BIG 4 ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Big 4 refers to the four largest accounting firms in the world. These firms provide an extensive range of accounting and auditing services including external audit, taxation services, management and business consultancy, and risk assessment and control. They also provide massive employment and career development opportunities for accountants and auditors around the world. Who are they? Check this out!
Deloitte Touché Tohmatsu Limited
Tohmatsu, popularly known as Deloitte was founded by William Deloitte in 1845. It went through a series of mergers and reorganizations but still keep the brand name along with the quality standards and company values. Now, it emerges as one of the most successful brands in the world. In 2019, it earned $46.2 billion and had around 312,000 employees (the largest among the Big 4) in more than 150 countries demonstrating excellence in providing audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, and tax services to worldwide clients.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
With $42.5 billion in revenues in 2019, PwC is the second largest accounting firm in terms of revenue. It employs more than 276,000 professionals in 158 countries around the world. The company was formed by the merger of the two large accounting firms – Price Waterhouse, and Coopers & Lybrand. Those two decided to merge in 1998 and dedicated themselves to provide services of value while establishing and maintaining good customer relations. PwC firms locally operate in different countries around the world. This is an independent-owned and managed firm, like other international companies, that share common values and standards. PwC provides excellent assurance, consulting, and tax services.
Ernst & Young (E&Y)
Ernst & Whinney merged with Arthur Young to create Ernst & Young in 1989. Ernst & Young is a global organization of member firms in 150 countries. It employs people which have professional skills and values of integrity, respect, teamwork, enthusiasm, and motivation. This forms the core values of Ernst & Young. This organization also has values of knowledge and skills development, helping around 284,000 employees achieve their potential through professional training and career growth programs. Ernst & Young offers assurance, advisory, tax, and specialty services. Ernst & Young earned $36.4 billion in 2019.
Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG)
KPMG is a global network of accounting firms that is providing audit, tax, advisory, special interest, and industry-specific services. It employs around 219,000 professionals working together to provide quality service in 154 countries around the world. KPMG earned $29.8 billion in 2019. This organization was formed in 1987 through the merger of Peat Marwick International and Klynveld Main Goerdeler (KMG). Likes other professional service organizations, KPMG places great value on its people and quality of service.