How to Get a Job in Big 4 Firms in India: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are considering a job switch and aiming to join one of the Big Four firms in India —Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, you must undergo a complex hiring process and qualify for 4-6 rounds. Whereas to get a job in a regular company, a candidate has to go through a maximum of 2-3 rounds process. 

To get a job in the Big 4, you need the right strategy, skills, and communication. In this blog, I will provide you with a complete roadmap on how to get a job in Big 4 firms in India, what is the eligibility criteria, Job roles, and salaries in Big 4, and the advantages for freshers in Big 4.

What are the Big 4 Firms in India?

The Big 4- PwC, Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG are the MNCs that work in accounting, tax, and consulting. Each works in a unique specialty.

1. Deloitte- Known for its consulting, audit, and risk advisory services. It is the largest of the Big Four in terms of revenue and offers services to more than 80% of the Fortune 500 companies.  

• Founded: 1845 (by William Welch Deloitte)
• Global Headquarters: London, UK
• Revenue (2024): $67.2 billion
• Employees: Over 415,000 worldwide

Deloitte recently announced its mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Additionally, they’re expanding their cloud and AI services, investing heavily in digital transformation to support clients through tech innovation.

2. Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC): Specializes in audit, tax, and consulting services, with a strong reputation for corporate governance and risk management. 

• Founded: 1998 (merger of Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand)
• Global Headquarters: London, UK
• Revenue (2024): $55.4 billion
• Employees: Over 300,000 worldwide

PwC has been at the forefront of the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) movement, with a major investment in helping companies develop sustainable business practices. Recently partnered with various organizations to support technology-driven solutions for climate change.

3. Ernst & Young (EY)- Focuses on advisory, assurance, tax, and transaction services. EY is advancing the use of AI and machine learning in the blockchain space 

• Founded: 1989 (from the merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co.)
• Global Headquarters: London, UK
• Revenue (2024): $51.2 billion
• Employees: Over 300,000 worldwide

EY has been pushing for major changes in the global accounting industry. Their recent "EY Parthenon" venture also focuses on consulting, helping businesses with growth strategy, digital transformation, and M&A advisory.

4. KPMG- Known for its audit and tax services, also offers consulting to major businesses globally. KPMG was recently recognized as “World’s Most Ethical Companies” for its inclusion and diversity in the workplace

• . Founded: 1987 (through the merger of Klynveld Main Goerdeler and Peat Marwick International)
• Global Headquarters: Amstelveen, Netherlands
• Revenue (2024): $38.4 billion
• Employees: Over 265,000 worldwide

KPMG recently launched its "KPMG IMPACT" initiative, aimed at accelerating sustainability, driving innovation, and helping clients navigate ESG factors.

How to Get a Job in the Big 4?

To land a job in one of the Big 4, you need to complete some check marks, such as: 

• Academic background: Having a degree in a relevant stream, such as commerce, accounting, finance, business management, and related fields, qualifies you to at least apply. Candidates with certifications like CA, CFA, or ACCA stand out and have better chances of getting hired.
• Develop Relevant Skills: technical skills in tools like Excel, Power BI, SQL, Tableau, etc, give you the edge, but clearing a Big 4 interview and for further growth, communication skills in English are really important. 
• Get an Internship or Experience: With an internship or some years of professional experience in smaller firms, you get an understanding of your preferred work profile, and make you relevant professional networks.
• Arrange a Referral- Being referred by someone can increase your chances of getting hired. You can connect with current employees through LinkedIn and ask for referrals.
• Interview Preparation- prepare the right strategy, study the company, know about the latest initiatives, know your interviewer, and get a deep understanding of the role you are applying for. Practice communication skills, technical round, and behavioral questions.

Apply for jobs at the Big 4 in India from below:

• Deloitte- https://southasiacareers.deloitte.com/go/Deloitte-India/718244/
• PwC- https://www.pwc.in/careers/experienced-jobs.html
• EY- https://careers.ey.com/ey/search/?q=&q2=&alertId=&locationsearch=&title=&location=
• KPMG- https://ejgk.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1

Eligibility Requirements for Big 4 Companies

The basic eligibility criteria to apply to the Big 4 companies require having:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or any related field.
• Minimum 50% in a bachelor’s 
• Work experience or internship experience is a plus
• If you are applying for senior roles, relevant work experience and certification, such as a CPA or ACCA, are mostly required.

If you are not meeting this eligibility criterion, and the reason is that you didn’t meet the academic qualification, don't worry! If you are in a job or currently unemployed, you can pursue an Online degree program that is equivalent to a regular course and can help you get placed in the Big 4.

Before joining any online course, UG or PG, one must compare top online universities that are UGC-approved. To compare online universities on 30+ factors, you can visit collegevidya.com and choose the best university for yourself. 

Advantages of Working in the Big 4 for Freshers

If you get to join any of the Big 4 as a fresher. You can gain many advantages in your further career growth. 

• Global Exposure- In the early stage of your career, you get to work with international clients, and you will gain experience that helps in getting better growth opportunities in the future.
• Relevant Networking- working in Big 4, you get to work with talented people, and a great mind. Having these people in your network can open new opportunities in your career.
• Credibility to your Resume- having work experience with the Big 4 in your resume makes you credible enough to work with ethics, under pressure, and skillfully. Make you highly employable in your career.
• Advanced Learning Opportunities- At Big 4, you get access to many skill development programs, certifications, etc. As a fresher, you’ll learn a lot.
• High Starting Salary- Getting a first job in the Big Four can give you a competitive salary with bonuses. When compared to a job in a mediocre firm, a Big 4 fresher earns more.

Job Roles and Salary in the Big 4 of India

Working in the Big 4, you get to work in diverse roles in Audit and Assurance, Tax, Accounting, Consulting, Management, etc. The salary range offered in the Big 4 is higher than in regular firms. Below, I have mentioned job roles with salary for entry-level and experienced candidates.

Job Role	Salary Range (INR)
Audit Associate	₹6-8 LPA
Audit Senior	₹10-15 LPA
Tax Associate	₹6-8 LPA
Tax Senior	₹10-15 LPA
Consulting Associate	₹6-8 LPA
Consulting Senior	₹12-18 LPA
Advisory Associate	₹6-8 LPA
Advisory Senior	₹12-18 LPA
Risk Analyst	₹6-8 LPA
Risk Manager	₹12-20 LPA
Technology Consultant	₹6-8 LPA
Technology Senior Consultant	₹12-20 LPA
Internal Auditor	₹6-8 LPA
Internal Audit Senior	₹10-15 LPA
Compliance Associate	₹6-8 LPA
Compliance Senior	₹10-15 LPA

The average starting salary for the entry-level role is 6LPA, whereas for senior roles it is between 10 - 12 LPA.