What Are Big 4 Companies? Meaning, Firms & Careers Sections Covered What Are Big 4 Companies? History of the Big 4 List of Big 4 Companies & Their Details Services Offered by Big 4 Companies Why Are Big 4 Companies So Popular? Big 4 Salary in India (2025 Estimates) Hiring Process in Big 4 Companies Example: Big 4 in Real Business Skills Required to Work in Big 4 Top Courses to Get into Big 4 Companies Benefits of Working in Big 4 Challenges of Working in Big 4 Big 4 Offices in India Conclusion Schedule a call When you hear about top accounting or finance jobs, one term always stands out — “Big 4 Companies.” These firms are globally recognised leaders in audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services, known for shaping the financial landscape of major corporations.If you’re a commerce or finance student dreaming of a global career, understanding what the Big 4 companies are, their services, hiring process, and career potential can be a game-changer.Let’s explore everything you need to know about Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. What Are Big 4 Companies? The Big 4 Companies refer to the four largest professional-services firms in the world providing audit, assurance, taxation, consulting, and financial-advisory services. They dominate the global accounting market and serve more than 80 % of Fortune 500 companies.The Big 4 Firms Include:DeloittePricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)Ernst & Young (EY)Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG)These companies are not just accounting firms — they’re career-launching powerhouses for finance, accounting, and business-management professionals. Learn more about their impact in Big Four Accounting Firms – The Ultimate List. History of the Big 4 Original Big 8 FirmsMerged IntoCurrent Big 4Arthur AndersenDissolved post-Enron—Deloitte Haskins & Sells+ Touche RossDeloittePrice Waterhouse+ Coopers & LybrandPwCErnst & Whinney+ Arthur YoungEYPeat Marwick Mitchell+ Klynveld Main GoerdelerKPMG💡 Explore related ethics lessons in Famous Financial Scams in India and how they reshaped auditing norms. List of Big 4 Companies & Their Details FirmFoundedHeadquartersEmployees (Approx.)Core ServicesDeloitte1845 (London)New York, USA450 000 +Audit, Tax, Consulting, Risk AdvisoryPwC1849 (London)London, UK375 000 +Assurance, Consulting, Deals, TaxEY1989 (London)London, UK365 000 +Audit, Advisory, Tax, Tech ConsultingKPMG1987 (Netherlands)Amstelveen, NL270 000 +Audit, Tax, Legal, Advisory Services Offered by Big 4 Companies Service AreaDescriptionExampleAudit & AssuranceExamining financial statements for accuracy and compliance.Auditing Infosys or Reliance IndustriesTax ServicesTax planning and compliance.Designing strategies for MNCsConsultingBusiness-strategy and technology advice.Helping startups implement ERP systemsAdvisoryMergers, acquisitions, and risk management.Advising listed-company mergersLegal ServicesCompliance and business structuring.Drafting global partnership agreementsLearn how certifications like CMA USA and ACCA enhance eligibility for such roles. Why Are Big 4 Companies So Popular? 1️⃣ Global Brand RecognitionTrusted by Fortune 500 companies worldwide — their name adds instant credibility to your CV.2️⃣ Diverse Career OpportunitiesAudit, consulting, taxation, technology, and advisory — opportunities across industries and countries.3️⃣ Learning & Skill DevelopmentIntensive training programs + support for CMA USA, CPA USA, ACCA and other global courses.4️⃣ High Salary & GrowthAttractive packages, clear career paths, and fast promotions — learn how NorthStar Academy placements prepare students for Big 4 interviews. Big 4 Salary in India (2025 Estimates) PositionAverage Salary (INR per annum)Experience LevelAudit Associate₹ 5–7 LPAEntrySenior Analyst₹ 8–12 LPA2–4 YearsAssistant Manager₹ 12–18 LPA4–6 YearsManager₹ 18–28 LPA6–10 YearsPartner₹ 60 LPA – ₹ 1.5 Cr +15 + Years💡 Salaries depend on certifications — see CMA USA Salary Guide 2025 and ACCA Career Scope 2025. Hiring Process in Big 4 Companies StageDetails1. Online ApplicationApply via LinkedIn or campus recruitment.2. Aptitude / Technical TestAssesses analytical & accounting skills.3. HR InterviewTests communication and personality fit.4. Technical InterviewBased on accounting / tax concepts.5. Final RoundLeadership / Partner interaction.✅ Tip: Global certifications like US CMA, CPA and ACCA greatly boost selection chances. Example: Big 4 in Real Business Deloitte audits Amazon and Microsoft.PwC works with Tata Motors and Google.EY helped restructure Vodafone’s tax strategy.KPMG advises banks and governments.For real-world exposure, read US CMA Placement Success Stories Skills Required to Work in Big 4 Accounting & analytical skillsAdvanced Excel and financial modellingCommunication & presentationAudit software ( CaseWare, SAP )Time management under pressureGlobal credentials like ACCA or CMA USA Top Courses to Get into Big 4 Companies CourseDurationRecognitionIdeal ForUS CMA6–9 MonthsGlobalFinance & Cost ManagementACCA (UK)2–3 YearsGlobalAudit & Financial AccountingCPA (USA)12–18 MonthsGlobalAccounting & AssuranceCA (India)4–5 YearsNationalStatutory Audit, TaxMBA (Finance)2 YearsGlobalAdvisory & Consulting📘 Compare programs in CPA vs CMA vs ACCA and choose your fit. Benefits of Working in Big 4 1️⃣ Global Exposure: Clients across continents. 2️⃣ Structured Growth: Clear promotion path. 3️⃣ Professional Development: Support for certifications. 4️⃣ International Mobility: Transfers to global offices. 5️⃣ Strong Network: Build valuable connections.Learn how NorthStar Academy supports Big 4 placements for students. Challenges of Working in Big 4 Long working hours and tight deadlinesHigh pressure and competitionDemanding clientsOccasional work-life imbalanceThese experiences build resilience and industry-ready skills. Check related insights in Work-Life Balance in Finance Careers. Big 4 Offices in India CityFirms OperatingMumbaiDeloitte, PwC, EY, KPMGBengaluruDeloitte, PwC, EY, KPMGDelhi NCRPwC, EY, DeloitteChennaiEY, KPMG, DeloitteHyderabadDeloitte, PwCPuneKPMG, EY, PwCExplore Best CMA USA Coaching in Bangalore if you’re based in South India. Conclusion The Big 4 Companies — Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG — are more than just accounting firms. They represent global excellence, ethics, and career growth in finance. Whether you aim to be an auditor, consultant, or financial analyst, starting in a Big 4 firm lays a strong foundation for a global career. If you’re a commerce student or finance aspirant, pursuing global courses like CMA USA, ACCA, or CPA USA from NorthStar Academy can fast-track your entry into these firms.👉 Kickstart Your Big 4 Career Today! 📞 WhatsApp “Hi” to +91 8147470505 for Expert Guidance from NorthStar Academy. Frequently Asked Questions What are the Big 4 accounting firms? The Big 4 companies — Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG — are the world’s largest professional services firms offering audit, tax, and consulting. Read more in Big Four Accounting Firms Guide. How can I get a job in Big 4 firms? Build accounting skills, gain experience, and earn global credentials like CMA USA or ACCA. NorthStar Academy provides expert guidance and placement support. What salary do Big 4 employees earn? Entry-level roles start at ₹5–7 LPA, while managers earn up to ₹28 LPA. Partners can earn ₹1 Cr+. Check CMA USA Salary in India for updated pay insights. Which course helps join Big 4 firms? Global courses like CPA USA, CMA USA, or ACCA are highly preferred for Big 4 recruitment. Why choose NorthStar for Big 4 prep? NorthStar Academy offers CMA, CPA, and ACCA training with 100% placement assistance, Becker materials, and interview mentoring for Big 4 careers.
