PwC tops big four consulting firms for most M&A work (2024)

FAQs

Which Big 4 is best for M&A? ›

Australia's largest professional services firm, PwC, has clocked up the most M&A work of the big four consulting outfits this year, new rankings by GlobalData show.

Very hard indeed. A recent article in The Time exploring the Big Four (and KPMG, especially) revealed that PwC had an acceptance rate in 2022 of approximately 2.5%, based on the 304,000 applications it received to its 7,500 roles (including 2,000 entry level ones).

Ranked as the most prestigious accounting firm by Vault for seven straight years, PwC boasts the largest audit fees and biggest number of Fortune 100 audit clients.

In general, PwC and Deloitte are considered the most prestigious of the Big 4. If you ask most people about prestige, they'll probably rank PwC/Deloitte > EY > KPMG. This is reflected in pricing, for example. Big 4 will compete with each other on pricing.

A quick overview of the firms

PwC is the largest by revenue and the most prestigious of the Big Four with a strong and established audit client base. Deloitte is just a fraction smaller than PwC.

Yes, PwC employees are usually not “lifers” and candidates join PwC to prepare them for something else they want to do long-term. Adding PwC to your resume is a huge asset because of the brand name and sets you up for varied exit opportunities.

For example, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and recommended to be pursuing a degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.

Within the Big 4 firms, Deloitte is generally considered to be the most prestigious and KPMG the least prestigious. PwC and EY are at a similar level of prestige.

PwC's biggest client, Bank of China, said in June it shortened a services agreement. It has yet to mandate a new auditor.

Why is Deloitte better than PwC? ›

Deloitte scored higher in 9 areas: Overall Rating, Culture & Values, Diversity & Inclusion, Work-life balance, Senior Management, Compensation & Benefits, Career Opportunities, Recommend to a friend and Positive Business Outlook. PwC scored higher in 1 area: CEO Approval.

Which big 4 accounting firm pays the most? Well it depends on which practice you want to go into. If you want to make the most money in consulting, Deloitte pays the best. However if you want to make the most money in auditing or tax PwC is likely your best bet.

PwC is known for its commitment to trust, transparency, responsible leadership, and community service.

Service Offerings. While all of the Big Four firms offer auditing, tax, consulting, and advisory services, they each have slightly different strengths and specializations: PwC is known for auditing and financial advisory services. Deloitte has significant consulting and technology implementation capabilities.

Practicing mergers and acquisitions requires a strong proficiency in accounting, finance, law, strategy, and business. While it is not necessary to have an advanced degree, many M&A professionals have MBAs, and less frequently, law degrees.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are most common in the healthcare, technology, financial services, and retail sectors.

In 2023, Goldman Sachs Group was the leading financial advisor to merger and acquisition (M&A) deals worldwide and managed M&A deals worth nearly 900 million U.S. dollars.