The quality of a CPA firm can be the determining factor for everything else. A good CPA firm gives clarity, trust, and peace of mind, whether you are running a business or filing taxes. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top CPA firms in the industry, providing services like audit, tax planning, financial consulting, and advisory services.
Top 4 CPA Firms in the World
Top firms in the CPA world are known as the Big Four. These huge firms operate on all fronts in the accounting industry in the world. They funnel their services to the greatest companies and state bodies. The firms are widespread, with offices in hundreds of countries, attracting the best talent, while knowing all this helps you understand the highest standards in the CPA field.
Deloitte
Deloitte is the largest of all CPA firms. It offers audit, consulting, and tax services. It operates in more than 150 countries.
- Strong focus on digital finance
- Offers high-level risk advisory
- Major client base in tech and banking
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Another name that rings a bell is PwC. In fact, it has very close roots in tax and consulting. It serves both global and local clients.
- The great workplace for CPA professionals
- Strong ethics and compliance systems
- Offices in 150+ countries.
Ernst & Young (EY)
Well, the firm has its roots well established in audit and assurance. It brings forth trust with the investor and public.
- Very high on sustainability and innovation
- Gives very revolutionary services in digital taxation
- Big time into mergers and acquisitions
KPMG
Less in number compared to others but has a robust base in audit and risk management.
- Well-known for its quality checks
- Works with government and big business
- Be there for the new-age finance, like crypto.
All four firms complete the list of top 10 CPA firms in the world. They offer strong career options and trusted services.
Top CPA Firms in US Besides Big Four
On a global platform, four big CPA firms stand in the forefront. But there are many other CPA firms operating in the U.S. These firms know how to service the mid-to-large businesses with great industry knowledge. When there is more client focus and competitive pricing, learn about the top CPA firms in the US besides the Big Four.
- RSM US LLP: A middle-market-oriented firm, RSM provides tax auditing and consulting services.
- Grant Thornton LLP: It provides solid assurance and advisory services and prides itself on a people-first approach.
- BDO USA LLP: With roots around the world, BDO operates in more than 160 territories and countries. It provides clients with help in compliance, tax, and digital transformation.
Other notable names in the top 25 CPA firms list:
- CBIZ & MHM
- Clifton Larson Allen (CLA)
- Crowe LLP
- Baker Tilly US
These may not be the largest firms, yet they deliver quality. Many rank in the top 10 CPA firms in terms of service delivery to their clients.
Top CPA Firms in India
India has a range of CPA and CA firms that offer international-quality services. These firms can cater to business requirements for any size business, from financial or technical to manufacturing. Many have international clients that follow the international norms of operation. It helps in the overall business or career decision making to know about the top CPA firms around India.
Major CPA Firms in India
Indian students and firms seeking their best choices of CPA firms in India can look at these for work or partnership.
- S.R. Batliboi & Co. LLP (member of EY): Has a high ranking among CPA firms in India. It has a strong audit and tax service.
- BSR & Co. LLP (associated with KPMG): Has great references for audit and M&A assistance.
- Walker Chandiok & Co. LLP (with Grant Thornton India): Complete audit, risk, and tax offerings.
- Nangia Andersen LLP: Growing rapidly as one of the CPA firms in India for taxation and legal advisory.
- Lodha & Co.: Very trusted in audit and risk.
What Makes CPA Firms Rank Among the Top?
Not every CPA firm has the required foundation to get branded as the best. The top CPA firms in the USA become top-rated with a combination of size, revenue, client base, and quality of services. Most of these firms, therefore, provide a wide array of services to their biggest clients in banking, health, tech, or the public sector.
Revenue and Size
Here is a clear sign of a top firm: the amount of money it makes. The top 25 CPA firms usually have billions in revenues. They serve clients all around the world and hire thousands of people.
For example:
| Firm Name | Annual Revenue | No. of Employees |
| Deloitte | $65B+ | 400,000+ |
| PwC | $53B+ | 328,000+ |
| EY | $49B+ | 365,000+ |
| KPMG | $36B+ | 265,000+ |
These four are known as the top 4 CPA firms.
Services and Reach
Top firms provide numerous services. Some examples include
- Tax preparation and filing
- Auditing financial records
- Risk and compliance advisory
- International business support
Payroll and Bookkeeping
A top CPA firm in the USA often has offices in several cities. Some are even operating in 100+ countries.
Client Portfolio
Firms become leaders by serving top companies. Most of the top CPA firms in the USA have Fortune 500 clients. They also work with start-ups, governments, and nonprofits.
Talent and Training
These are the good firms that hire the smart and pay them really well. They train really well too. The best firms will really make employees.
How to Choose Among the Top CPA Firms?
Choosing the right CPA firm is an important step for a business or for an individual career. Not every firm has the same services, nor do the firms fit everybody’s needs. There are some key parameters that one must consider before one chooses. Just knowing the names would not be enough. Choose the ones that cater to your needs. Some things would matter more if you were a student, a business in search of a good CPA, or an investor.
Factors to Look For:
- Services You Need: Are you just needing tax filing or audits as well? If full service was required, firms like PwC or BDO may better fit the bill.
- Industry Expertise: Some firms tend to be more tech-oriented. Others operate on real estate and healthcare. Match the firm you want to your field.
- Location: If regular face-time is of the essence, you would want to choose a firm that is situated close by. Most of the top CPA firms in the United States maintain local offices.
- Client Reviews: You should check what others say about the firm. Trust is essential in finance.
- Price and Fees: Top firms tend to charge high fees. Smaller top 25 CPA firms are defined by their value.
Benefits of Working with a Top CPA Firm
There are several benefits that a person can have by working with the top CPA firms when it comes to impromptu assistance in accounting. They involve not only in-depth knowledge but also the best proven theoretical systems and teams to help you with the best use of money under the most rigorous of laws and under high-speed growth. A top CPA firm is an institution, not only in filing for tax compliance. It is a truly therapeutic guide for your money, growth, and legal safety.
Some definite advantages are as follows:
- Trust: Big firms have big rules.
- Expert Team: You get skilled help for every task.
- New technology: The top firms tend to use new technology for quick and clean work.
- Planning Ahead: They help you plan not only for taxes but also for growth.
Top CPA Firms FAQs
1. What are the 4 leading CPA firms?
The top four CPA firms are Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. These four are globally known for offering services in auditing, taxation, and consultancy.
2. Which is the best firm for a CPA?
Deloitte usually tops the list as the best with its learning and global opportunities. The programs are excellent for training and exposing one to not-so-small clients.
3. Who is the biggest CPA firm?
Deloitte is umbilically the largest CPA firm while looking at revenues and its people. The net is spread across more than 150 countries and serves several of the world’s top brands.
4. Which CPA firm pays the most?
PwC and Deloitte are known to pay the highest salary to a CPA. Other than payments, they also offer bonuses, help with learning, and rapid climbing of the career ladder.
5. Is CPA a high-paying job?
Yes, among the big three, CPA is one of the highest paying in finance careers today. Fast growth in salaries happens with experience, certifications, and prestige of the firm.
