Top Accounting Firms in the World: Guide for Aspiring CPAs

So, you’re thinking about becoming an accountant—or maybe you’re already on your way and wondering, “What’s the dream firm I should be aiming for?” Whether you’re eyeing the big four accounting firms or want to find one of the fastest-growing accounting firms that aligns with your values, I’ve got you covered.

Accounting isn’t just about crunching numbers. These days, top accounting firms offer everything from consulting services to investment management and business valuation. So finding the right firm can make a huge difference in your career path—and your happiness.

Let’s walk through the largest accounting firms in the world right now (yes, including 2025 updates), what they offer, and why they matter.

Key Takeaways

• Big Four Still Reign: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG remain the dominant players, offering wide-ranging accounting services and global reach.
• PwC = Prestige: If prestige is what you’re after, PwC tops the list with a strong brand, elite clients, and career growth opportunities.
• Fastest Climbers in 2025: Cherry Bekaert and RRBB are gaining traction fast—perfect for those looking to grow with a firm on the rise.
• Workplace Culture Matters: Plante Moran, Crowe, and Moss Adams all made Fortune’s 2025 “Best Companies to Work For” list alongside the Big Four.
• It’s Not Just About Size: While the largest accounting firm has perks, many mid-sized firms offer strong consulting services and better work-life balance.

The Big Four Accounting Firms (Yes, They’re Still Dominating)

You’ve probably heard of them already—the Big Four. These are the firms that set the standard in the audit sector, tax services, advisory firms, and more. If you’re aiming high, this is where many accounting careers begin—and thrive.

1. Deloitte – The World’s Largest Accounting Firm

HQ Location: New York City, NY

Revenue: $33 Billion

Glassdoor Rating and Recommendation Rate: 3.9 Stars, 78%

Deloitte continues to hold the crown as the largest accounting firm in the world in 2025. Why? Because they’re everywhere, and they do everything.

Services offered:

• Audit services
• Tax services
• Financial advisory services
• Consulting services
• Risk advisory

Why aim for Deloitte?
Deloitte isn’t just about size—it’s about range. They work with multinational clients across dozens of industries, from healthcare to tech. If you want to learn it all, fast, this is a great place to do it.

I once talked to a Deloitte associate who said, “It’s like drinking from a firehose—but in a good way.” If you’re ready to hustle, Deloitte could be your home.

2. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) – The Second Largest Accounting Firm

HQ Location: New York City, NY

Revenue: $24.3 Billion

Glassdoor Rating and Recommendation Rate: 3.9 Stars, 73%

Coming in strong as the second-largest accounting firm, PwC is known for its polished brand and strong client relationships. You’ve probably seen their name on everything from Super Bowl ads to LinkedIn job alerts.

Services offered:

• Audit and assurance
• Consulting and strategy
• Tax services
• Transaction advisory services
• Professional services for financial institutions and middle market companies

What sets them apart?
PwC is big on career development. They’ve got strong mentorship programs and put a huge focus on employee training. If you’re someone who values structure and growth, they may be your best bet.

3. EY (Ernst & Young) – Innovation Meets Purpose

HQ Location: New York City, NY

Revenue: $24.1 Billion

Glassdoor Rating and Recommendation Rate: 3.8 Stars, 73%

EY (formerly Ernst & Young) has leaned hard into digital transformation and sustainability in recent years. And yes, they officially dropped the ampersand—but many people still say “Ernst & Young” anyway.

Services offered:

• Tax services
• Risk advisory
• Financial advisory services
• Consulting services
• Audit firms’ support for tech-forward clients

Why people love EY:
They’re serious about making the world better. I know that sounds like PR fluff, but EY walks the talk with sustainability consulting and global impact initiatives. It’s a great place for accountants who want their work to mean something.

4. KPMG – Quality Over Quantity

HQ Location: New York City, NY

Revenue: $15.2 Billion

Glassdoor Rating and Recommendation Rate: 3.8 Stars, 70%

KPMG might be the smallest of the Big Four, but that doesn’t mean they’re lacking in opportunity. In fact, some people prefer the tighter-knit culture compared to giants like Deloitte.

Services offered:

• Audit sector
• Tax services
• Consulting services
• Financial advisory services
• Business valuation

What makes KPMG different?
They’ve been pushing hard into middle-market companies, giving employees a chance to work more directly with clients. It’s a bit less “corporate skyscraper” and more “real-world impact.”

Fastest Growing Accounting Firms in 2025

Maybe you want to join a firm that’s still on its way up—somewhere you can make your mark early. Here are two accounting organizations making serious waves this year, according to a 2024 report from Accounting Today.

5. Cherry Bekaert – The Southern Powerhouse

HQ Location: Raleigh, NC

Revenue: $585 Million (Estimate)

Glassdoor Rating and Recommendation Rate: 3.5 Stars, 56%

Growth Rate: 99.7%

Cherry Bekaert has quietly become one of the fastest-growing accounting firms in the U.S., especially across the South and Southeast. With new service lines and a fresh focus on innovation, they’re expanding into new markets fast.

Known for:

• Strong focus on tax services and consulting services
• Rapid growth in the tech, government, and healthcare sectors
• A people-first culture with flexible work arrangements

Cherry Bekaert has also been making waves in transaction advisory services and working with middle-market companies. If you want to be part of a firm that’s growing quickly but still feels human-sized, they’re a solid option.

6. RRBB – Small Firm, Big Ambitions

HQ Location: Somerset, NJ

Revenue: $36.5 Million

Glassdoor Rating and Recommendation Rate: Too Few Reviews

Growth Rate: 86.4%

Based in New Jersey, RRBB might not be a household name (yet), but they’re making a big name for themselves thanks to smart leadership and a strong client-centered approach. They’ve been called one of the fastest growing accounting firms in 2025—and they’re just getting started.

Why RRBB?

• Tight-knit team with growing national recognition
• Expanding services in business valuation and financial advisory services
• Great for those looking to grow fast in a smaller firm setting

Think of RRBB as the kind of place where you can have real impact early on—without getting lost in the crowd. If you’re looking for quick career growth and close mentorship, this could be your launchpad.

Honorable Mentions: Firms That Made Fortune’s List (and Deserve Yours)

If you’re not sure the Big Four are your style, these firms have been recognized as some of the best places to work in the country—and not just by accountants. All three landed a spot on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2025, which says a lot about their culture, benefits, and career growth opportunities.

• Plante Moran – Known for their people-first values and outstanding mentorship programs. They’ve got one of the strongest workplace cultures in the industry.
• Crowe – A tech-forward firm with serious momentum. Crowe continues to attract top talent with flexible work, smart leadership, and exciting client work.
• Moss Adams – A West Coast favorite with a great mix of accounting services, consulting, and advisory work. Plus, their focus on work-life balance is the real deal.

Each of these firms offers competitive pay, meaningful work, and a supportive environment—making them great options if you’re looking beyond the Big Four but still want a top-tier career.

Global Standouts to Know

Want to work with multinational clients or launch an international career? These three global firms (just outside the Big Four) are major players worth watching:

• BDO Global – Operating in over 160 countries, BDO is the sixth-largest global professional services firm and known for a personalized, flexible approach.
• Grant Thornton International – A major name with strong reach in emerging markets. Great for accountants interested in middle-market companies and global exposure.
• Nexia International – A rising star in global accounting services, especially strong in audit and tax, with a growing footprint in Asia and Europe.

These international firms offer exciting alternatives for those dreaming of global careers without jumping straight into a Big Four firm.

So, What’s the Right Accounting Firm for You?

At the end of the day, choosing where you want to work isn’t just about who’s the biggest or who has the flashiest website. It’s about finding a place that matches your goals—whether that’s traveling the world, doing meaningful work, or mastering a specific niche like investment management or transaction advisory services.

Here’s what I’d consider if I were in your shoes:

• Want variety and prestige? ➡️ Look at Deloitte or PwC.
• Want purpose and innovation? ➡️ EY might be your match.
• Want a more personalized experience? ➡️ KPMG is solid.
• Want to grow with a firm? ➡️ Keep an eye on Cherry Bekaert or RRBB.
• Want a great place to work? ➡️ Consider Plante Moran, Crowe, or Moss Adams.

Final Thoughts

The world of professional services is always changing, but one thing’s for sure: accountants aren’t going out of style anytime soon. Whether you’re gunning for the largest accounting firm in the world or want to make a splash at one of the fastest-growing accounting firms, you’ve got options.

No matter where you land, just make sure it’s a place where you can grow, learn, and maybe even enjoy yourself a little. Good luck—your dream firm is out there.

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