What is Big 4 accounting?

In accounting, the Big 4 refers to the four largest public accounting and auditing firms: These certified public accounting (CPA) firms perform a majority of the audits required of U.S. corporations having stock that is publicly traded.

Who are the Big 4 audit firms?

Ranked by 2020 revenue figures, the Big 4 are Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Deloitte), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY) and Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), respectively. These firms handle a majority of the audits for United States corporations with publicly traded stock.

What does a big four firm do?

Each Big Four company has a diverse staff armed with varying levels of expertise to meet their client's needs. In general, Big Four firms all provide audit, assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, and tax compliance services. Each firm also assists with mergers, acquisitions, corporate restructurings, and forensic accounting.

How does the Big 4 work?

The Big 4 rely on a global network of independently owned and managed firms that agree to share the common name, standards and brand of the Big 4. A firm working under the name of the Big 4 will typically operate in only one country and comply with that country’s regulatory laws.