Big 4 Companies in India – Salary, Culture, Growth & More!

The Big 4 — Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG — have long been recognized as global leaders in audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services. In India, these industry giants have not only established a powerful presence but are also driving significant economic growth. Their continuous expansion reflects a booming demand for high-quality services, making them some of the most sought-after employers for ambitious professionals.

In FY 2024, the Big 4 companies in India are projected to generate a staggering ₹38,500 crore to ₹38,800 crore ($4.67 billion), marking a robust growth from the previous year. As the country’s demand for consulting and tech services rises, these firms are positioned to exceed ₹45,000 crore in revenue by FY 2025. This surge is fueled by advisory services, with global capability centers (GCCs) becoming key contributors to their success.

But it’s not just about revenue. These firms are also some of the largest employers in India, with Deloitte and EY employing around 100,000 people each, PwC around 50,000, and KPMG over 40,000. With their growth targets, such as Deloitte’s goal to reach ₹20,000 crore in revenue by 2027 and PwC’s plan to hire 30,000 new employees, the Big 4 are offering thousands of opportunities for young professionals eager to make their mark.

For those looking to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment with access to global clients and diverse industries, the Big 4 represent not just a job, but a launchpad for career advancement and leadership roles. The prestige of working with a Big 4 firm provides invaluable experience, shaping the next generation of leaders in India’s dynamic business world.

In this blog we will explore each firm in detail. Let get starteg!

Who Are the Big 4?

The Big 4 refers to the four largest professional services firms in the world.

They dominate the industry in auditing, accounting, consulting, and advisory services.

These companies are:

• Deloitte
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• Ernst & Young (EY)
• KPMG
  

These firms work with major corporations, governments, and high-net-worth individuals, offering services like financial auditing, management consulting, legal advice, tax consulting, and risk advisory.

They have offices in hundreds of cities worldwide and employ hundreds of thousands of professionals.

The Big 4 Companies in India are renowned for their prestige, global presence, and the exceptional career opportunities they offer to both freshers and experienced professionals.

What Do They Do?

Although each of the Big 4 has its strengths, they provide the same general set of services — customized to prepare businesses for compliance, growth, and strategic guidance:

Audit & Assurance:

The Big 4 companies in India promote financial transparency and trust building by ensuring business accounts through systematic audits. This ensures Ind AS and global standards like IFRS. They audit organizations of all sizes, from startups to multinationals.

Divisions

Financial Statement Audit, Internal Audit, Forensic & Investigative Services, Risk Advisory.

Taxation

Their tax experts handle corporate tax advisory services, GST structuring, international tax compliance, transfer pricing, and tax litigation. They help businesses become tax-compliant in India’s evolving digital tax landscape.

Divisions

Corporate accounting Tax, International Tax, Personal Tax, Indirect Tax.

Financial Advisory

Their advisory services help companies navigate mergers, acquisitions, valuations, due diligence, and fundraising. From assisting new start-ups to go public to leading billion-dollar cross-border transactions, Big 4 is the partner of choice in financial development.

Divisions

M&A, Restructuring, Valuation, Private Equity.

Consulting

The Big 4 companies in India assist organizations in resolving complex issues, from developing digital transformation strategies to optimizing supply chains, deploying IT, and crafting M&A strategies. They also provide organizational redesign solutions for Indian and international businesses.

Divisions

Business Consulting, Technology Consulting, People Advisory Services.

Big 4 Companies in India: Detailed Review

The Big 4 accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—hold considerable influence in India’s economic landscape, offering comprehensive services tailored to the country’s domestic needs.

1. Deloitte India

Deloitte is the world’s most prominent and most well-respected professional services network. Deloitte was established in India in 1976 by partnering with Gupta Choudhury & Ghosh, starting its long relationship with Indian enterprises. Deloitte has 13 offices in Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. 

Deloitte has a global workforce of 457,000 employees and a revenue of $64.9 billion. Deloitte India offers services to its clients across various industry sectors, including technology, financial services, consumer business, manufacturing, and energy. Deloitte has a presence at all business levels, from mentoring startups and multinational corporations to the government.

Additionally, Deloitte India has a rich history, having evolved from an association of indigenous firms with roots dating back to the early 20th century. Notably among its legacy firms are S.B. Billimoria & Co., established in 1902, and C.C. Chokshi & Co., founded in 1940. 

Deloitte, one of the top Big 4 Companies in India has a large number of professionals distributed across thirteen offices in major locations, including Mumbai, Delhi/NCR, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune, and Chennai, with a diverse client base. Its sectors of focus in India are technology, financial services (banking, insurance), and consumer business (retail, automobile).

Key Services:

• Audit & Assurance: Offering statutory audit, internal audit, and accounting advisory services. For example, helping businesses achieve compliance with Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) and the Companies Act, 2013.
• Consulting: Providing strategy, operations, technology, and human capital capabilities. An example would be advising Indian manufacturing firms to adopt digital transformation strategies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
• Tax: Offering direct and indirect tax solutions through tax planning, regulatory affairs, and transfer pricing. They provide multinational corporations with guidance on dealing with India’s intricate tax legislation and minimizing their tax burden.
• Risk Advisory: This service enables organizations to identify, analyze, and mitigate various risks, including cybersecurity threats, regulatory risks, and financial risks. For instance, it assists Indian banks in enhancing risk management systems under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directives.
• Financial Advisory: Providing restructuring, valuation, and mergers and acquisitions services. They help Indian companies raise capital by listing on the stock market through IPOs or private equity investments.

Career Opportunities:

• Analyst/Consultant: 1–2 yrs | Research & report support | ₹4–7 LPA
• Senior Analyst/Consultant: 2–4 yrs | Project delivery & client handling | ₹13–18 LPA
• Assistant Manager/Manager: 4–6 yrs | Lead teams & manage clients | ₹20–30 LPA
• Senior Manager: 8–10 yrs | Project, client, and business management | ₹30+ LPA
• Associate Director/Director: 10–12 yrs | Strategic client & team leadership | ₹40–70 LPA
• Partner/Managing Director: 15+ yrs | Firm leadership & major client influence | ₹1.5 Cr+
• Chairperson/Country Head: 30+ yrs | Full strategic control & leadership | ₹40–45 Cr+

2. PwC India (PricewaterhouseCoopers)

PwC, or PricewaterhouseCoopers, has roots in 1880 in India when Price Waterhouse & Co. established its first office in Kolkata. Internationally, the PwC name was formed after the merger of Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand in 1998. With its headquarters in London, PwC is the second-largest professional services network globally, operating in 151 countries. PwC India has thousands of professionals operating in 27 offices in prominent Indian cities. As one of the Big 4 Companies in India, PwC has made a significant impact on the professional services sector in the country.

PwC’s India practice spans various industries, including infrastructure, healthcare, power and energy, and financial services. With 360,000 employees and global revenues of $53.1 billion, PwC delivers services across Assurance, Tax & Regulatory Services, Consulting, and Deals. PwC India’s holistic approach enables businesses to maximize their strategies, from tax compliance to mergers and expansion worldwide.

PwC India has a wide presence in key Indian metropolitan cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. PwC’s industry focus in India is on the infrastructure, healthcare, and energy sectors, which indicates growth and potential within these respective areas.

Key Services:

• Assurance: Audit of financial statements, sustainability reporting, and review of internal control. They enable Indian companies to increase transparency and create stakeholder confidence through credible financial reporting.
• Tax & Regulatory Services: Providing direct and indirect taxes, international taxation, and regulatory compliance services. PwC helps companies grasp and adapt to India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
• Consulting: Offering advisory services in management, technology, and deal consulting. They assist Indian infrastructure businesses in developing sustainable business models and optimizing project efficiency.
• Transactions: PwC advises clients on mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, including due diligence and valuation. It also advises local and foreign investors on investment opportunities across various industries, including Indian healthcare.

Career Opportunities:

• Analyst/Associate: 1–2 yrs | Data analysis & documentation | ₹4–7 LPA
• Senior Associate: 2–4 yrs | Project delivery & client handling | ₹13–18 LPA
• Manager: 4–6 yrs | Team management & client relations | ₹20–30 LPA
• Director: 10–12 yrs | Strategic leadership & business growth | ₹40–70 LPA
• Partner/Managing Director: 15+ yrs | Firm ownership & strategy leadership | ₹1.5 Cr+ (up to ₹7.5–25 Cr)
• Chairperson/Country Head: 30+ yrs | National leadership & major strategic control | ₹40–45 Cr+

3. EY India (Ernst & Young)

EY (Ernst & Young) has strong roots in India, dating back to 1914, when Sorabji R. Batliboi opened its first office in Kolkata. EY came into existence globally through the 1989 merger of Arthur Young & Co. and Ernst & Whinney. The firm is headquartered in London and operates in over 150 countries worldwide. EY India has experienced robust growth, with significant investments in hiring, technology, and knowledge centers. As one of the Big 4 Companies in India, EY plays a significant role in the country’s professional services landscape.

EY has 15 offices across India and is closely associated with the country’s leading businesses across various industries, including startups, private equity, manufacturing, and financial services. EY has a global employee base of 395,442 and revenues of $49.4 billion. The firm offers Assurance, Tax, Consulting, Strategy, and Transaction services. EY India is renowned for consulting with early-stage startups and unicorns, as well as providing corporate restructuring and M&A advisory services.

EY India has been showing a robust growth path and remains committed to investing in developing its capabilities and individuals in the Indian market.

Key Services:

• Assurance: Offering financial audit services, fraud examinations, and sustainability assurance. EY assists Indian companies in enhancing the quality of their financial reporting and preventing and detecting fraud.
• Tax: Providing various tax services such as corporate tax, international tax, and indirect tax. They consult Indian start-ups on tax incentives, including compliance requirements.
• Consulting: Consulting in business, technology, and risk consulting. EY guides Indian manufacturing industries in executing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for optimal operation efficiency.
• Strategy and Transactions: Rendering services in mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and capital markets. They guide private equity firms on the investment approach to the Indian market.

Career Opportunities:

• Analyst/Associate: Entry-level (1-2 years) | Data analysis & support | ₹4-7 LPA
• Associate/Senior Analyst: 2-4 years | Project delivery, client interaction, mentoring | ₹13-18 LPA
• Manager: 4-6 years | Lead teams, client relationships, high-quality output | ₹20-30 LPA
• Associate Partner/Director: 10-12 years | Strategic client management & business development | ₹40-70 LPA
• Partner: 15+ years | Firm ownership, strategic influence, client relations | ₹1.5 Cr+ (up to ₹7.5 Cr–₹25 Cr with equity)
• Chairperson/Country Head: 30+ years | Senior leadership, business strategy | ₹40-45 Cr+ with equity

4. KPMG India

KPMG came into existence following a landmark merger of Peat Marwick International and Klynveld Main Goerdeler in 1987, establishing one of the world’s most recognized professional services firms. KPMG was established as a joint venture with the Indian audit firm BSR & Co in 1993. With a presence in over 145 countries, KPMG is committed to helping companies strike a balance between innovation and regulation. As one of the Big 4 Companies in India, KPMG continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s business environment.

With 14 offices in India, KPMG provides services to a range of industries, including the government and public sector, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Defined by its quality focus and regulatory adherence, KPMG has 273,000 professionals globally and recorded revenues of $36 billion worldwide.

KPMG India is firmly established in Bengaluru, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kochi, Noida, Kolkata, and Pune. Its industry focus in India is on the government and public sector, as well as pharmaceuticals, which are sectors of high activity and regulation in India.

Key Services:

• Audit: Conducted by BSR & Co., which specializes in statutory audit and regulatory compliance. They ensure that Indian companies comply with the required accounting services and auditing standards.
• Tax: Offering direct and indirect tax advisory and compliance services. KPMG helps companies navigate the complexities of the Indian tax landscape, encompassing income tax and GST.
• Advisory: Encompassing management consulting, risk consulting, and deal advisory. They advise government and public sector clients in India on improving efficiency and implementing strategic programs.

Career Opportunities:

• Analyst/Associate: Entry-level (1-2 years) | Data analysis, research, documentation | ₹4-7 LPA
• Senior Associate: 2-4 years | Increased responsibility, mentoring, client interaction | ₹13-18 LPA
• Assistant Manager/Manager: 4-6 years | Lead teams, quality review, client relationships | ₹20-30 LPA
• Senior Manager: 8-10 years | Strong client relationships, project management, business development | ₹30+ LPA
• Director/Associate Director: 10-12 years | Client handling, business development, strategy leadership | ₹40-70 LPA
• Partner: 15+ years | Firm ownership, strategic direction, client relationships | ₹1.5 Cr+ (equity included)
• Country Head/Chairperson: 30+ years | Leadership, strategy, overall accountability | ₹40-45 Cr+ (equity included)

Who Gets Hired in the Big 4 Companies?

The Big 4 firms in India recruit professionals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, focusing on expertise and growth potential. Common profiles include:

• Chartered Accountants (CAs): Essential for Audit & Assurance and Tax practices, especially those with a deep understanding of Indian accounting and tax laws.
• MBAs: With specializations in finance, marketing, operations, or HR, particularly sought after for Consulting and Financial Advisory roles.
• Engineers: Especially in fields like Computer Science, IT, and Electronics, needed for Consulting and Risk Advisory, focusing on technology and digital transformation.
• Other Graduates: B.Com, BBA, BA Economics, B.Sc. Statistics, and Mathematics graduates are also hired, especially for entry-level roles in consulting, audit, and tax.
• Professionals with Special Certifications: Such as ACCA, CMA, CFA, and CPA, which enhance profiles for specific roles like finance and advisory.
• Technologically Savvy Individuals: Those skilled in data analytics, cloud computing, AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies, essential for modern consulting and tech-driven roles.

What’s the Work Culture In Big 4 Companies 

The Big 4 Companies in India offer challenging professional careers for ambitious professionals seeking high-growth prospects and rewarding jobs. Their work environment is characterized by highly dynamic settings, international exposure, and a high regard for professional growth.

• Challenging and Fast-Paced: The workplace is usually fast-paced, fueled by client and project deadlines. Be prepared for challenging situations, especially during peak seasons, by developing effective stress management and time management skills. Proactiveness and adaptability are essential for survival.
• Global Exposure and Cooperation: You’ll frequently work on projects with international customers and global teams. This will expose you to various business practices and sharpen your cross-cultural communication skills. The firms utilize global methodologies and tools, which offer a broad perspective.
• Focus on Professional Development: Training and learning are always encouraged, and significant investment is made in training workshops and certifications. Look forward to plenty of opportunities to develop your technical and interpersonal skills through formal education and on-the-job training. Career counseling and mentoring are usually offered.
• Merit-Based and Results-Oriented: Career advancement within the company is typically performance and talent-oriented. Hard work, effort, and good performance are appreciated and rewarded with promotions and added responsibilities. Result-oriented cultures and going beyond expectations are common.
• Team-Based and Client-Focused: Emphasis on providing outstanding service to clients and a need to work in a team-based and collaborative mode. Excellence depends on practical working within multi-background teams and establishing strong client relationships. Problem-solving ability and a strong service ethos are imperative.
• Emphasis on Ethics and Integrity: Due to the nature of their services, the Big 4 companies in India place a strong focus on ethical behavior and professional integrity. Complete compliance with stringent ethical standards and regulators is of utmost significance in every client relationship and internal activity. Transparency and trust are fundamental values.

Selecting a Big 4 Firm in India

Selecting the appropriate Big 4 Companies in India as a future client or employee requires prudent consideration of several factors, as each firm has its strengths and areas of emphasis. Understanding these subtleties can result in a more harmonious and successful relationship or career path. The following are the five most important considerations in selecting a Big 4 company in India:

• Specific Service Line Expertise: Assess the firm’s reputation and degree of expertise in the service you need (e.g., audit, tax, consulting, deals). Some firms are more proficient in a particular area or possess more robust industry expertise that could be better suited to your needs or professional objectives. For example, if you are a technology start-up requiring advisory services, a company with a reputation for work involving emerging technology will likely be a better option.
• Industry Experience and Specialization: Consider the firm’s experience and expertise in your particular industry. Firms will tend to buy specialist sector knowledge, which can be profoundly valuable for clients requiring specialist solutions and employees who wish to become specialists. For instance, if you are in the financial services industry, a firm with significant financial clients and regulatory expertise may be an ideal choice.
• Work Culture and Values (for Employees): Investigate each company’s work culture, employee sentiment, and values to find an environment that aligns with your needs. Work-life balance, learning, collaboration, and leadership will differ. Interview current or past employees about their day-to-day experience working for every company.
• Geographic Reach and Network: Consider the location of the firm’s office and its network in India. A firm with wide locations in your target market will be more convenient and knowledgeable locally.
• Firm Reputation and Client Portfolio: Consider the firm’s reputation in the Indian market in general and its current client base. A reputable firm with a wide client base indicates stability and a broad experience base. For clients, association with a strong firm will gain credibility, while it can mean high-profile exposure for staff.

Conclusion

The Big 4 companies in India are the cornerstones of the professional services market, providing a variety of excellence and high career opportunities. The selection of the right firm, whether as a client or an employee, is based on a comprehensive analysis of its service excellence, industry expertise, workplace, and geographic presence. 

Though these companies provide unmatched growth, exposure, and meaningful work, they also generally come with a high-energy and challenging environment. Next-generation business professionals and companies must weigh the potential benefits against the inherent obstacles, ensuring their personal or corporate needs align with the firm’s individualized nature.

FAQs

What are the standard entry-level credentials for a Big 4 company in India?

Generally, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as accounting, finance, commerce, or engineering, is required. Professional certifications such as CA, ACCA, or MBA can enhance your prospects. Most firms also hire graduates with excellent analytical and quantitative abilities.

In what ways do the Big 4 companies in India vary in their consulting specialization?

Although they all provide general consulting services, certain companies may have better reputations or larger teams in a particular area, such as technology consulting, management strategy, or financial advisory services. Analyzing their latest projects and awards within the industry can help shed light.

What is the usual career path like in an Indian Big 4 firm?

The typical career path is to progress from Analyst to Associate, then to Manager, Senior Manager, Director/Associate Partner, and finally to Partner. The tenure is performance-driven, and it takes approximately 10-15 years to reach the partner level.

Are there international assignments or travel opportunities while working with Big 4 companies in India?

Yes, there are chances of international travel and assignments emerging, especially for client work with multinational clients or for development projects. However, these may differ based on the service line and firm-wide global requirements.

How are Big Four compensation packages in India relative to other professional services firms?

The Big 4 Companies in India tend to have competitive compensation packages, particularly at the entry and middle levels. These packages are typically similar to or slightly more favorable than those of other large professional services firms in India. Compensation takes off sharply at senior management and partner levels.