Top Accounting Consulting Firms: Ranking the 10 Best Globally

Accounting consulting firms play a critical role in helping businesses navigate financial reporting, tax regulations, compliance, and strategic growth. For candidates, landing a role at one of the top accounting consulting firms is a major career milestone. Whether you’re evaluating the best accounting consulting firms for career opportunities or exploring industry leaders for services, knowing which firms stand out is essential. In this article, we will explore the top 10 firms, what they offer, and how to choose the right one for your goals.

TL;DR - What You Need to Know

• The top accounting consulting firms include PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, Mazars, Baker Tilly, Grant Thornton, Accenture, RSM, and BDO.
• The best accounting consulting firms provide audit, tax, risk management, digital transformation, and strategic advisory services for businesses worldwide.
• The Big 4 accounting firms dominate the industry with global scale, strong reputations, and structured career opportunities.
• Mid-tier and global accounting consulting firms differ in size, client focus, career growth, and specialization, offering unique benefits for candidates and clients.
• Choosing the right firm depends on factors like industry expertise, technology capabilities, global reach, and career development opportunities.

Who are the top 10 accounting consulting firms?

The top accounting consulting firms include PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, Mazars, Baker Tilly, Grant Thornton, Accenture, RSM, and BDO. These firms lead globally in audit, tax, and advisory services, offering financial expertise, regulatory compliance, and strategic consulting across industries for multinational corporations and growing businesses alike.

1. PwC

PwC is one of the largest global accounting consulting firms, serving clients in over 150 countries. It specializes in audit, tax, and advisory services while investing heavily in data analytics and digital transformation. PwC is known for its strong client portfolio and emphasis on sustainability and corporate governance.

2. Deloitte

Deloitte operates in more than 80 U.S. offices and across 150 countries worldwide. The firm provides a broad range of services, from financial assurance and tax to risk management and consulting. Deloitte is widely recognized for integrating technology into its financial solutions and for its industry-specific expertise.

3. KPMG

KPMG, headquartered in the Netherlands, is a key member of the Big 4. It delivers audit, tax, and advisory solutions with a strong emphasis on risk management and compliance. KPMG is also known for its focus on long-term client relationships and team-based approach to solving complex financial challenges.

4. EY

Ernst & Young (EY) combines accounting, audit, and advisory with strategy services through its EY-Parthenon division. It serves major multinational clients and is recognized for leadership in areas like sustainability, real estate, and digital finance. EY continues to play a major role in helping businesses adapt to regulatory change.

5. Mazars

Mazars, a Paris-based firm, delivers audit, tax, and advisory services in over 100 countries. Through its Forvis Mazars partnership in the United States, the firm has expanded global reach. Mazars emphasizes quality, precision, and innovation, particularly in tailoring financial strategies for diverse clients.

6. Baker Tilly

Baker Tilly, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the fastest-growing mid-tier firms. Its strength lies in advisory, assurance, and tax, with significant growth through mergers and acquisitions. Baker Tilly combines traditional accounting with modern technology to optimize financial performance for clients across industries.

7. Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton specializes in audit and advisory, particularly in the public sector and government space. It has established itself as a leader in compliance, regulatory guidance, and federal financial management. The firm’s expertise makes it a trusted advisor for organizations facing complex oversight requirements.

8. Accenture

While broader than traditional accounting firms, Accenture has a dedicated finance and accounting consulting division. It focuses on digital transformation, automation, and advanced analytics to modernize financial operations. Accenture helps clients turn accounting into a strategic driver of business value.

9. RSM

RSM serves primarily middle-market clients, providing audit, tax, risk, and advisory services. With a presence in more than 120 countries, it offers personalized solutions supported by strong industry expertise. RSM is known for its client-centric approach and its ability to bridge global capabilities with local business needs.

10. BDO

BDO ranks among the top global accounting networks, delivering audit, assurance, tax, and risk services. It serves a broad range of industries, leveraging innovation and analytics to improve efficiency. BDO’s global footprint and technical expertise make it a consistent choice for businesses seeking comprehensive accounting consulting.

What services do the best accounting consulting firms provide?

The best accounting consulting firms provide services such as audit and assurance, tax advisory, risk management, and financial consulting. They also offer digital transformation support, regulatory compliance guidance, and strategic advisory to help businesses improve efficiency, manage risks, and achieve long-term growth in competitive markets.

Accounting consulting firms are more than just auditors. They deliver a wide spectrum of services tailored to modern business challenges.

• Audit and assurance: Independent financial reviews to ensure accuracy and transparency in reporting.
• Tax advisory: Strategic planning to reduce liabilities while staying compliant with evolving tax regulations.
• Risk management consulting: Identifying financial and operational risks and creating mitigation strategies.
• Regulatory compliance: Helping organizations navigate frameworks like Sarbanes-Oxley or international reporting standards.
• Financial consulting: Advisory on mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and overall business strategy.
• Digital transformation in accounting: Integrating AI, automation, and advanced analytics to modernize financial operations.

For both global corporations and middle-market businesses, these services ensure financial integrity while enabling growth. Candidates entering the industry gain exposure to diverse functions, from financial reporting to technology-enabled advisory.

Who are the Big 4 accounting firms and why do they matter?

The Big 4 accounting firms are PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and EY. They matter because they dominate the global accounting consulting industry, offering audit, tax, and advisory services to major corporations. Their scale, resources, and expertise make them the most influential firms in shaping financial standards and corporate governance worldwide.

The Big 4 accounting firms are the largest professional services networks in the world. Each has a significant global footprint, serving industries from banking to technology.

• PwC: Known for financial reporting, audit, and sustainability initiatives.
• Deloitte: A leader in consulting, digital strategy, and financial assurance.
• KPMG: Strong in compliance, risk management, and client-focused advisory.
• EY: Offers a blend of assurance, tax, and strategy through EY-Parthenon.

Why they matter:

• They set industry benchmarks for audit and assurance practices.
• Their advisory services influence global mergers, acquisitions, and financial strategy.
• They are top employers for accounting and consulting candidates.

For aspiring consultants, joining a Big 4 firm means access to international clients, structured training, and strong career mobility.

How do global accounting consulting firms compare to mid-tier firms?

Global accounting consulting firms like the Big 4 dominate through their scale, multinational clients, and comprehensive services. Mid-tier firms such as Baker Tilly, Grant Thornton, and Mazars compete by focusing on personalized client service, middle-market expertise, and niche strengths, often offering faster responsibility for consultants and tailored advisory solutions.

Global firms are often the first choice for multinational corporations due to their vast resources, global networks, and strong reputations. They set industry standards in audit, tax, and assurance while leveraging advanced technology for efficiency.

Mid-tier firms, however, provide unique advantages:

• Closer client relationships and customized service delivery
• Faster career progression for consultants
• Strong regional presence with industry specialization
• Flexibility in adopting innovative solutions

For candidates, the choice depends on career goals. Global firms offer prestige and international exposure, while mid-tier firms provide earlier leadership opportunities and a stronger work-life balance.

Is BDO a top 10 accounting consulting firm?

Yes, BDO is recognized as a top 10 accounting consulting firm, ranking alongside PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and EY. With a strong global network, BDO provides audit, tax, risk, and advisory services across industries, consistently competing with larger firms by offering specialized expertise and client-focused solutions.

BDO operates in more than 160 countries and serves a diverse range of industries. It has developed a strong reputation for:

• High-quality audit and assurance services
• Tax planning and compliance strategies
• Risk management and advisory consulting
• Industry-focused insights tailored to clients

Compared to RSM, another major mid-tier firm, BDO is often seen as slightly larger in international presence. For clients, this means access to global expertise while maintaining personalized service. For candidates, BDO offers exposure to both multinational and middle-market clients, creating a balanced career path.

Which accounting consulting firm is best for careers?

The best accounting consulting firm for careers depends on your goals. Big 4 firms like PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and EY offer global exposure, structured training, and prestige. Mid-tier firms such as Grant Thornton or Baker Tilly provide faster promotions, closer mentorship, and opportunities to specialize early in your consulting path.

Career considerations include:

• Global firms: International assignments, extensive alumni networks, strong exit opportunities into finance and strategy roles.
• Mid-tier firms: Earlier responsibility, smaller client teams, and stronger work-life balance.
• Specialist firms: Unique exposure to niche industries or consulting functions.

For candidates, the choice often comes down to whether they value scale and brand recognition or prefer flexibility and hands-on growth. Both paths offer strong foundations for consulting careers.

How are accounting consulting firms driving digital transformation?

Accounting consulting firms are driving digital transformation by integrating automation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and cloud-based tools into financial operations. These technologies streamline reporting, enhance compliance, and allow firms to deliver deeper insights, helping businesses move beyond traditional accounting toward more strategic and data-driven decision-making.

Key ways firms drive transformation include:

• Automation: Reducing manual processes in bookkeeping, audit testing, and tax preparation.
• Artificial intelligence: Detecting anomalies, predicting financial risks, and improving forecasting accuracy.
• Cloud accounting platforms: Allowing real-time access to financial data for global teams.
• Data analytics: Turning large datasets into actionable insights for strategic planning.
• Cybersecurity integration: Protecting sensitive financial information in digital systems.

For clients, digital transformation improves efficiency, reduces compliance risks, and supports long-term growth strategies. For candidates, joining a firm with strong digital capabilities means exposure to cutting-edge tools and the chance to build future-ready consulting skills.

What factors should you consider when choosing an accounting consulting firm?

When choosing an accounting consulting firm, consider factors such as firm size, global reach, industry specialization, technology capabilities, and career development opportunities. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize prestige and resources of large firms or the flexibility, mentorship, and niche expertise of mid-tier and specialized firms.

Key factors to evaluate include:

• Firm reputation and scale: Global networks offer extensive resources and name recognition.
• Industry expertise: Some firms specialize in sectors like healthcare, energy, or government.
• Technology investment: Digital capabilities show commitment to modern financial practices.
• Career path: Training programs, mentorship, and promotion timelines vary by firm.
• Work-life balance: Smaller or mid-tier firms often provide greater flexibility.

For clients, these considerations ensure the firm can meet unique business needs. For candidates, they help determine the best long-term fit for career goals and personal priorities.

Final Thoughts

The world’s top accounting consulting firms shape financial reporting, compliance, and strategic growth for businesses of all sizes. From the Big 4 to mid-tier leaders, each firm offers unique strengths in assurance, tax, risk, and digital transformation. For candidates, choosing the right firm means balancing career growth, mentorship, and work-life priorities. For clients, it ensures access to expertise that drives long-term success. Whether you seek global scale or personalized service, evaluating the top accounting consulting firms helps you make informed decisions and position yourself or your business for future growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is McKinsey not Big 4?
A: McKinsey is not one of the Big 4 accounting firms because it focuses on strategy consulting, not audit, tax, or financial reporting services. The Big 4 accounting firms are Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG.

Q: What are the entry-level salaries at big firms?
A: Entry-level salaries at Big 4 accounting consulting firms typically range from $60,000 to $75,000 in the U.S., depending on location and service line such as audit, tax, or advisory services for businesses. 

Q: How did Big 8 become Big 4?
A: The Big 8 accounting firms became the Big 4 through a series of mergers in the 1980s and 1990s, leaving Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG as today’s leading global accounting consulting firms.

Q: What Big 4 firm pays the most?
A: Among the Big 4 accounting firms, PwC and Deloitte often offer the highest average pay, especially for roles in advisory and digital transformation in accounting, though salaries vary by city and specialization.

Q: Why is Accenture not Big 4?
A: Accenture is not a Big 4 firm because it is a management and technology consulting company, not an audit and tax advisory firm. Instead, Accenture competes with the best accounting consulting firms through digital and strategic consulting services.