Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and EY Accounting and Consulting Salary 2025 | Comparsion between USA, UK, Hong Kong, Australia

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As the landscape of professional services continues to evolve, a career with one of the Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG—remains an attractive prospect for many aspiring accountants and finance professionals. With their global reach and reputation for excellence, these firms not only offer unparalleled career development opportunities but also present a competitive salary package that varies significantly across regions.

Audit / Assurance

	USA (NYC)	UK	AUD	HK
Associate	61,000	41,600	28,350	29,538
Senior Associate	79,000	52,000	49,140	50,769
Manager	112,000	79,300	70,560	92,308
Senior Manager	151,000	91,000	75,600	110,769
Managing Director	274,000	122,200	113,400	153,846

Consulting

	USA (NYC)	UK	AUD	HK
Associate	88,000	46,800	42,210	29,538
Senior Associate	116,000	59,800	55,440	50,769
Manager	162,000	85,800	81,900	80,000
Senior Manager	220,000	120,900	94,500	109,231
Managing Director	396,000	201,500	126,000

FX Rate:

GBP = 1.3 USD / AUD = 0.63 USD / HKD = 0.128 USD

Compared with similar industries

1. Base Salary Comparisons

• Investment Banking: Salaries in investment banking are generally higher than those at the Big Four, especially at entry-level positions. Analyst roles at banks often start with base salaries that can exceed those in accounting, with additional bonuses that can significantly increase total compensation.
• Consulting: Management consulting firms tend to offer salaries comparable to or slightly higher than the Big Four, especially in firms like McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company. However, the total compensation may include larger bonuses, particularly at higher levels.
• Technology: Companies in the tech sector, such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook, often provide competitive salaries and significant stock options or other equity incentives. Entry-level positions in tech can match or exceed Big Four salaries, especially as roles become more specialized.
• Corporate Sector: Companies in industries like finance, pharmaceuticals, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) can offer salaries that rival those of the Big Four, particularly for finance or accounting roles. However, corporate jobs may often provide a better work-life balance.

2. Bonuses and Benefits

• Big Four firms typically offer performance bonuses, which can significantly enhance total compensation, although these bonuses are often smaller compared to those in investment banking and some consulting roles.
• Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities are standard in the Big Four and may be comparable to those in other industries.

3. Workload and Hours

• While salaries in the Big Four can be competitive, the workload and hours are often more intense than in many corporate roles. Long hours, especially during busy seasons, are common, which can affect overall job satisfaction and work-life balance.

4. Career Progression Opportunities

• The Big Four provide structured career progression with clear paths for advancement, which can lead to higher long-term earning potential compared to some industries where advancement may be less defined or slower.

5. Job Security and Market Demand

The accounting profession is generally stable, with consistent demand for skilled accountants. While industries fluctuate with market trends, accountants in the Big Four enjoy a degree of job security due to regulatory requirements for financial oversight.

Histories of the Big 4 Accounting firms:

Deloitte

• Founded: 1845
• Founder: William Welch Deloitte
• History: William Welch Deloitte established the firm in London as the first independent auditor. The firm expanded internationally in the late 20th century, merging with several entities, including Touche Ross in 1990. This expansion positioned Deloitte as a leader in audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

• Founded: 1998 (merger of Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand)
• Founders: Samuel Lowell Price and William Cooper
• History: Price Waterhouse was founded in 1845, and Coopers & Lybrand was established in 1854. The two firms merged in 1998 to form PwC, which has since grown to be one of the largest professional services firms globally, offering a range of services that include audit, tax, and advisory.

Ernst & Young (EY)

• Founded: 1989 (merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co.)
• Founders: Alwyn K. Ernst and Arthur Young
• History: Ernst & Whinney was formed in 1979 through the merger of Ernst & Ernst and Whinney Murray. Arthur Young & Co. was founded in 1906. The merger of these two firms in 1989 created EY, which has played a significant role in shaping the accounting landscape and has continued to expand its global reach through various acquisitions.

KPMG

• Founded: 1987 (merger of Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler)
• Founders: William Barclay Peat, Piet Klynveld, and others
• History: The roots of KPMG trace back to the founding of William Barclay Peat & Co. in 1869. Multiple mergers over the years, including that of Klynveld Main Goerdeler in 1987, led to the formation of KPMG. The firm specializes in audit, tax, and advisory services and has established a strong global presence.