The Big 4 accounting firms are the four largest global professional services networks, known for their dominance in auditing, tax, consulting, and advisory services. They are:
- Deloitte
The largest of the Big Four, with over 457,000 employees and $64.9 billion in revenue in 2023. Deloitte operates in 150 countries and is known for its strength in consulting and auditing
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
PwC reported $53.1 billion in revenue in 2023, with a workforce of over 364,000 employees across 152 countries. It is a leader in tax, consulting, and audit services, investing heavily in cloud and AI capabilities
- Ernst & Young (EY)
EY generated approximately $49.9 billion in revenue in 2023, employing around 395,000 people globally and operating in 150 countries. EY has developed AI platforms to enhance its service offerings
- Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG)
KPMG reported $36 billion in revenue in 2023, with about 273,000 employees and offices in 143 countries. It provides audit, tax, and advisory services worldwide
These firms audit the majority of publicly traded companies globally and offer a wide range of services including assurance, valuation, market research, legal advisory, and management consulting. Historically, the Big Four emerged from the consolidation of the former "Big Eight" accounting firms through mergers and the collapse of Arthur Andersen in 2002
. In summary, the Big Four accounting firms are Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, recognized as the largest and most influential players in the global accounting and professional services industry
