The Big 4 are Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, PwC, Ernst & Young and KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler). They are the world’s largest accounting and auditing firms by revenue. Typically, the Big 4 work with large multinational and international corporations and high net worth individuals.
What Are Big 4 Accountants?
A Big 4 firm can give you a great deal of exposure, especially in terms of gaining name recognition. You can also expect to be working long hours and having to hit certain fee targets, which may impact your personal life. It is not uncommon for account scottsdale to move offices and even relocate their families if it will improve their career prospects.
Big 4 accountants are generally paid more than their counterparts at Mid Tier firms. However, it is important to note that the Big 4 are not just a salary plus commission based organisation. Their incomes also come from consulting and the provision of other professional services such as tax advice and legal services.
The term “Big Four” derives from the fact that these are the four largest accounting firms by revenue in the world. Previously, there were five before the collapse of Arthur Andersen following the Enron scandal in 2001. As a result, the Big 4 are the dominant accounting and auditing firms in the world. The Big 4 have the resources, reputation and global reach to attract the best talent from across the globe. The Big 4 firms also have the advantage of being able to provide a wider range of professional services than their Mid Tier competitors.