Top Accounting Firms in the U.S.: Review of the Largest CPA Firms

When you see something at the top, you often expect to find the best of the best. And you’d be right — here, we’ve gathered the best accounting firms in the U.S. What makes them so special? What services do they offer, and which industries do they serve? We’ll answer all these questions. We’ll take your hand and walk you through the world of accounting giants, like the “Big Four”. Don’t worry — we’re here to explain everything as simply as possible. Let’s start!

Key takeaways:

1. Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG are known as the “Big Four” accounting firms, dominating the industry with their global presence and wide range of services.
2. Beyond the “Big Four,” firms like Grant Thornton, BDO USA, and RSM US play significant roles in the US economy, providing diverse services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses and individuals.
3. Other accounting firms can be divided into 3 categories: middle market, innovations and advisory, personal service. 

Contents

How were the firms selected?

There are around 87,261 accounting firms in the US and creating a top from this number isn’t a simple task. First, we will highlight the “Big Four”, whose reputation is undeniable, and then provide you with a list of companies we have selected. From rankings to public financial records, there are many ways to choose the top firms, but we’ve gone the extra mile for you. 

Our list is the result of a deep dive into the numbers — revenues, employee counts, and more. We also considered the diversity and breadth of their client portfolio, the range of services provided, reputation, awards received, level of innovation and adoption of digital technology. 

So, this top list is far from random — it was created with great precision for you. Without further ado, let’s begin!

The “Big Four” 

Not to be confused with the Fantastic Four, even though the members of the “Big Four” in the world of accounting firms are also kind of superheroes. You definitely heard about them:

• Deloitte LLP;
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC);
• Ernst & Young (EY);
• KPMG LLP.

These firms dominate the accounting industry not only in the US, but globally. They’re not just the biggest accounting firms, they’re giants. With offices in most major cities worldwide, they work with multinational companies and handle international operations, offering reliable services everywhere. 

But we’ll keep our overview brief, because, in reality, these firms are quite similar in many areas. They offer comparable services as they work in the same sphere. You might ask: what about different industries? Think of any major field — government, higher education, healthcare, or energy,the “Big Four” work across these sectors and more. 

What makes these firms stand out and how do they attract their clientele? Let’s see.

Deloitte LLP

It’s no surprise that this firm ended up at number 1 on our list. Deloitte LLP is the US member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL). This UK private company is by far the top accounting firm worldwide. With its headquarters in New York City, Deloitte is the trusted partner for nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 companies and countless private businesses worldwide.  

Deloitte has the latest technologies and decades of expertise, the company provides top-notch assistance to its partners. It’s also known for its involvement in charitable and social events, as well as its commitment to environmental causes. Every year, Deloitte continues to grow and evolve, consistently maintaining its position as the top international accounting firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

PricewaterhouseCoopers or PwC in short works with the best of the best. In 2023, 87% of Global Fortune 500 companies turned to PwC for expertise. With hundreds of thousands of professionals in 151 countries, their reach is as vast as their impact.

No matter the sector – PwC hasn’t missed a single industry. The accountants of this company are seasoned and can help their clients regardless of the field. PwC’s approach is centered around helping businesses achieve their goals by building the right relationships, exploring the most promising options, and providing the insights that shape strategies and drive revenues.

Ernst & Young (EY)

Ernst & Young (EY) is a global accounting giant, headquartered in London, with a strong U.S. presence and offices spanning the globe. Offering a wide range of professional services, EY ensures customers receive support, no matter the challenge.

EY serves a diverse client base, including start-ups, governmental agencies, nonprofits, and large corporations. For example, they work with Coca-Cola and Hilton. Not bad, right? What’s more, EY is known for its use of latest technologies, like AI and blockchain, which sets them apart as industry pioneers.

KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP, the U.S. arm of KPMG International — a global Swiss heavyweight in accounting — serves businesses across 16 diverse industry sectors. What sets KPMG apart? It’s their commitment to people, values, and a culture that embraces diversity and community responsibility. This approach not only fosters an environment where employees take pride in their work but also fuels unparalleled support for their customers’ businesses.

KPMG stands for “Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler”. It’s a blend of the names of four founding members: Piet Klynveld, William Barclay Peat, James Marwick, and Reinhard Goerdeler. 

As you can see, the “Big Four” are the superheroes of accounting. They operate in the same field, tackling similar challenges, and helping their customers manage the complexities of accounting. But they’re not the only ones who can help companies. Yes, they’re the biggest and best-known, but there are other firms you can turn to as well.

Top accounting companies in the U.S. and their services

These firms may not match the size of the “Big Four”, but they pack a punch where it counts — delivering financial audits, tax compliance, business services, consulting, digital transformation, and risk management services to mid-sized businesses in industries like financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and real estate.

As they operate in the same industries, their services are similar, but don’t doubt their professionalism. Known for their approachable style and exceptional quality, they’ve earned their place in the middle market, and it’s easy to see why they stand out in this sector in leading positions.

To better understand these firms, let’s compare them in the tables below: 

How to achieve error-free reconciliation and accurate revenue recognition with Synder? 

Even the biggest accounting firms need to focus their time and energy on solving critical client challenges, like managing data from multiple clients at the same time. A human approach alone may not be enough — that’s where automation accounting software comes in. 

When you combine the expertise of a seasoned accountant with the power of automation, you create a productive mix that keeps your books in order. That’s where Synder comes in, an Intuit-approved tool, a BDO trusted partner, and an AICPA accelerator alumni.

So, what exactly will you get?

Synder Sync syncs all your transactions, fees, and taxes from multiple channels directly into your accounting software, ensuring accurate data. You can customize the data synchronization process to fit your business needs.

And even more, Synder works with QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, and Xero, syncing transactions from 30+ platforms like Stripe, PayPal, Shopify, and Amazon without duplicates. It also supports multi-currency transactions, making month-end reconciliation easier.

But what about revenue recognition? This is especially important for subscription-based businesses, where revenue is recognized over time as services are delivered.

Synder RevRec works on Synder Sync basis and helps businesses recognize revenue as it’s earned for Stripe subscriptions in QuickBooks. It uses a Deferred Revenue account to manage funds and transfers them to income accounts on a set schedule. Synder RevRec ensures GAAP compliant revenue recognition in accordance with IFRS standards.

If you’re looking to ease your load and make sure your bookkeeping is done right with automation, we can help. Explore Synder’s features on our Weekly Public Demo or test it yourself with a 15-day free trial. 

If you’re a business owner who isn’t very familiar with accounting and doesn’t have a professional on your side, Synder has your back. Since Synder works closely with accounting firms, we’ve created an Accountants Directory where you can find a professional accountant. 

Conclusion

Let’s wrap it all up. We’ve introduced you to a range of companies, from the Big Four giants to slightly smaller firms, and trusted Synder partners. Whether it’s the “Big Four” or other leading firms, their reputations have been built over centuries. The choice is yours, but don’t forget to weigh factors like pricing and firm’s reputation. With the right fit, you’re bound to find the perfect match. And if you’re still on the fence, Synder has your back — our automation tools and network of top accountants will ensure everything runs like clockwork for your business.

FAQ

What do the Big 4 accounting firms do?

Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC offer audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to large companies. While these are their core services, they also help businesses with a wide range of other needs.

What accounting company is the regional leader in the U.S.?

According to various factors, such as annual revenue, the regional leader in the U.S. is Deloitte. Its annual revenue is around $29.6 billion, making it the largest and best-known among its competitors.

Do top accounting firms use accounting automation?

Yes, top accounting firms like E&Y or Deloitte increasingly rely on accounting automation to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and optimize their workflows

How is statistics used in accounting?

Statistics in accounting is used to analyze financial data, identify trends, and make forecasts about future performance. It helps accountants detect anomalies, and improve accuracy in financial reporting.

What is the difference between an accountant and a CPA?

An accountant is someone who has a degree in accounting. A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is an accountant who’s also earned a special license by completing more education, gaining experience, and passing an exam. 

Share your experience

We’d love to hear from you! What do you look for in an accounting firm?Your feedback can help others. Share your thoughts in the comments and help build a community understanding of what makes a great accounting firm.driven understanding of what makes an accounting firm truly stand out.