Are you skilled in finance and looking to climb the corporate ladder in the Big 4 Accounting firms?
The Big 4 Accounting firms – PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG – represent the ultimate summit as they are all very powerful and respected.
Also, the firms have many chances to advance careers in the financial world.
For someone who wants to succeed in their career and has many options, picking the right path can be very important.
This blog serves as your guide, meticulously comparing the unique qualities of each Big 4 Firm, and guiding you toward your perfect Everest match.
We'll learn about their distinct client profiles, unwavering objectives, and diverse service focuses, disclosing the hidden treasures that each holds.
Company Profile
1. PwC
PwC was founded in 1998 when Coopers & Lybrand merged with Price Waterhouse, it is now one of the second professional services networks in the world.
With its headquarters in London, the United Kingdom, it has a network of firms in 152 countries with over 328,000 people working in assurance, advisory, and tax services.
2. Deloitte
Founded in 1845 in England and expanding into the United States in 1890, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, or Deloitte as it is mostly known, is the largest professional services network by revenue and number of professionals in the world.
It offers an array of professional services to its clients, from risk assurance to strategy consulting and more.
3. Ernst and Young:
Headquartered in London, the United Kingdom E&Y is one of the larger companies, with a larger staff and a comparatively balanced spread of services.
In 2015, it was rated as the fastest overall revenue growth firm among the Big Four.
Ernst & Young is the result of several mergers, especially the three key mergers between Whinney, Smith & Whinney (UK), Ernst & Ernst (US), and Arthur Young & Co. (US). Thus, the Ernst & Young firm was formed.
4. KPMG:
KPMG is the smallest of these 4 but has a strong consulting and advisory side to complement its audit work.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, it is mostly European-focused but it has well-connected roots in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Starting in 1815, the major merger of Klynveld Kraayenhof & Co. (NL), McLintock Main LaFrentz (UK / US), and Deutsche Treuhandgesellschaft (DE) formed KMG (Klynveld Main Goerdeler).
Then, in 1987, the first ‘mega merger’ of accounting firms happened when KMG merged with Peat Marwick to form KPMG.
Deep Dive into the Big 4 Accounting Firms
Let's explore and understand more about these Big 4 Accounting firms:
1. Clients and Services for Audits:
- Deloitte: With 27 audit clients, Deloitte is the top firm from FTSE 100 and provides a wide range of services, including audit, consulting, advisory, tax, risk, and legal.’
- EY: Offering services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and risk management, EY is a global leader in digital transformation.
- PwC: Known for offering a wide range of services, PwC performs assurance, tax, consulting, audit, and advisory work. It is a major player in consulting services and has a strong global presence.
- KPMG: Offering audit, tax, advisory, consulting, and legal services, KPMG audits 23 FTSE 100 companies. It places a strong emphasis on enduring client relationships.
2. Objective and Accomplishments:
- Deloitte: "Make an impact that matters" is a reflection of Deloitte's dedication to operationalizing products in a practical manner. Its emphasis on technological innovation has established it as a market leader.
- EY: Dedicated to "building a better working world," EY's global leadership in digital business transformation aligns with its mission to solve important problems.
- PwC: PwC has expanded beyond its roots in accounting with a mission focused on fostering trust. It concentrates on resolving pressing problems and is home to the biggest tax practice in the world.
- KPMG: "Inspire confidence and empower change" is the motto that perfectly sums up KPMG. Notable for auditing a sizable portion of the S&P 500, it highlights employees' pride in their work.
3. Focus Areas and Services:
- Deloitte: The company's three main areas of concentration are digital innovation, product operations, and practical implementation. Its extensive service offering and heavy focus on technology make it stand out.
- EY: The company's growth in consulting is indicative of its focus on digital transformation. It faces competition from leading technology and consulting firms as a global leader.
- PwC: With the largest tax practice in the world, PwC has expanded into consulting services in addition to its traditional focus on auditing. It serves a broad clientele with its assortment of services.
- KPMG: KPMG offers various services, including tax, advisory, consulting, audit, and legal services. It stands out for its emphasis on enduring relationships and fostering self-assurance.
Skills you Require to get into any of these Big 4
1. PwC:
- Whole Leadership: Ability to lead and contribute to teams effectively.
- Technical Capabilities: Strong technical skills relevant to the industry.
- Business Acumen: Understanding of business principles and market dynamics.
- Global Acumen: Awareness and appreciation of global business environments.
- Relationships: Skill in building and maintaining professional relationships.
2. Deloitte:
- Interest in Business: The demonstrated passion for the business world.
- Sharp and Inquisitive Mind: Intellectual curiosity and analytical thinking.
- Outstanding Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to communicate and collaborate.
- Willingness to Get Involved: Proactive attitude and hands-on approach.
3. EY:
- Excellence: Commitment to achieving high-quality results.
- Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively within a team.
- Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and honesty.
- Respect for Others: Valuing diverse perspectives and treating others with respect.
- Energy: Enthusiastic and energetic approach to work.
4. KPMG:
- Awareness of Business: Strong understanding of business principles.
- Curiosity: Inquisitive nature and a desire to learn more.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions
Differentiate Between Big 4 Firms
On the basis of their Revenue :
| Big 4 Firms | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Deloitte | $64 bn | $59 bn | $50 bn | $47 bn |
| PwC | $53 bn | $50 bn | $45 bn | $43 bn |
| EY | $49 bn | $45 bn | $40 bn | $37 bn |
| KPMG | $36 bn | $34 bn | $32 bn | $29 bn |
Based on their Overall Rating :
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