pay for Chief Financial Officer at this company in the United States is $112,778 per year.

Can a CPA make 300k a year?

Yes, a CPA can absolutely make $300k, especially in senior leadership roles like Partner, CFO, or Director in large firms or corporations, or by owning a successful practice, though it typically requires significant experience (10+ years), specialization, business development, and working in high-cost areas like major cities, with partners at large firms often earning well over $300k. 

How much does the CEO of KPMG make?

How much does a Chief Executive Officer make at KPMG in the United States? The estimated average pay for Chief Executive Officer at this company in the United States is $113,461 per year, which is 21% below the national average.

Which is the most prestigious Big 4?

There's no single "most" prestigious Big 4 firm, as prestige varies by service line and individual perception, but PwC and Deloitte are often cited as the top contenders for overall prestige, followed closely by EY and KPMG, with PwC strong in audit/assurance and Deloitte leading in consulting revenue, while EY excels in tech/tax and KPMG is competitive in transaction advisory, according to insights from Prosple and Management Consulted, Vault's rankings, and Big 4 Bound. 

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Yes, an accountant can make $500k a year, but it's rare and typically requires reaching top-tier positions like partner at a large firm, C-suite executive (like CFO) at a major corporation, or owning a highly successful firm, often involving significant experience, high-leverage skills, business development, and substantial sacrifice, far beyond typical staff accountant roles. 

What degrees do most CPAs have?

Earn a master's degree.

While candidates can sit for the Uniform CPA exam with a bachelor's degree (120 semester hours), many states require 150 hours of education to obtain CPA licensure. A master's degree in accounting satisfies the 150-hour requirement.

What is a good GPA for KPMG?

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 or B+ and/or at least two (2) CPA examination passes. A desire to achieve a recognized accounting designation (CPA, CA or ACCA) within two years of employment. Strong communication skills, both oral and written.