What are the Big 4 audit firms and why are they so influential?

[Gaurav]

Hi everyone,
I keep hearing about the Big 4 audit firms in accounting and finance discussions. Can someone explain who they are and what makes them so dominant in the industry? I’m also curious about the kind of services they offer beyond auditing and why so many professionals aim to work for them. Any insights or experiences would be great to hear!

 

[peterkavinsky]

The Big 4 audit firms are Deloitte, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), EY (Ernst & Young), and KPMG. They are influential because they audit most of the world’s largest companies, offer global consulting services, set industry standards, and play a major role in financial reporting, risk management, and compliance worldwide.

 

[Sophie]

Global accounting is dominated by the Big 4 audit firms which include Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG. They are powerful in auditing the majority of large companies, consulting and are also involved in the development of international financial reporting and compliance.

 

[Shane Warne]

Deloitte, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), EY (Ernst and Young) and KPMG are the Big 4 audit firms. They are powerful; they audit the majority of the largest companies of the world, they establish international accounting standards, provide extensive consulting, taxes, as well as advisory services that issue business and financial practices of the entire world.

 

[erwinsmith]

The Big 4 audit firms are Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. They are powerful; they audit the majority of the world's largest firms, set worldwide accounting standards, and provide vast consulting, tax, and advice services that influence global business and financial practices.